13 Tips For Helping Your Child Beat Allergies

The symptoms of allergies can be difficult to cope with, especially for children. At their worst, it can feel like life has to stop for a whole season. However, there are things you can do to help your kids live life to the full during allergy flare ups.

Take a look at some of the symptoms of allergies and what you can do to keep them at bay.

sick child wiping his nose with tissue

Symptoms of Allergies In Kids

One of the most common symptoms of allergies in kids is a runny nose. It can be constantly running and cause irritation around the nose from needing to wipe so often. For kids, this is often the most frustrating symptom.

Another common symptom is coughing. It may sound like a mucus cough and can be persistent. You may also notice your child wheezing or having difficulty breathing properly. In the midst of all these symptoms your child may also complain of pain around their face.

Stay Inside

The best way to avoid symptoms of allergies is prevention. If you notice your child starting to display symptoms or you know the pollen count is meant to be high, staying indoors is your best weapon. Pollen will be at its highest when the wind is at its strongest so stay inside early in the morning and early evening.

Saltwater

It may not be easy getting your child to do this but it can help relieve a plugged-up nose. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can help to clear the built up mucus which will help your child avoid getting a sore nose and allow him to breathe easier. You can often find saline solutions at your local drug store.

Stay Hydrated

Symptoms of allergies will strip your child of moisture. As you would if your child had a cold, it’s important to offer more fluids than usual. If your child doesn’t want to drink more, offer ice lollies instead which can also help if your child has a sore throat in addition to other symptoms.

Steam

Your child will benefit from breathing in steam. Whether it’s from a bath or shower, it can help to do this every day. Just ensure the water isn’t too hot. The steam can bring relief to blocked noses and improve breathing if your child is wheezing.

Clean Carpets

Keeping your carpets clean is an important step in fighting off allergies. Carpets tend to pick up all the dirt and grime that comes in from outside. This includes pollen and other things that can trigger allergies. Cleaning carpets is essential for a home with children and pets. The cleaner your carpets are, the less likely pollutants are to stay around.

Dehumidifier

Many people make the mistake of using a humidifier because the increase of moisture in the air can help a child with allergy symptoms in the short term. However, if humidity in the home is above 40% it can lead to the growth of indoor allergens. Therefore, using a dehumidifier is more effective in the long term.

Cold Compress

If your child complains of having itchy eyes, it can help to use a cold compress. Try and discourage your child from rubbing his eyes as this can make it worse. A cold compress could also help if your child has any facial pain. 

Spicy Foods

If your child doesn’t mind eating spicy foods, this can help alleviate symptoms. Ingredients like garlic, cayenne pepper, hot ginger, and onions are all great for relieving symptoms and killing bacteria. Soup is the perfect way to add some of these ingredients to your recipes. For instance, a small amount of garlic and chili to a vegetable soup adds to the flavor while reducing mucus and tackling a blocked nose.

Petroleum Jelly

When kids are wiping their noses so often because of symptoms of allergies, it can cause the skin around the nose to dry, crack, and bleed. Adding some petroleum jelly to the skin under the nose is a good way to keep the skin lubricated and moisturized and avoid cracking and bleeding. 

Warm Drinks

Warm drinks can be beneficial to kids when they aren’t feeling well. Adding some honey and a slice of lemon to warm water can help to kill bacteria and soothe symptoms of allergies. If you can, use honey that’s been produced locally to help your child fight off symptoms. Taking one spoonful of local honey every day for one year can set your child up for dealing with allergies next year.

Keep An Eye On Foods

Some foods may have been produced on farms surrounded by the pollen that your child is allergic to. You may start to notice that your child’s symptoms worsen after eating certain foods. For example, melons, bananas, and cucumbers are often grown near trees and flowers with lots of pollen.

Warm Compress

If your child is suffering from sinus or face pain, a warm compress can help. If you haven’t got a compress to hand, soak a hand towel in warm water and ring it out. Let your child place it where it’s painful and relax until the pain subsides.

Hayfever Medication

There are many kinds of hayfever medication for children. It can help to ask for advice from your local pharmacist or your doctor. Describe your child’s symptoms and ask which medication would suit your child best. Medication should be used in conjunction with home remedies so your child gets the best chance at beating symptoms of allergies.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of allergies for the first time, it’s important to visit your health professional and talk about it. Allergy symptoms can be very similar to symptoms of other conditions so it’s easy to get them confused. Be sure to get the right treatment for the right condition so your child can make a full recovery.

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Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
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