The summer months mean fun in the sun for parents and children alike, but if you’re the mom or dad of a little one affected by seasonal allergies, those good times may be put on hold while you figure out how to best treat your child’s health issues.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6.7 million children were impacted by hay fever in 2011, the most recent year statistics were released. About 11 percent of youngsters were also affected by respiratory allergies, which can make it difficult for kids to breathe easy.
“Contrary to popular belief, seasonal allergies don’t only strike in the spring and fall months,” said allergist Richard Weber, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Allergies are also common in the summer and can even last year-round for some sufferers.”
According to the ACAAI, allergies in the summertime are often triggered by grass pollens and mold spores, and the latter frequently outnumber the former, meaning that it’s pretty easy for children who are sensitive to either mold or pollen to start feeling under the weather!
For some parents, it may also be tough to distinguish allergy symptoms from those of a cold or flu. If a child’s symptoms last more than two weeks, it’s likely allergies that are the cause. However, if his or her health issues progress over a few days from a mild cough to a severe one or a sneezy, runny nose, a summer cold may be what’s giving your child problems.
Making medicine time better
Building a meaningful relationship with your pharmacist is one important way to help your child through a tough allergy season. Your community pharmacist is always available and is a great resource for questions you may have regarding your son or daughters allergies and any medications he or she is taking. If your child struggles with the taste of liquid allergy medicines, talking to your local pharmacist directly can help you learn new tips on how to make your son or daughter like the taste of medicine better.
Custom flavoring is one great option that can make treatment fun for kids and easier for parents overall. To learn more, talk to your pharmacist today!
