What are allergies?
Allergies are over active immune responses to normally harmless substances in our environment.
When your child is exposed to such a substance, their immune system incorrectly interprets it as a threat. As an attempt to protect the body it releases chemicals into the bloodstream and these chemicals result in sneezing, runny noses, and itchy, watery eyes.
Hayfever, otherwise known as Allergic Rhinitis, is an example of an allergic reaction that commonly affects children.
When is it hayfever and when is it a cold?
The symptoms of hayfever and colds can sometimes be very similar leading to confusion.
Hayfever is generally characterised by a sudden onset of sneezing, a runny nose with clear nasal discharge and itchy, watery eyes.
The symptoms of the common cold often include a sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing and generally feeling miserable.
What can I do when my child has allergies?
Chat to your pharmacist about products that can help relieve the symptoms of the allergic reaction. If your child has hayfever they may recommend an antihistamine, steroid nasal spray or a saline nasal spray such as Children’s FESS to help wash away pollen and dust.
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