Hay fever in young children

Causes and prevention
Hay fever, also medically known as Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an allergic inflammation of the nasal ways. Like all allergic reactions, it is caused by allergens, a foreign invader that enters the body by inhalation, swallowing or through skin. In Hay fever, the allergens are airborne substances that enter the airways (mouth, nose, throat and lungs) through breathing and the lining of the eyes and sometimes ears through direct contact.

According to studies by Dr. Natilda M. Mula (Homeopathic Journal), allergies symptoms can have profound effect on a child’s health, behaviour and ability to learn. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious conditions such as Asthma, recurrent middle ear infections, Sinusitis, sleep disorders and inability to learn.

Common allergens that cause AR
Pollens from certain grasses, trees and weeds are most likely to cause reaction when your allergic child comes into contact with them. Other allergens such as dust, animal dander, cockroaches or house molds can also trigger a reaction

Hay fever can be either seasonal or perennial
Seasonal AR occurs since different plants releases their pollens at different times of the year. Therefore, seasonal AR sufferers are most affected when a plant provokes a response. Pollen counts tend to be lower after a good rain that washes the pollen out of the air and higher in warm, dry, windy days. Seasonal AR does not usually develop until the age of four years.

Perennial AR is often triggered by the house dust, a complicated mixture of air particles from house mite’s body parts, animal dander and molds spores. Other potential Perennial AR causes include cigarettes’ smoke, perfumes, cosmetics, cleansers, copier chemicals, industrial chemicals and construction material gases. This is the time of the Hay fever that is commonly seen in young children.

Symptoms of Hay fever
If your child experiences the following symptoms, it would be wise to visit your healthcare provider other than just buying over-the-counter drugs.

• Sneezing.
• Runny nose with a clear thin discharge.
• Congested ‘stuffy’ nose.
• Watery, bloodshot eyes.
• Itching of nose, soft palate, ear canal, eyes and the skin.
• Fatigue.
• Trouble with sleep.
• Dryness and cracking of the lips. Children suffering from the condition are often very thirsty and may wake at night to drink water.

Treatment: Avoidance of all allergens is the best treatment for Hay fever. When it is not possible to avoid one or more allergens, then your doctor will chose the best form of treatment for you depending on the severity of the symptoms your child has. The two major forms of medical treatment for Hay Fever include drug therapy and immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation or allergy shots that alter the balance of antibody types in the body thereby reducing the ability of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to cause allergic reaction, may be used.

Preventing Hay fever
Tips to keep your baby free from allergic reaction.

• Get rid of dust collectors, including heavy drapes, upholstered furniture and stuffed animals.
• Wash all bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every 7 to 14 days.
• If you must keep pets in the house, at least keep them out of your child’s bedroom and wash your pet each week to remove surface allergens.
• Avoid exposing your child to molds by keeping him away from damp basements or water – damaged areas of your home. Check under carpets.
• For seasonal allergies, keep the car or house windows closed to avoid exposure to pollens and limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest.
• Provide a smoke-free environment for your child.
• Keep indoor humidity low, since dust mites and mold thrive in high humidity areas.
• Avoid the use of ceiling fans.
• Use an airtight, allergy-proof plastic cover on all mattresses, pillows and boxsprings.

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