Pediatrician David Schell, M.D., treats a young child for spring allergies. Knowing the difference between allergies and cold symptoms is important in helping children feel better, faster.

You’ve given your child medicine for weeks to chase away that lingering cold, yet the symptoms persist. Pediatrician David Schell, M.D., said the real cause may be springtime allergies, which affect more than 40 million U.S. children.

“Hay fever is a common problem in infants and children,” said Dr. Schell. “Recognizing symptoms as allergy-related and not cold-related is important for helping your child get better quicker.”

Children’s allergy symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage or congestion
• Repeated sneezing Itchy eyes and nose
• Sore throat
• Throat clearing
• Cough that may be worse at night and in the morning

Dr. Schell said children with allergies also may breathe through their mouth a lot and have dark circles under their eyes.

“There’s no easy cure for allergies, but you can help your child cope by reducing or eliminating contact with allergy triggers,” said Dr. Schell.

To minimize your children’s exposure to allergens:

• Keep windows closed in the car and at home to avoid exposure to pollens, especially on days when forecasts predict medium or high pollen levels.
• Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest.
• Don’t hang clothes outside to dry.
• Bathe children each night before bedtime, which may help wash off allergens and prevent nighttime allergy problems.
• Have children take preventative allergy medications as prescribed by their pediatrician.

For more tips on caring for children’s allergies, phone Western Baptist’s StorkLine at (270) 575-BABY (2229).

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