While the most common allergies among children are food allergies, Pollen allergy, also called "hay fever" affects a large number of children and, experts warn, it has become an increasingly common allergy among children.
Spring is the time of the year most suffered by those allergic to pollen, in fact it is believed that this year will be especially intense due to the rains that have been recorded in recent months. The microscopic pollen grains spread everywhere and spread with the wind, being very abundant in places with many bushes and trees such as gardens, parks or fields. In Spain, the plants responsible for the greatest number of allergies to pollen are grasses, olive and parietary.
The symptoms of pollen allergy can easily be confused with those of a cold, however other signs must be observed to identify it.
There is usually a sneeze with a runny nose or nasal blockage, just like a cold, but it can be accompanied by tearing in the eyes, allergic dark circles (red spots under the eyes) and itchy nose causing children to often rub their nose towards above leaving a horizontal mark on it. On the other hand, unlike an allergy, the cold disappears after a few days and is usually accompanied by fever, discomfort and irritability.
In some children, pollen allergy can even cause asthma attacks with wheezing in the chest and breathing difficulties.
To confirm a pollen allergy, an allergist performs a skin test called a prick test. This consists of applying a drop of the concentrated allergen on the child's forearm, pricking with a small lanzeta to introduce it into a deep layer of the skin and checking if a welt of approximately 3 millimeters in diameter is formed. If it appears, the allergy is confirmed. The test is usually performed with several types of pollen to identify which cause a reaction in the child.
A test can also be performed from a small blood sample, but the prick test is the most used and least traumatic for the child.
Once the allergy is confirmed, the important thing is to know the steps to follow, what to do if our child is allergic to pollen.
Avoid, as much as possible, exposure to the allergen. Nor does it mean that you have to lock it at home, but do take some precautions such as avoiding field trips or excursions at this time of year.
Do not allow him to go outside or do outdoor activities in the morning when pollen levels are higher. Leave the departures for the last hours of the day.
Do not dry clothes outdoors because in times of much pollen it stays attached to the fibers.
Take special precautions on sunny and windy days. If necessary you can use masks to filter the air.
Avoid places with dust, smoke and avoid the use of sprays.
Find out about pollen levels. It's like informing yourself of the weather to be prepared before leaving. The Community of Madrid, for example, offers a free SMS service to know the pollen level every day.
Always carry the closed windows in the car and place an anti pollen filter for the car.
Wear sunglasses to avoid direct contact of pollen in the eyes.
Ventilate the house very early in the morning.
Regarding medical treatment against Pollen allergyIt is the pediatrician along with the allergist who must prescribe the necessary medications.
The most commonly used are antihistamines and bronchodilators in case of asthma. Finally, the allergy vaccine is indicated in certain cases of allergy. Ask your pediatrician about the convenience of applying it in each case.
