The most common uncommon thing: allergies. Allergies are often unique, yet, so many people share similar categories of allergies.
Dust, pollen, and animals are some of the most common allergies. We can all name at least one person we know allergic to at least one of those. Allergies have become a part of life. However, there is a pervasive, widespread claim that allergies are a more modern conception.
Nope, that’s not true. Allergies have always existed; the first recorded diagnosis was in Ancient Greece. But, allergies were not really studied until the 1800s. Before and around that time, most allergic reactions would either kill the person or go undiagnosed.
We have come a long way from the first studies and now know so much more about allergies.
Continue reading to learn six ways to help your kids with their allergies.
Allergies, What a Drag
No one has ever been excited to experience allergies. Allergies can affect anyone; it does not only happen at a certain age to a certain type of person. Allergic reactions can be prompted by a bunch of different things, including mosquitoes!
Allergies began to be studied in the 1800s with the discovery of hay fever. This noteworthy study continues to influence how we study allergies and allergic reactions to this day. As the background knowledge grew, so did our ability to combat it, leading us to present scientific breakthroughs.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are when your body reacts to something that is not necessarily harmful. It mistakes the allergen as a threat and sends out histamines and other chemicals to fight it. Some people grow out of their allergies, some grow into allergies, and some have allergies for their whole life.
There is not really anything that can be done to prevent allergies, but there is plenty to treat them and make your life a little bit easier when you have to deal with them.
First, let’s start by learning how to properly identify what an allergy is.
Symptoms To Look Out For
There are some symptoms that everybody automatically associates with allergies, such as hives and swelling, but there are quite a few more symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy
- Itchy, dry, or red skin
- Itching
- Runny nose
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Hives or itchy welts
As allergies are your body’s reaction to something, it could resemble the common cold or other viruses that spur your body into action. While the reaction may feel similar, the treatment patch will likely not be. Both allergies and illnesses can be treated with medication and natural treatments like essential oils, but the specifics will vary.
However, there are some general health factors that can keep your body healthy and happy, no matter what ails you.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking water and staying hydrated is so important when sicknesses are floating around, and the same goes for allergies. Being hydrated is essential to pushing unwanted pathogens out and promoting wellness.
Beyond just being hydrated, many allergies present with runny noses and coughs, which can be hard on the throat. Make sure that your kids are drinking water to help clear all of that congested mucus.
Hydration is important at any given time, but as with most things on this list, it is doubly important when your child is not feeling their best.
Don’t Forget the Foods
Honey, chicken broth and soup are all things associated with treating colds, but they actually are good for more than just the flu season. Just like drinking water, clear liquids (along with honey) can be very good for an achy throat.
2. Rest
Allergies are a type of reaction. Just like when your kid gets sick and needs all that extra sleep, the right amount of sleep is good in the aftermath of an allergic reaction too. Some kids have seasonal allergies, and rest is super essential during the season when their allergies flare up.
Remember that children are supposed to get eight to ten hours of sleep every night normally. If your kids are already struggling with sleep, then it is vital that they sleep well when they are struggling with allergies or sickness. Sleeping is good for the body and provides rest.
However, when people do not feel good, they usually do not sleep well. While it may be hard to get sleep when feeling so awful, it is very vital to get the proper amount of sleep. Sometimes this requires a little help from essential oils.
Adults and children alike may find much-needed relief with the SleepyPatch, designed to naturally help anyone of any age sleep when they are struggling. Everybody occasionally needs a little help to get the amount of sleep they desperately need. All you need to do is place this sticker on your pajamas, think some peaceful thoughts, and drift off to dreamland.
3. Cool Temps
Just like when they’re feeling under the weather, a cool compress and some ice can go a long way when your child is experiencing the long-term effects of allergies. Ice is anti-inflammatory and can provide relief.
Some places just get super itchy when kids have allergic reactions, and a properly applied cooling compress can do wonders. Cold compresses can only be applied for a short amount of time, though, maybe a little longer if it is wrapped in a paper towel.
Keep in mind that while allergic reactions seem similar to other illnesses, they are a totally different thing. Because of this, warm compresses won't do much of anything to help your kids in this instance.
4. Exercise
You would think that when someone is feeling unwell, that rest is the best. Rest is essential; it helps the body. However, letting your kids run around outside helps too. Exercise benefits kids when they are feeling great and when they are feeling a little under the weather.
If your child has either seasonal or outdoor allergies, then it’s best not to be out and around whatever the allergen is. Try to find some fun indoor activities that can stimulate your child’s blood circulation.
5. Showers and Steam
Heat, like the cold, can be great for your kid’s allergies. Though a warm compress isn’t always beneficial, warm showers and baths are. This is because the steam can help unclog the nose and soothe the throat.
This is also another factor of why soup and broths are encouraged too. The heat helps the throat, which may not be having the best day due to the coughs, sneezing, and runny noses.
6. Look at Medicines and Prepare Accurately
Some allergies are only seasonal, which means you are perfectly fine for all year except the one period of time in which your allergies flare up. If you know that it is a seasonal allergy, then prepare for it!
Do your best to stay indoors and limit the time windows and doors are open to allow the smallest amount of pollen (or other allergens) in. Staying clean is big too. Change out of clothes that have made contact with the allergen. Then, clean your body so that you don’t unintentionally rub it on yourself.
What Else Can You Do?
With the increasing study of allergens, medicines have been developed to help with allergens, but for the most part, they are only for severe allergic reactions. EpiPens are only used when needed, but what about for those minor reactions?
How do you help your kid when you have done all the things on the list? Well, there are alternative options like medicines or essential oils.
Take a Breath, Apply a Patch
What if nothing else is working, and your kid is in pain? You just want to help. AllergyPatch is here for you. It uses essential oils to naturally provide relief.
You don’t have to worry about measuring our medicine or anything else; allergy patches are all-natural and can simply be stuck on. They come in fun emoji prints so that your kids will look forward to wearing them.
Our AllergyPatches use essential oils like lemon, grapefruit, black spruce, and peppermint to naturally promote allergy relief. The sealed package lasts up to six months, so you can rest easy knowing you have the backup parents need. The easy-to-use sticker can be a comfort for both children and parents, which is pretty convenient, seeing that some allergies can be genetic.
Remember that allergies can have many complications and that this list is to help with less severe allergic reactions. All severe allergic reactions should involve a doctor or emergency room visit. However, an AllergyPatch from The Natural Patch Co. can be a great help when your kids are struggling with mild allergic reactions.
Sources:
Allergies in Children | Cedars Sinai
7 Steps to Soothe Your Child’s Allergy Symptoms | Everyday Health
4 "must dos" for kids with seasonal allergies | Harvard Health
