Spring allergy season is in full bloom across the country, and some say it's the worst in years. For the 40 percent of American children with allergies, both outdoor and indoor triggers can spark an allergy attack during this time of year.
The culprits include indoor allergens like dust in classrooms and mold in the locker room, as well as outdoor allergens like grass and tree pollen covering athletic fields and playgrounds, which can collect on clothing and hair.
"Record high pollen counts in some areas are taking a toll on children who suffer from allergies. If your kid suffers from allergies at school or play, a proper allergy treatment regimen can help," says pediatric allergist Dr. Pamela Georgeson.
Experts offer the following allergy tips for preventing allergy flare-ups this season:
- Allergy education goes right alongside treatment of those pesky symptoms. Kids are inquisitive by nature, and it's important to explain what allergies are, how you get them and what you can do to help manage them.
- Identify the specific allergens that trigger your child's symptoms so he or she will be able to help limit contact with them.
- Tell your child's teachers, school nurse, coaches and caretakers about his or her allergies, triggers and medications.
- Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading allergy-causing substances such as dust, pollen and pet dander.
- Help manage your child's home environment by taking steps such as keeping windows closed, cleaning air filters regularly, washing bedding often and using a dehumidifier.
- Have your child shower and change clothes after playing outdoors since allergens can collect on hair, skin and clothes.
- Speak to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medicines they recommend. There are now non-drowsy antihistamines available that will last throughout the day.
-- ARA
In the news: iPhone now has Lyme disease ‘app’
Faculty and students at the Yale School of Public Health have developed an iPhone application that allows users to better protect themselves against Lyme disease, the most prevalent insect-borne disease in the United States.
It includes information on the abundance of infected ticks at the location of the user (within the United States) as determined by GPS. If ticks are determined to be present, the user is given a list of precautions to avoid tick-bites.
A tick identification chart is also provided, with life-size photos of black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks) so that each life stage can be determined, since some stages cannot transmit Lyme disease. If the user has been bitten, instructions on how to properly remove a tick are provided along with a narrated video.
