Coping with summer allergies
We want to welcome the summer season with open arms. But we also have to usher it in with open noses. For many who suffer from pollen related  allergies, the warmer months of the year equal streaming nostrils, sore throats and non-stop sneezing – not a pretty combination.
Sadly, children aren’t immune to the odd spot of Hay Fever or pollen-induced asthma, as around 25% of children are known to suffer from the classic symptoms. So, as parents, what should we be looking out for and when is it time to seek medical advice?
What is an allergy?
Simply defined, an allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to a substance. It is this substance, otherwise known as allergen that causes the allergic reaction. This happens when the immune system has been triggered into releasing Immunoglobin E, an antibody that produces and disperses histamines. And it is these histamines that will cause someone to suffer from unpleasant symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms?
Usual symptoms of an allergy may include an itchy, blocked or watery nose, sore and itchy eyes, sneezing, skin rashes, sickness and diarrhoea or headaches. They can also spark off other reactions and medical conditions such as:
Asthma – To highlight the scale of the problem, Asthma charity, Asthma UK, claims there are 1.1 million children currently receiving treatment for the condition in the UK. Asthma can be activated by an allergic reaction, so when a sufferer comes into contact with something that irritates their airways such as pollen, dust mites or pollution they may start to wheeze, cough, become breathless and have a tight chest. It is imperative you talk to your doctor if you suspect your child is suffering from asthma.
Eczema – This is an inflammation of the skin that is often triggered by a reaction to an allergen or irritant. Skin can become red, sore and sensitive, and itchy rashes usually develop.
Hay Fever - This is a seasonal condition and is a symptom of an allergy to pollen and spores. Common symptoms of sneezing and having a runny nose can be especially tricky for a child, who finds it hard to concentrate in school, and is easily distracted or irritable. Not only that, if a child can't play outside in the summer with friends, he or she gets to feel left out. It is estimated that 1 in 4 children in the UK suffer from this condition.
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock – In very severe cases an allergen can trigger an anaphylactic shock. If this happens, the child will have difficulty breathing, could collapse and even die. If you see this type of reaction, don’t wait, dial 999 immediately.
Are some children more susceptible than others?
Allergies are often hereditary, so if your child or anyone within your family suffers from eczema and asthma he or she may also be more prone to other symptoms, such as hay fever. Generally, a third of the population will suffer from an allergy at some point.
Is my child suffering from an allergy, or is it a cold?
When your child first develops an allergy such as hay fever, symptoms are very similar to a cold. But where colds often disappear after a few days, symptoms of an allergy continue.
What preventative measures can I take?
Simple preventative measures can make a huge amount of difference:
With a pollen allergy: First of all, try to identify what pollen is causing the allergic reaction. For example, tree pollen is more common in early spring; grass pollen more prevalent in summer. This will allow you to plan ahead and prepare for any possible allergic reaction. Also, check the weather reports for the pollen count. When the pollen count is very high, keep your child indoors as much as possible. As a general rule of thumb, pollen counts tend to be high on warm, dry, breezy days and low on cold, wet days. They are also usually at their highest early in the morning, between 5am and 10am. Finally, if you wash your child's hair at night, you will help reduce the amount of pollen brought into the bedroom and onto the pillow, therefore ensuring a more peaceful sleep.
With a food allergy: Become a label detective and read everything. Educate yourself on alternative names for the potential allergen.
With a dust mite allergy: Damp away dust on a daily basis and wash bedding, cuddly toys and blankets on a hot wash.
With a sting allergy: Some children can have an allergic reaction to a wasp or bee sting. To prevent swelling, raise the part of the body that has been stung then use a spray or cream containing antihistamine or local anesthetic.
Medication for relief of the symptoms:
Most parents of allergy sufferers head for the nearest chemist to stock up on over-the-counter remedies. Medication comes in the shape of decongestants and antihistamines in the form of pills, nasal sprays and eye drops. Most provide rapid and welcome relief from the effects of histamines. Remember, always to check with the doctor or pharmacist before buying any medication for your child, especially if he or she is already taking medicine for another illness or infection.
If you need more information on allergies, take a look at these useful sites:
Kirsty Woodgate
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