Allergy Season is here! Spring is here! I know this not because I put my winter coats away. After all, this is St. Louis, and I hear we may have snow flurries tomorrow. I can tell it's spring because my grandson, Charlie, is doing what we fondly refer to as the "nasal salute". Like a lot of children in St. Louis he has a runny nose from all the pollens this time of year.

Every spring the grasses, trees and weeds release thousands of timy particles called pollens that get into his nose and throat, triggering him to sneeze as well as causing his nose to run. One might think about moving out of the area, but studies show that he would develop new allergies. There are roughly 35 million Americans that share in allergy season discomfort.

After allergy testing two years ago year, Charlie's physician was able to identify exactly which pollens triggered his symptoms. Charlie's symptoms are easier to manage now because we have learned that during pollen season the key to controlling his symptoms has been to continuously give him his allergy medications.

So, if you notice your child or grandchild also doing the "nasal salute", try following these very effective measures recommended by the nurses at 454-KIDS to combat seasonal allergies:

1. Avoidance:

• stay away from substances causing the allergy
• Keep the house closed up at night and use the air conditioner when needed. It keeps the air cool and dry.
• Pollen is most prevalent in the early morning between 5 and 10 am. Minimize outdoor play until after 10 am and on days when pollen counts are up.
• Roll your car windows up when traveling.
• Part of Charlie's bedtime routine is to take a bath, washing the clingy pollens out of his hair, face, lashes and eyes. This will help to eliminate night time symptoms.
• Keep outdoor dogs a distance away as pollen does cling to their hair, too.

2. Medications

• Antihistamines or decongestants can be helpful in easing some allergy symptoms. At 454-KIDS we recommend you talk to your pediatrician, because what works for one child may not work for another.

3. Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy is desensitization through allergy shots.

Another recommendation from the nurses at 454-KIDS is to be a CSI. Keep a log of your child's symptoms, dates and weather conditions. This will be great information for your doctor to more accurately treat symptoms.

Armed now with your new knowledge and arsenal of treatment options, hopefully spring in St. Louis will no longer be the season to suffer through, but once again be embraced and enjoyed!

¶ 7:19 AM