Dealing with allergies while your children learn remotely

With review and feedback from CEENTA ENT doctor Gregory Parsons, MD (Lancaster, Rock Hill)

Between COVID and homeschooling, you’re juggling a lot to make sure your kids stay healthy and live as normal a life as possible. But one thing you might not have thought about is how their allergies might be affecting them, even with all the time they’re spending indoors.

What seasonal allergies might we be dealing with?

Fall allergens are predominantly ragweed and pigweed, although grass counts can still be high from the summer. While the first frost typically means the end of fall allergy season, a delayed frost can mean fall allergies stick around a while longer and may even overlap with winter allergies. Winter allergies are usually caused by mold and dust.

How can allergies affect my child’s school performance?

If a child’s allergies are serious enough, they may end up needing to take sick days. Also, if they are having difficulty breathing, it can make sleeping at night a problem. This can make them tired during the day, which can make concentration difficult.

How can I help my child deal with their allergies?

The first thing you can do is lessen your child’s chances of encountering allergens. Leave your windows closed, especially during the early part of the day, so pollens don’t enter your home. Make sure to dust regularly, make sure air filters are working properly, and wash bedding once a week. Make sure your home stays dry to discourage mold growth.

What if my child still needs allergy care?

If avoidance strategies aren’t working, medicine is the next step. Some over-the-counter medicines could be effective, but in some cases they aren’t enough. If so, allergy shots or drops might be an option, CEENTA ENT doctor Gregory Parsons, MD, said. Your child’s allergy specialist – like those at CEENTA – will not just diagnose your child, but they will come up with the best treatment option.

Allergy care at CEENTA

If you think your child has allergies, bring them for a test and treatment at CEENTA. We want to make sure your child’s classroom time is as free of distractions, like allergies, as possible.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.