Allergies can impact kids and teens similarly to adults. Here are a few thoughts from Dr. Featherman on pediatric support as we move into spring!
Allergy support tips:
- Shower before bed. This helps rinse pollen off the skin and especially the hair, so the body gets a break during sleep.
- Filter your air. Run a HEPA filter in the bedroom on high all day and night, making sure to change filters every 30 days during allergy season. My favorite HEPA filter is EnviroKlenz (which you can order through our office). If a high-end HEPA filter isn’t in the budget, then Germ Guardian is a more affordable option.
- Try a saline rinse. This one isn’t much fun, but it is especially helpful with seasonal allergies. Older kids can do a saline rinse just like adults, but make sure to tip the head forward so the rinse doesn’t go down the back of the throat. Saline mist or saline drops are better suited for younger kids and toddlers.
How to tell if the issue is allergies:
- No fever.
- Clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffing, and itching of nose.
- Itchy, red, watery and puffy eyes can also happen.
- Ear and sinus congestion or fullness can occur.
- Throat can also feel scratchy or have a tickly feeling at times.
- Itchy ear canals, itchy skin, or hoarse voice sometimes.
Allergy Treatments:
- Vitamin C. This can be from a supplement or from food! Eating bright, colorful fruits and veggies are the best food source of vitamin C.
- Quercetin. This can also be taken as supplement or food. Foods high in quercetin are citrus fruits, dark cherries, dark berries, apples, onions, and grapes.
- Anti-histamine Supplements. Combination products like D-Hist Jr. by Ortho Molecular Products have formulated blend to support lower histamine levels.
- Oral allergy drops. These can be fantastic. These have tiny doses of pollen so the immune system can get used to the pollen without overreacting (allergies).
Lastly, sometimes simply the amount of pollen in the air is irritating to the respiratory passages, but this doesn’t always mean there is an allergy! Visit www.pollen.com to see what the Missoula pollen count is. On high pollen days, keep windows closed, turn up the HEPA filter and shower before bed.
To make an appointment with Dr. Featherman for you or your child, call Natura’s front desk.
Read more about Dr. Featherman here.