SEASONAL ALLERGIES IN KIDS: HOME REMEDIES AND FOODS THAT HELP

Does your child constantly sneeze for a long time? Did your child get an ear or eye infection when the weather changed? Why do children get sick because of seasonal changes? What are seasonal allergies? How can it be prevented? Many parents are looking for solutions to these problems. Keep reading for more information on seasonal allergies in children, including their causes, management strategies, remedies and foods that help.

WHAT ARE SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

An allergic response to something that is only prevalent at particular periods of the year are known as seasonal allergies. It is mostly caused by the release of pollen in the air. Some kids and adults with pollen allergy will have hyperactive immune system thereby experiencing symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing etc.

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CAUSES OF SEASONAL ALLERGIES

The seasonal allergies are caused due to various reasons. It heavily relies on the environment and the several factors that control it. In some regions, allergies may be more noticeable during particular seasons. Here are some common causes of seasonal allergies:

1.TREE POLLEN ALLERGY

The majority of seasonal allergies are triggered by trees during the spring season. Trees like pine, willow, oak, walnut, juniper, mulberry etc will produce pollen for the first few months of each year. The allergies become intense during chill climates.

2.GRASS POLLEN ALLERGY

Allergies to grass pollen are more common during the first few days of summer. During this season, pollination occurs mostly in different grass varieties like rye, bermuda, orchard, timothy etc.

3.WEED ALLERGY

Weed allergy is more prevalent in monsoon season. Some of the weedy plants include, ragweed, pigweed, mugwort and amaranthus produce pollen. They will spread quickly in this environment and cause allergies to kids.

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4.MOLD ALLERGY

Molds can be found everywhere like logs, windows, pipes and in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens during monsoon season. These molds are airborne and cause allergies in most people.

5.DUST ALLERGY

The dust is typically present everywhere. The majority of people think they are allergic to dust. Some people may get a dust allergy if they inhale cockroach droppings. These may combine with household dust and worsen the condition of allergy.

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6.PET ALLERGY

Both kids and adults love to have a pet. But there are many factors in pets that could cause allergies. The pollen might get stuck to their hair or paws and it may spread to us causing unpleasant reactions.

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SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL ALLERGIES

These allergies will cause minor irritation in both kids and adults. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies:

• Constant sneezing
• Congested or runny nose
• Itchy, swollen or red eyes
• Itchiness in ears or throat or roof of the mouth
• Ear pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness of chest
• Headache

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TIPS TO MANAGE SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Prevention is better than cure. Following some safety measures can help to prevent these allergies in kids.

• Avoid going near trees or grasses in the mornings because pollen exposure is more at this time.
• Use different footwear for outdoor activities and keep it outside.
• Don’t hesitate to wear mask while going outside
• Trim the grasses frequently during these seasons
• Close the windows
• Clean the carpets, bedsheets and sofas 
• Bath in warm water to remove allergens
• Clean your pets regularly

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HOME REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

1.SALINE NASAL SOLUTION:

Nasal solution has been found to reduce the effects in both children and adults as it helps to clean mucus from the nose.

2. HEPA FILTERS:

Hepa filters trap the airborne particles such as dust, pollen & pet dander and efficiently reduce the allergens inside the home.

3. ACUPUNCTURE:

Acupuncture has shown positive results in both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

4. HONEY:

Honey is one of the best naturally available home remedies for different types of allergy. It contains amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants which helps in healing. According to a theory, eating locally manufactured honey might reduce your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area to make their honey. But in some cases, when the honey is produced, it might get contaminated with bee pollen and pollen from other plants like buckwheat, tulips and sunflowers. In case you are allergic to pollen, you might also become allergic to honey.

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5. AIR CONDITIONERS AND HUMIDIFIERS:

Air conditioners and humidifiers can lower the growth of mildew and mold that cause allergies.

6. PEPPERMINT OIL:

Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can lower the symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

7. EUCALYPTUS OIL:

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties that acts as a wonderful home remedy for allergies.

8. STEAM INHALATION:

Inhaling steam can help to ease a stuffy nose and breathe comfortably.

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FOODS THAT HELP TO MANAGE SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Boosting immunity is the key solution for reducing the seasonal allergy in kids.  Some of the immunity boosting foods are:

1.GILOY:

It is a shrub and an essential herb in ayurvedic medicines. Giloy is used to treat a wide range of health conditions. It contains important plant compounds like terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids.Giloy lessens the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is another name for hay fever. It lessens symptoms such as nasal blockage, sneezing, nasal discharge, and itching. Additionally, it raises the quantity of leukocytes (white blood cells) to help the body fight illness.

2.TULSI:

Tulsi leaves have been scientifically proven to have medicinal properties. It also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, rich in vitamin c and zinc.It a traditional home medicine for a variety of respiratory ailments, including seasonal allergies.

3.AMLA:

Amla is a storehouse of antioxidants. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which is known to boost immunity. It has antibacterial and astringent properties that boosts immunity.

4.ASHWAGANDHA:

As an anti-oxidant, boosting immunity is one of the most popular benefits of Ashwagandha for kids. The root activates and increases the levels of enzymes and macrophages, a type of white blood cell that kills bad viruses and bacterias. It also promotes the development of antibodies, which is a major factor in improving the body’s response to a health-threatening infection.

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5.TURMERIC:

A compound found in turmeric, Curcumin, offers therapeutic relief and is a perfect immunity booster for kids. It has a very high antioxidant value to protect the body from invading infections. It is also rich in vitamin A, Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and vitamin C.

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6.NUTS:

The vitamin E found in nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts and hazelnut help the immune system to fight against invading bacteria. They are a great source of antioxidants that keep the body healthy and disease free by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation.

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7.SEEDS:

Seeds are an incredible source of nutrients. Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium, vitamin E, antioxidants and good fats. Together they help to boost immunity. Pumpkin seeds are rich in Vitamin E which is necessary for immunity building and also packed with other bone-building nutrients like potassium, magnesium and vitamin K. Melon seeds are a good source of zinc. It helps to boost our immunity, helps in digestion, cell growth, and keeps your nervous system healthy.

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8.ANTIOXIDANTS:

Cocoa contains flavonoid, a naturally occurring compound found in plants which act as antioxidant and help in counteracting free radicals in the body. Also rich in zinc, iron, copper, and vitamins like A, B12 and K. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and has an ability to modulate host immune functions. Vitamin E is key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes. In recent years, vitamin E supplements have become popular as antioxidants.

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