Helping Salt Lake City Kids Cope With Seasonal Allergies

Hello Salt Lake City! Welcome to today’s children’s health and nutrition blog. Today, we are discussing seasonal allergies. Many Salt Lake City parents wonder if their child’s sneezing and runny nose are temporary symptoms of a cold or seasonal allergies. Generally, colds also come with aches and a low fever and last only a week, while allergies can persist for an entire season. Salt Lake City doctors are seeing new cases of seasonal allergies among people of all ages, especially adults. Is this an unintended result of more aggressive germ-fighting in childhood?

‘Researchers speculate that thanks to antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers and other powerful germ-killing products, kids today are less likely to be exposed to the bacteria and viruses that help the immune system shift into gear and prevent them from developing allergies and asthma as they grow up.’¹

Regardless of the possibility that allergies may persist into adulthood, there are several steps Salt Lake City parents can take to help their child get through the allergy prone months with minimal discomfort:

Replace your filters (AC and furnace) at least every two or three months, and look for MERV ratings of 11 or 12 for maximum efficiency filters. Though it may be difficult during the hot Salt Lake City months, remember to keep your windows closed at home and in the car. Check pollen levels online and try to have your child wait until evening to go outdoors when pollen counts are lower.

Have your child shower before going to bed to wash allergen out of his or her hair and skin so it won’t transfer to bedding and increase irritation during the night. You can also use plastic or allergen-proof covers for your child’s mattress, box springs, and pillows for extra protection.

Your Salt Lake City doctor can test your child to determine the specific allergens and prescribe safe and effective medications.

For more information on children’s health and community nutritional products contact:

Melanie Green
https://share-parents-of-utah.com/
(801) 272-5355
Draper

¹Beth Howard, “Breathe Easy: How to Prevent and Treat Fall Allergies,” Family Circle, October 17, 2011, http://www.familycircle.com/health/concerns/allergies-asthma/fall-allergies/?page=4, accessed on November 9, 2011