Spring is an exciting time for kids! With the return of the sunshine, they can play outside more and might be looking forward to the start of spring sports. If you’re the parent of a child with allergies, however, spring comes with an additional set of concerns. Early spring is a great time to watch for early symptoms so you can stay ahead of your child’s allergies in the months to come.
Early Allergy Symptoms in Children
The main symptoms of allergies in kids are:
- Frequent sneezing
- Persistent runny nose with clear mucus
- Stuffy nose (congestion)
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Rashes or hives
- Eczema flare-ups
- Asthma
How to Tell if it’s Allergies or a Cold
This early in spring, it can be easy to confuse allergy symptoms with those of a cold or other virus. The key differentiator is itchiness and the associated symptoms: sneezing, watery eyes, etc. A virus will not cause that itchiness.
Additionally, a cold or virus will feature some symptoms that allergies do not, such as a fever or muscle aches. If your child has those symptoms, it is not allergies.
Why It’s Important to Stay on Top of Allergies in Children
According to the CDC, more than one in five children experience seasonal allergies. As your child’s body continues to develop, their allergies will develop too. Noticing the symptoms of an allergy when they’re young is critical for allergy management as they grow up. By staying attentive and informed, you can help manage your child’s allergy symptoms before they escalate.
Allergies can also cause complications more easily in children than they do in adults because their bodies are smaller. Ear infections, for example, are far more likely to occur with pediatric allergies than with adult allergies, because children’s Eustachian tubes are smaller. These tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and drain fluid from the ear while equalizing pressure between the ears and the outside. When they get blocked and fluid builds up, it can lead to an ear infection.
Seek Help for Your Child’s Allergies
If you’re noticing new symptoms in your child this spring that could indicate their allergies are developing or progressing, consider seeking the guidance of an allergist. They can perform an allergy test to determine the root cause of your child’s allergy woes and recommend an effective treatment plan that will enable them to enjoy the spring and summer ahead without feeling held back by allergies. Call Lakelands ENT today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
