As students head back to class, ragweed allergies are expected to flare. Hay fever symptoms, such as itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, and
Is it Allergies or a Cold?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there are some clear signs that signal a child is having an allergic reaction and not suffering from a cold:
>>Although symptoms may be similar to colds, seasonal allergies usually last longer than two weeks and tend to occur at the same time each year.
>>Dry, itchy skin or a rash is a common symptom with some allergens.
>>If a child presents with a cough at night or when exercising, he or she may also be suffering from asthma.
>>An allergy to food often presents with an itching or tingling in the mouth, throat, or ears. Parents should make sure school nurses and teachers are informed if a child must avoid certain foods before they go back to school this year.
>>AAP recommends staying up-to-date on lunch room menus and packing a kid's meal when necessary.
Study-Up on Ragweed Allergy Treatments Before Sending Kids Back to School
If a student shows signs of asthma or allergies around the same time he or she heads back to school, it's possible that ragweed is the culprit. However, AAP recommends that parents visit an allergist to identify exactly what it is their student is allergic to. The organization explains that an important step in reducing symptoms is simply avoiding the trigger. However, it's very hard to avoid ragweed because it grows throughout the country and easily makes its way indoors.
For children with an allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne particles, keeping irritants out of the house is essential. Whole-house air purifiers can trap pollen in a home's indoor air so kids can breathe easier while studying. Also trapped are viruses and bacteria, which kids are sure to bring into the house more often after they go back to school.
Source: Aprilaire, aprilaire.com
