There’s nothing better than seeing your child play his or her favorite sport, especially when the weather is just right in the fall. For many children though, their enjoyment can be hampered by the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes that comes with fall allergies. In fact, these symptoms might even affect their ability to play to the best of their abilities.
What allergies could my child have during the fall?
Assuming your child is on the football field, soccer pitch, or the cross-country trails, he or she may have greater exposure to an allergen known as ragweed. The pollen from this plant is typically released during late summer through fall, making it most likely to appear when school is starting back in session.
How can fall allergies reduce athletic performance?
Dr. Christopher Jones, a CEENTA otolaryngologist and allergy specialist who practices out of our Fort Mill and Lancaster offices, describes what happens during a stuffy nose. “Congestion occurs when allergies cause the lining of the nose to swell as a response to the allergen. When the nose has that familiar ‘stuffed up’ feeling, it can limit the amount of air flow.” For children who have asthma, allergies may trigger wheezing, shortness of breath and cough.
The eyes often react to pollen as well. Itchy watery eyes are common and can vary in severity. This can affect your child’s vision during practice and games, which could affect his or her performance and even be a safety concern.
How can I treat my child’s allergies at home?
Ideally, the best way to prevent allergies is to reduce your exposure to the allergen. However, children who love sports may not want to limit their time outside. Other remedies you can try include:
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Cold compresses
- Additional water intake
- Saline solution for irritated eyes
How can I treat my child’s allergies at CEENTA?
If you want your child to feel and play his or her best during allergy season, CEENTA has just what’s needed. Our team of allergy specialists can test your child for common environmental allergens including fall ragweed, spring tree pollen, summer grass pollen as well as indoor allergens like dogs, cats, dust and mold. From there, our physicians can recommend prescription medical therapy or immunotherapy methods that can be given in our offices or right at home.
Get your child back in the game with CEENTA. To schedule an allergy appointment with Dr. Jones at our Fort Mill or Lancaster locations today, you may use our online scheduling platform or schedule through myCEENTAchart if you are an existing patient.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. If you need an appointment with an allergist in one of our North or South Carolina locations, you can schedule an appointment online, through myCEENTAchart, or by calling 704-295-3000.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates
