Column: The Wicked Winds of Spring

Spring is a beautiful season. It is a time of blossoming flowers, bright green blades of grass, and big time sales for Kleenex. Just when you are about to relax and soak up some warm rays of sunshine, in swirls the wicked winds of spring which may have you exclaiming, "Pollen and mold and spores, oh my!"

Along with the decorative scenery often comes some not so pleasant drippy noses and red, irritated eyes. Since we don't have Dorothy's magical shoes to help our families escape the gripes of allergy season, it helps to know how to prevent and treat symptoms when they do occur.

What to Do

Be Aware of Your Environment:
Keep windows shut. When the pollen count is high, it is best to keep doors and windows closed unless you're ready for an allergy attack all-nighter. Play outdoors in the afternoon. Pollen counts are usually at their highest in the early morning hours.

Treat the Symptoms:
Runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing -over-the-counter(OTC) antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhyrdramine) or Claritin (loratadine). Most OTC antihistamines cause drowsiness. The newer drugs, such as Claritin, do not normally cause excess sedation and are an excellent choice for control of daytime symptoms.
Sinus pressure, nasal congestion - decongestant, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or phenylephrine. Most decongestants cause a behavior I have named "The Tigger Effect." Decongestants can turn your calm little angel into an overly excitable creature who bounces off the walls. (I do not recommend giving these too close to bedtime or your perky little tiger may keep you up all night.)
-Saline drops are best for infants and there are no known adverse effects.

*Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for the dose and particular product best suited for your child, especially if they are less than two years of age.

3. Know when to call a doctor: If symptoms do not improve, or worsen after taking over-the-counter medicines. If your child develops symptoms of a bacterial infection including fever, yellow or greenish mucosal discharge, shortness of breath, wheezing, ear pain, or rash.

What NOT to Do:

Do not give your child Sudafed® prior to inviting your boss over for dinner unless your goal is to annoy your boss for that promotion you didn't get.
If you notice your car has turned from midnight blue to fluorescent yellow, do not hang your allergy prone child's sheets on the clothesline that day. Trust me, it happens more than your think.

Whatever you do, don't give your child Benadryl® and then give them their new bike. It would be like giving a man a 12-pack and the keys to a Porsche. The results could be disastrous.

Chances are that your little munchkin, at some time or another, will experience some sort of seasonal allergies. The allergy season can seem cruel and relentless but knowing what to do when allergies occur will hopefully help save you, and your children, a lot of headaches (and Kleenex®). You never know, it could even save your job and Suzie's new bike.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): There is a slight chance that your child could experience what is called a "paradoxical reaction" to antihistamines like Benadryl®. Instead of producing drowsiness, it could cause the "Tigger Effect."

The author is a Doctor of Pharmacy and mother of two amazing little girls. E-mail your questions/comments to drk@themedicinemom.com or visit her website at www.themedicinemom.com.

Common Outdoor Allergens
Pollens: Most allergenic pollens come from grasses, trees, and weeds. Tree pollens tend to be highest in early to mid-spring, grass pollens are abundant in late spring and early summer, and weed pollen counts are usually highest in late summer to early fall. Molds: Molds occur indoors and outdoors. The most common outdoor molds can be found in decaying wood, soil, and vegetation. Contrary to pollens, mold spores do not have a specific season of activity. Check-out your local pollen count at www.pollen.com