Spring season is approaching. During this period, one of the problems that turns into a nightmare for many people, especially children, is pollen allergy. The increase in the amount of pollen in the air during spring months causes allergic reactions in many children and affects their daily lives.
Are there ways to protect against pollen allergy or reduce its effects? What measures should parents take during this period? In general, in what cases does pollen allergy in children absolutely require medical intervention?
Pediatrician Shalala Polukhova gave a statement to AzEdu.az regarding the topic.
She noted that by taking certain measures, it is possible to help the symptoms pass more mildly and decrease:
"During the spring months, as plant pollen (polen) increases in the air, allergic reactions are more frequently observed in children. This is also encountered as allergic rhinitis. Such symptoms are particularly common in school-aged children.
The main symptoms are: persistent sneezing in children, itching in the nose, and nasal congestion. Symptoms such as itching, redness, and watering in the eyes are also observed. A dry cough may occur, and sometimes conditions like fatigue and sleep disturbances can also manifest. Symptoms may intensify further during this period.
It is difficult to completely prevent allergy to plant pollen. However, by taking certain measures, it is possible to help the symptoms pass more mildly and decrease. For example, it is necessary to limit the child's outdoor activities during hours when pollen levels are high. Especially in the morning hours, there is more plant pollen in the air. After returning home, changing clothes and taking a shower is beneficial. This helps remove pollen adhering to the p and hair.
On windy days, it is recommended not to go outside or to limit outdoor exposure, and also to keep windows closed at home. Frequent cleaning of the house, especially wet cleaning, is also important. These measures help reduce contact with dust and allergens".
It is not possible to completely prevent allergy:
"In general, it is not possible to completely prevent allergy. The main goal is to stay away from factors causing allergy. Since this topic concerns plant pollen, it is necessary to minimize contact with such pollen so that symptoms decrease. If these symptoms persist for a long time in children and gradually worsen, a doctor must be consulted. Especially if there are symptoms such as nasal congestion that interferes with sleep at night, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, caution is advised.
In some cases, these symptoms may also be related to asthma. If conditions such as frequent shortness of breath, wheezing in the chest, and coughing in the form of attacks that wake the child up in the middle of the night are observed, and there is no improvement with simple measures, it is important to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric allergist. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe antihistamine preparations, nasal sprays, and other treatment methods depending on the child's condition.
Overall, this condition is not considered very dangerous. However, if not properly managed, it can negatively affect the child's quality of life, academic performance, and general daily life. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms in time and take appropriate measures. Most importantly, it is to stay away from factors causing allergy as much as possible".
