With the warmer weather in full swing, your children likely want to enjoy the sunshine outside. Whether your son loves soccer or your daughter is preparing for softball season, their outdoor activities can worsen their allergy symptoms. From a runny nose to a scratchy throat and itchy eyes, pediatric care can help alleviate most uncomfortable symptoms. Before scheduling an appointment with your child’s doctor, below are several tips you can do to minimize allergy discomfort at home.

5 Steps to Helping Kids Mitigate Spring Allergy Symptoms

1. Identify Triggers

Mites, pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold can cause allergies. Knowing what the trigger is means you can help your child avoid it. Pediatric care professionals can conduct allergy testing, so schedule an appointment immediately. Your child will be exposed to a tiny amount of different common allergens to check for a reaction.

2. Stay Indoors

Check the weather channel for a pollen count each day. If possible, keep kids indoors on days when it’s especially heavy. They should also avoid playing in the garden on days after the grass been mowed, since pollen levels increase to an all-time high. 

3. Wear Protective Clothing

Sunglasses keep pollen, dust, and other particles from entering the eyes. Have your child wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid direct contact between triggers and the skin. When they enter the home, they should remove their clothes and throw them in the laundry basket to prevent the pollen that accumulated on their clothes from becoming airborne. Additionally, encourage them to wash their hands before touching their face, eyes, and mouth. 

4. Create a Trigger-Free House

Instead of opening windows and allowing wind to blow allergens in, turn on the air-conditioning. Wash bedding once per week to combat mites. Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping helps reduce dust, pet dander, and pollen.

5. Schedule a Pediatric Visit

Don’t wait until your child is already experiencing symptoms to prepare for allergy season. Visit your pediatric office to stock up on necessary medications, from eye drops to inhalers. Depending on the allergy, you can also discuss preventative solutions like allergy shots, which build up resistance over time.

For friendly and professional medical services in Brockport, NY, trust Tinkelman Pediatrics. Dr. David Tinkelman focuses on patients from birth up to 21 years of age. He and his team offer a full range of resources designed to promote healthy growth and well-being. Whether your newborn needs vaccines or your toddler has an ear infection, they can help. Visit their website for a full list of services. For an appointment, call (585) 637-0060.