Spring Allergies And Kids

Spring is in the air, and so are SPRING ALLERGIES

Spring is in the air, and so are the terrible spring allergies! It’s a bittersweet time; bright flowers emerge from the soil, the sun shining more, yet those brilliant flowers shred their pollen through the air, creating some unpleasant allergy symptoms for many: sneezing and teary eyes.

What is happening with spring allergies in the body?

Any chronic exposure to one or many foreign substances ( from pollen to dust) begins irritating nasal passages, sinuses, and throats, leading our immune system will respond in two possible courses of action:

In the case of the exaggerated response, a cascade of chemical events will occur within the immune system and end with the release of histamine from the mast cells. Histamine is the main chemical culprit that causes most allergic symptoms; and body’s outward way of saying, “I need help!”

Symptoms

* itchiness: nose, throat, skin and eyes

* runny or stuffy nose

* loss of smell and/or taste

* post nasal drip

How to prevent

The key is to find out what is triggering the allergy ( be a health detective), do your best to avoid it, and keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Make your bedroom a complete sanctuary – remove all dirty clothes before you enter the room, keep animals out of your bedroom and wash pillows and bed linens regularly.

In the moment: A hot shower may help relieve symptoms in an acute situation.

Supplements

Vitamin C and quercitin are excellent mast cell stabilizers, so taking them daily will be very helpful.
Stinging nettles has been used centuries to treat allergy symptoms, particularly hayfever. The leaf has biologically active compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Sipping the tea ( it’s an earthy tea, therefore, adding a little raw honey is nice) or taking a daily capsule can help alleviate many allergy symptoms. It may take up to 30 days before you will feel any results.

What and where to purchase supplements

- For Stinging Nettles, try Douglas Labs ( another great company).
- Vital Nutrients ALLER-C with quercitin and vitamin c is one of my favourite supplements for allergies.

I suggest all my patients set up an account with Fullscript to purchase high quality supplements. Shop Supplements.

dr. heather

Photo by Coley Christine on Unsplash

Spring Allergies And Kids