Seasonal Allergy Information

Seasonal Allergy Healthy Hints 

 

 

The most common culprits of seasonal allergies include dust mites which are around all year long but often worse in the winter, tree pollen which runs from February to May in our area, grass/pollen from May to June, and ragweed from August to October. 

Pollen counts are highest from 5:00 – 10:00 AM and on warm, breezy days.  Chilly, wet days can bring some relief to high pollen counts.

If you suspect your child has seasonal allergies, some symptoms he or she may experience include an itchy sore throat, a stuffy runny nose, a feeling of tightness in the lungs, and puffy, itchy watery eyes.  These symptoms usually appear 5 - 10 minutes after exposure and last about an hour. 

Avoidance is key to minimizing symptoms.  Try avoiding outside play or activities until later in the morning or afternoon, circumventing peak hours.  Listen to daily weather reports for pollen counts to plan your time outdoors.  If your family suffers from allergies, keep the windows closed and use an air conditioner if possible, even in the car.  If you have been outside, wash your hands and face when coming in.  Also, it will help to change and launder your clothes since pollen remains on the fabric.  Avoid drying clothes outdoors as well. Wearing sunglasses may keep pollen from your eyes.  

If you are suffering from allergies, there are many medications for the treatment of the symptoms.  Consult your doctor about what would be best for you and/or your child.  If your child suffers during allergy season, feel free to contact me so we can work together to make him or her as comfortable as possible.  Also, remember that students are not allowed to self-administer any medication.  All medications, including over-the-counter eye drops or nasal sprays, must be given to me with a doctor’s note.  If your child’s allergies are so severe that you feel he or she needs to stay in at lunchtime, a note is required.

Sometimes the allergies progress to other conditions - conjunctivitis, sinus infections, and asthma.  If you or your child experiences purulent drainage from the eyes, severe headaches, runny nose with yellow discharge, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor for further treatment.  Often, parents/guardians are concerned about whether the symptoms are cold or allergy related.  Below is a quick reference to explain the differences.  Of course, if you are unsure, call your doctor for further advice.

COLD	ALLERGY
Sneezing, runny nose and cough appear one at a time	Sneezing, runny nose, and cough appear all at once
Last 7-10 days	Persists throughout a season
Yellow mucous	Clear, watery drainage
Often a low-grade fever	Rarely associated with a fever
Occurs most often during the winter	Spring and Fall