Why Does Spring Allergy Occur in Children?
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Why Do Children Have Spring Allergies?
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Causes of Spring Allergy
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Treatment of Spring Allergy
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How to Strengthen the Immune System?
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Child Health During Allergy Season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Spring allergy in children is a common health problem, especially evident during the transitional season of spring. Proper treatment and necessary precautions are required for spring allergy, which can manifest due to various triggers. The development of spring allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, is characteristic based on the period it occurs.
Why Do Children Have Spring Allergies?
The characteristic feature of spring months, when pollen emerges and mold spores are released into the outdoor environment, is significant. Although spring allergy is primarily triggered by pollen and mold spores, it can also occur due to different factors. When exposed to allergens, the immune system of the individual perceives these factors as threats and releases various chemicals to defend itself. The existing changes also affect children's health, paving the way for the onset of spring allergies.
Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Children:
Symptoms that develop during the allergy season, also known as spring months, are the main indicators of discomfort. Spring allergies, rarely seen in newborn babies with limited exposure to the outside world, become increasingly common in childhood. The chronic and recurrent nature of the disease is crucial for understanding. Especially, the exacerbation of symptoms during the spring season and their alleviation during other times are determining factors.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergy:
Early identification of allergies and finding solutions can significantly impact a child's daily life and future health. Therefore, understanding the common signs caused by the disease is of great importance in managing allergies in children. The fundamental symptoms of spring allergies in infants and children are as follows:
- Watery, red, and swollen eyes
- Wheezing while breathing
- Constant mouth breathing due to congestion
- Sleep problems Frequent sneezing and dry cough
- Intense itching in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Pressure in the sinuses
- Itchy nose
- Headache
- Weakness in taste and smell
Causes of Spring Allergy
When it comes to allergic reactions, it's possible to talk about multiple causes and triggers. Especially in childhood, the onset of spring allergies may begin in infancy. Genetic predisposition plays a role in this regard.
At the same time, exposure to various triggering factors from an early age can affect the development of reactions. Even if there is no discomfort at the allergy level initially, continuous and intense exposure to various allergens leads to different reactions in the child's body. Over time, the immune system's responses, aimed at maintaining general health, manifest as allergy symptoms.
Triggers of Seasonal Allergies
The main factor to which the child is sensitive and potentially allergic should be identified with the help of a doctor. For example, a child with pollen allergies should be kept away from green areas where plants are dense during the spring months. Additionally, some patients may show sensitivity to multiple triggers. Some of the factors that trigger seasonal allergies are as follows:
- Feeding with artificial foods before the baby's age and unhealthy eating habits in children
- Exposure to various factors such as pollen and mold spores
- Smoking indoors and excessive presence of dust
- Excessive exposure to dust, including aggressive and chemical-based home cleaning, can also be counted among the triggers.
Treatment of Spring Allergy
Allergy treatment in spring should be a process followed under the guidance of a specialist physician. Since it is a chronic and recurrent condition, the priority in allergy treatment is to prevent the progression of the disease rather than achieving definitive results. With the preference of appropriate methods, it is also possible for the discomfort and symptoms to regress.
If the condition does not potentially negatively impact the person's life and daily precautions under medical supervision are beneficial, medication may not be necessary. However, in some cases, temporary or continuous use of medication may be required. Antiallergic medications and corticosteroid sprays are generally the most commonly preferred supports in the treatment of spring allergies in children. In addition, nasal solutions and bronchodilators may be recommended to reduce the symptoms of the disease during flare-ups.
What helps with spring allergies in children? The most effective method to address this question is to avoid allergens. Measures such as avoiding going outside during peak pollen hours, reducing items that harbor dust in the home, and regularly cleaning the house can be taken for this purpose. If avoiding allergens is not possible, medication treatments such as antihistamines can be applied.
How to Strengthen the Immune System?
Regardless of the type of allergy, the existing disease is associated with the immune system. Therefore, one of the foremost steps in treatment is to strengthen the immune system. Instead of short-term dietary practices, it is necessary to spread a healthy eating pattern throughout life.
Especially during periods of flare-ups, attention should be paid to rest and consuming plenty of fluids. Various vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body can also weaken the immune system. The use of supplements approved by a physician is important.
Preventing Spring Allergies in Children
It is necessary to eliminate the increasing symptoms during the transition seasons known as allergy seasons and, if possible, take measures to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Although current treatments may be necessary in some cases, like in any treatment, medications may have various side effects. Therefore, it is beneficial to act cautiously to prevent a problem like allergy from occurring.
Childhood is a period when the immune system is more sensitive. It is possible to take precautions against such conditions by regulating daily life and strengthening the child's immune system.
Any practice that positively affects the immune system is supportive. Among these, a regular and healthy eating routine and an active lifestyle can be mentioned. Natural vitamin supplements and ensuring that the child leads a stress-free, happy life are other determining factors.
Child Health During Allergy Season
In situations where allergies are intense, it is possible to take additional precautions besides treatments. For example, to alleviate the effects of pollen during the months when the condition is triggered, using goggles for the child can be preferred. Changing the child's clothes upon returning indoors and washing the clothes after each use are also important. During periods of increased pollen, controlling the time the child spends outside can be beneficial. Additionally, it may be preferable not to keep doors and windows open for long periods during pollen season, and drying washed clothes indoors instead of outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spring Allergy Recur Every Year?
Depending on the precautions taken, spring allergies generally tend to recur at the same time each year. This is because various factors such as pollen and mold spores increase seasonally.
When Do Allergy Symptoms Begin?
The period when symptoms appear may vary depending on the type of allergy. Symptoms typically start in February during the period when tree pollen is prevalent. Grass pollen, on the other hand, usually triggers allergies starting around the beginning of May.
Is Spring Allergy in Children Different from Spring Cold in Children?
Spring allergy is a condition that develops in allergic individuals as a result of exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and animal dander. Allergens cause the immune system to react abnormally, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, redness, and itching of the eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing.
Spring cold in children, on the other hand, is a condition caused by a viral infection. Viruses cause inflammation in the nose and throat, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, redness, and itching of the eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
