Allergens through the seasons in Canada:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpring<\/strong>: Tree pollen (from birch, maple, oak, and more)<\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer<\/strong>: Grass pollen (Like timothy, Bermuda, ryegrass, and more)<\/p>\n\n\n\nFall<\/strong>: Weed pollen (Like Ragweed).Year-round<\/strong>: Mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites may be present year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYear-round<\/strong>: Mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites may be present year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat should I do if I suspect my child has seasonal allergies:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nKeep a written log:<\/strong> Observe your child\u2019s symptoms and make note of when they occur, as well as if they seem to coincide with specific times of the year or exposure to specific allergens.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReach out to your KixNurse for guidance:<\/strong> Diagnosis from a healthcare professional, allergy testing or blood tests may at times be indicated to confirm seasonal allergies. Your KixNurse can help guide you through this.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to manage my child\u2019s seasonal allergies at home:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1) Allergy avoidance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and promote air conditioning in the house and car while ensuring proper maintenance of appliances (re-circulating mode is best to prevent air from outside from coming in).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use air purifier filters in the house.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times (you can check pollen levels on weather apps or websites).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid drying clothes\/towels\/bedding outside, especially during periods of high pollen density.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevent your child from playing outside on freshly cut grass, rolling on the lawn, or playing with hay- if those are triggers for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Remove problem plants like ragweed from play areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit activities like tree climbing for your child during pollen season if that\u2019s a trigger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2) Promoting healthy habits: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Encourage your child to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding rubbing their eyes, to prevent allergens from spreading and exacerbating symptoms. This is especially recommended when coming in from outdoors during allergy seasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After a day spent outdoors during allergy seasons, ensure your child gets bathed and washes their hair. Clothes worn outside should be washed as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3) Creating an allergy-friendly environment: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Create an allergy-friendly environment at home by regularly cleaning, dusting, washing bedding in hot water\/drying in the dryer instead of outside, and minimizing exposure to potential allergens such as pet dander or mold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wash bedding and stuffed toys in hot water and dry inside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4) Educating caregivers and teachers: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Communicate with caregivers and teachers about your child’s allergies and any necessary accommodations. This may include avoiding outdoor activities on high pollen days or keeping allergy medications on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5) Nasal irrigation: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Saline nasal rinses or sprays can help clear out allergens from your child’s nasal passages, reducing nasal congestion and irritation. This is especially beneficial for children who may struggle with using other nasal sprays or medications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6) Eye irrigation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Saline drops and\/or wet cool compresses can provide relief for red, itchy eyes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
7) Medications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Non-prescription medication:<\/strong> Antihistamines and decongestants may provide relief from allergy symptoms in children. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before giving any medication to children, as dosages and safety considerations vary based on age and individual health conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prescription medications:<\/strong> In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to manage symptoms in children. It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n