Video

The Number of Women Having Strokes is Rising

Preventative Mastectomy

Cases of Gestational Diabetes Are On the Rise

Nintendo Wii Could Be Therapy for Stroke Victims

Single Men Have An Increased Risk for Stroke

Fatty Foods Could Lead to Stroke in Older Women

Woman Gives Birth After Ovary Transplant

Cancer Foundation Raises Money for Neuroblastoma

Too Much Weight Gain During Pregnancy Could Lead to Diabetes

New CT Scanners Use 90% Less Radiation

Music Education Can Shape a Child's Sensory System

Food Warning Labels Could Help Prevent Choking Hazards

Acupuncture May Relieve Depression in Pregnant Women

The Economy Could Lower Life Expectancy

HPV Can Be Studied On Dolphins

Breathe Easier Knowing Spring's Pollen Triggers

Posted on 04/05/2009, 09:00
By -- Robert Preidt

Children are especially vulnerable to seasonal allergies, so be prepared, expert says

SUNDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Spring can be challenging if your child is one of the more than 35 million Americans with hay fever. But a bit of preparation can help the youngster enjoy being outside, one expert says.

This involves three steps, explained Dr. Clay Stallworth, a pediatrician with MCG Pediatric Primary Care Associates and MCGHealth Children's Medical Center in Augusta, Ga.:

Know if your child has allergies and what causes them.
Find out when plant pollination will occur.
Begin treatments before symptoms appear.

Allergies tend to run in families. If both parents have allergies, their children have a 75 percent to 80 percent chance of developing allergies, Stallworth noted. The risk drops to 40 percent if one parent is allergic. Children usually develop seasonal allergies at 5 to 6 years old, but they can develop them at any age, even as adults, he added.

Signs of allergies include:

Sneezing more often than usual
Eyes that continually water
Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without fever
Repeated ear and sinus infections
Prolonged loss of smell or taste
Frequent throat clearing or hoarseness
Persistent coughing

The best way to prevent allergies is to limit exposure, and Stallworth outlined some ways to do that:

Schedule outdoor activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rainfall, when pollen levels are lower. Pollen index levels fluctuate from day to day, but you can find out what they are by checking local weather reports.
Close windows and doors and use air conditioning instead of window fans. Air conditioning helps filter out pollen particles.
When landscaping, choose plants that don't aggravate allergies.
Don't mow lawns or rake leaves when children are outside because these chores can stir up pollen.
Don't hang clothes or sheets outdoors to dry because they'll pick up pollen that will be brought indoors. Pollen can also be brought indoors by people or pets.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about seasonal allergies.

SOURCE: MCGHealth, news release, March 2009

More news in Allergy...

BigHealthTree.com Disclaimer

Bighealthtree.com Does Not Provide Medical Advice. This site, including the above information, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health or medical professional before starting any new treatment, changing existing treatment, or altering your current exercise and/or diet program. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 (or the emergency services in your area) or your doctor immediately.

Rating: 2.7 / 5 (34 votes)