Allergy Survival Tips

Ocular allergy is inflammation caused by a reaction to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, or other allergy-causing substances. The most common symptom of ocular allergy is itching, which is sometimes intense. Other symptoms include redness, tearing, and a stringy discharge.

It’s not realistic to expect your child to stay indoors during peak pollen season, when the weather is beautiful and there are so many opportunities for outdoor fun. Here are some practical survival tips for allergy season:

-Keep windows closed and use the air conditioner at home and in the car.
-If air conditioning isn’t available, use a window fan to pull air out of the room rather than blowing pollen into the room.

-Have your child take a shower or bath before bedtime, to wash pollen out of the hair. Otherwise, your child's pillowcase will be covered with pollen.

-Change sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.

-Regularly wipe down or bathe pets that go outdoors, to remove pollen from their fur before your child pets them or snuggles with them.

-Itchy eyes usually improve with allergy drops. Ask us before using an over-the-counter drop; some are better than others, and some can actually do more harm than good. We can prescribe effective allergy drops that don't sting and give almost instant relief.

-Cool compresses can help to soothe itchy eyes.

Try to keep your child from rubbing the eyes. Rubbing releases histamine, making allergy symptoms worse.

-Talk with your child's primary care doctor about allergy medications. Most people do well with over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines, although some patients need allergy testing and shots.

-Here are some tips for managing mold, dust mite, and pet allergies.

Make an appointment

Allergy Survival Tips

Author

Archives

Categories