3 Easy Ways to Handle Kiddo Allergies This Spring

Ideas To Get Relief Without Drowsiness and Build Up Tolerance Now

Achoo!

Snort!

Cough Cough Cough!

Does your home sound like this right now?

It’s a beautiful time of year — and… the change of seasons results in all sorts of airborne pollen being released. While this is great for the plant world, it can be really tough on some of us humans.

So what’s going on in our kiddos bodies right now and how is it triggered?

“The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the body’s defenses haywire.” — Nayana Ambardekar, MD (WebMD)

The go-to for many is their favorite decongestant or antihistamine. Others prefer nasal sprays and eye drops.And still others turn to natural remedies like nasal irrigation, butterbur, quercetin and stinging nettle.

Phew. That’s a lot of options to stop that irritation for our kiddos.

The constant irritation can be a distraction for school, and even tougher when wearing a mask.

Here are three ideas you may want to consider to handle the onslaught of the pollen attack:

1. HEPA Filter, $85, Amazon
   One great way to help your kiddos sleep better is to have a filter remove the pollen from the air. This gives their body a chance to recharge as they rest, and reduces that post nasal drip that makes them cough and gives them sore throats. Many also enjoy the low level “white noise” these produce. Plan on changing the filters every 3 months or so. This is the same one we have by our kiddo’s bed (and ours). It’s been reliable and helped a great deal, even with pet hair!
2. Cold Compress, free
   With just a small bag of ice (or a bag of frozen peas) and a washcloth, you can get a lot of relief. Be sure to wash your hands well first, Then rinse a washcloth in cold water and wrap it around the bag of ice (or frozen peas). Gently place this over the eyes while lying down. This will reduce swelling quickly and soothe the eyes. If you can do 20 minutes, that’s ideal, but whatever time helps a lot. Put on some music to listen to and soothe the mind as well. Make sure to wash the washcloth before using it for next time.
3. Boiron Rhinallergy, $9, Amazon
   This little homeopathic solution is what many swear by, and we’ve seen great results too. You start with a little tablet under the tongue. The first time, this is once every 15 minutes (just four times). Then, one tablet morning and night. There’s no flavor for picky pallets and no side effects. You won’t get drowsy. They have a kid version as well, although the link above works for ages 2+ and we’ve had great results with our kids using it.

With these three additions to your spring, you can spend more time enjoying the sun and less timing running from the sneezes. Your kids will also find it easier to handle wearing a mask and have better focus for school, sports and other activities.

Enjoy your spring!