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Home › Articles › Nutrition and Health › April Showers, May Flowers – and Allergies

April Showers, May Flowers – and Allergies

How to Beat the Springtime Sniffles

By Tamar K. Weiss

Pages:  1  2  3  

When Judah's son began exhibiting signs that he might be allergic as well, Judah took him to an allergist immediately and discovered that the child is severely allergic. This comes as no surprise to Dr. Krantman, who says that allergic conditions are familial. With proper medical care, Judah's son will be able to control his allergies and lead a normal, healthy life.

A Trip to the Doctor
Initial visits to the allergist generally include a thorough medical history and physical exam, possible X-rays of the sinuses, a breathing test, skin tests and a nasal smear for eosinophil or infection (counting of certain white blood cells associated with allergies as opposed to infections).

Dr. Rachelefsky says that the allergist will spend a great deal of time "educating the parents about why, what and where for allergies, especially environmental control in home, school and daycare."

Sometimes parents may feel that the management of a child's allergies and various medications can be a bit overwhelming. They may even have feelings of guilt about a child's need to get shots on a regular basis. A key factor in dealing with allergy treatment is to involve a child in the management of her own care at an early age and stage of care, says Dr. Krantman, and your allergist can offer suggestions as to how to accomplish this.

Allergies, although irritating, are quite common. If your child suffers from allergies, realize that you are not alone, and that with proper medical care there is no reason why your child should not experience a healthy and happy childhood.

Stop the Sneezing!

Here are a few tips for lessening the effects of allergies:

  • Keep your windows closed in high-pollen season.
  • Don't plant pollen-bearing trees in your garden, and keep your grass short, as long grass pollinates, while short grass does not.
  • Mid-morning is peak time for pollen in the air, so limit excursions at those times.
  • "The major treatment is avoidance," says Dr. Gary Rachelefsky, a pediatric allergist and immunologist and past president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "If you avoid what causes your allergies, then you don't need medication."


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