In my career as a pediatrician, every spring, there would always be a wave of parents rushing to the clinic with their sneezing, coughing children. These symptoms are common, but when I see children suffering from pollen allergies, my heart tightens. Pollen allergies, in our areas where the season changes significantly, are almost a spring compulsory course for children.
I remember last spring, there was a five-year-old boy, Xiao Ming, who was urgently brought to the doctor by his mother because of his red and swollen eyes and repeated sneezing. He complained that his eyes hurt as if there was sand in them, and he couldn't play outside. After a detailed inquiry and initial examination, I found out that this was not just a common cold, but a typical pollen allergic reaction. Further tests confirmed my diagnosis, and we developed a personalized treatment and prevention plan for Xiao Ming. A few weeks later, Xiao Ming's mother took him back to the clinic and told me with a smile that Xiao Ming was free to run in the park and no longer had to worry about pollen allergies.
Pollen allergy basics
Pollen allergy, a seasonal allergic reaction, is common in children and adolescents. When children are exposed to pollen from certain plants, their immune systems may mistake these normally harmless particles for harmful substances and trigger an allergic reaction.
How do pollen allergies occur?
The mechanism behind pollen allergies involves the body's immune system. Normally, the immune system protects us from bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of pollen allergies, the immune system overreacts to pollen particles, releasing chemicals such as histamine. These chemicals are responsible for allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of pollen allergies can be varied, but the most common include:
Coughing and sneezing: This is when the immune system tries to remove pollen from the respiratory tract.
Nasal congestion or runny nose: Allergic reactions often cause inflammation of the inside of the nasal passages.
Itchy, rosy, or watery eyes: When pollen particles come into contact with the eyes, they can irritate the eyes, causing discomfort and redness.
Initial self-diagnosis guidelines: distinguish pollen allergies from the common cold
When our children start to cough, sneeze frequently, and have itchy eyes, especially in the spring season, the first reaction of many parents may be that their children have a cold. But sometimes, these symptoms can be a sign of a pollen allergy. It is crucial to distinguish between the two because the treatments are completely different. Here I offer some simple ways to help parents make initial judgments at home.
1. Observe the persistence and duration of symptoms
Cold: usually accompanied by symptoms such as fever, general fatigue, sore throat, etc. The symptoms of a cold will gradually develop over time and gradually lessen after peaking in a week or so.
Pollen allergies: Symptoms usually appear quickly after exposure to a specific environment, such as shortly after returning from the outdoors. The main symptoms are focused on sneezing, runny nose, itchy and red eyes, and no fever.
2. Pay attention to the environmental triggers of symptoms
Colds: Symptoms do not fluctuate significantly due to changes in the environment.
Pollen allergies: Symptoms are significantly worse after exposure to environments with high pollen concentrations, such as grass and gardens, and may be relieved indoors. In addition, pollen allergies are highly seasonal, mainly occurring during pollen seasons such as spring and autumn.
Household response: How to effectively reduce your child's pollen allergy symptoms at home
When pollen season comes, some parents will find that their children experience allergic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, etc. In this regard, as a pediatrician, I recommend that parents take the following effective home coping measures to help their children feel less uncomfortable and avoid allergic reactions as much as possible.
1. Reduce indoor pollen
Use an air purifier: Choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which is highly effective at filtering pollen, dust, and other particulates from the air.
Change your aircon filter regularly: Make sure your aircon's filter is cleaned and replaced frequently to prevent pollen and dust from accumulating indoors.
2. Daily protection for children
Dress protectively: Have your child wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when going outside to reduce direct skin contact with pollen.
Use glasses: Children can wear goggles or sunglasses when outdoors to prevent direct eye contact with pollen.
3. Cleaning measures
Clean in time: Immediately after your child comes home from outside, wash their hands and face, and bathe if necessary, thoroughly removing pollen from their skin and hair.
Clothing management: Consider washing clothes you wear when you go out separately to avoid pollen spreading in your home.