Shanghai experts share ways to beat seasonal allergies
When we think of seasonal allergies, our first thoughts are typically of hay fever or, to give it its correct name, allergic rhinitis. Yet rather confusingly, this is neither caused by hay nor leads to a fever. Neither is it a condition specific to any particular season. However, allergies appear to be more severe in spring as temperatures rise month by month and pollen once more permeates the air.
Leaving winter behind for warmer weather is a blessing for most people. But for anyone with an allergy, it’s a time of concern. Though they are rarely life-threatening, seasonal allergies can be deeply unpleasant experiences, with symptoms predominantly comprised of respiratory problems such as coughs, runny noses, breathing difficulties and sneezing.
As we march on into the allergy season, we consult with some of Shanghai’s senior clinical specialists from Shanghai United Family Hospital and Jiahui International Hospital on what to look out for and what to do.
What is a seasonal allergy?
It’s an open secret amongst all parents – children frequently get sick. It is because we only begin establishing an immune system after birth which is fully developed by around the age of eight years old.
An allergy is caused when your immune system becomes hypersensitive to allergens that typically pose no, or relatively minor, threat to your body. However, the symptoms we see are the result of the body protecting itself from this perceived ‘threat’. There are many common allergens, such as animal fur, plant pollens, insect stings, dust mites and types of food, including peanuts, seafood, and milk products.
Regarding seasonal allergies, pollen and mould spores are the most common trigger. From flowers and trees in spring to grasses during the summer and weeds (such as artemisia) or mould spores throughout autumn, specific allergens flare up as seasons change to bring misery to those affected.
We often associate many minor ailments with an allergy. But when your child has not previously had any allergy problems, it’s essential to know which warning signs indicate what a regular cold is and what could be the beginning of a new health problem.
A troublesome cough
Coughs can be caused by various factors, such as the common cold, flu, or a seasonal allergy. You can often tell the difference by observing the duration of the illness, the season when symptoms appear, and the symptoms themselves. While a cold-induced cough usually lasts about a week, a flu-caused one takes longer to clear up. Coughs caused by allergies can last from days to months as long as the allergens are present. Unlike cold coughs that usually occurs in colder seasons, allergy-caused coughs can happen any time of the year. The general rule is if a cough does prevail for three weeks, it’s always advised to seek medical assistance to investigate whether there’s any underlying problems.
Shortness of breath
Many seasonal allergies are caused by airborne allergens, such as pollens or fungus spores. This means the airways have a high chance of being affected, resulting in breathing difficulties. If your child repeatedly gasps for breath, this can be a symptom of wheezing brought about by a narrowing of the windpipe (bronchial stenosis). Other signs to beware of include short, shallow breathing, a noisy or high-pitched sound (stridor) accompanying your child’s breathing, coughing, and in some cases, a slight blue skin colouration can appear around the mouth, eyes or nails. More often, a quickened rate of breathing, trouble sleeping at night, or a child eating with their mouth open are also details that can indicate potential problems.
Asthma and allergies
Asthma is also known to be an 'allergy' given that they both share the same symptoms, can be triggered by the same causes, and often occur together. It is, to a certain extent, true as the most common asthma is allergic asthma. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 80-90 per cent of kids with asthma also have allergies. So, there’s less point in distinguishing between the two, than seeking ways to avoid allergens that cause asthma while reducing existing symptoms.
While asthma remains an incurable disease, it is manageable through early diagnosis, medication and advice on controlling environmental and other risk factors, self-monitoring symptoms frequency through a diary, and in some cases, immunotherapy treatments to aid the immune system’s fight against the disease.
Long-term care plans for children with asthma require a pediatric respiratory specialist to monitor and adjust treatments. Establishing a doctor-patient relationship with an individual physician you trust can be hugely beneficial.
Tips for managing seasonal allergies
While living in an entirely allergen-free environment is hardly possible, there are ways to reduce contact with potential allergens such as pollen. The experts advise parents to keep home doors and windows closed during the pollen season and let little ones stay inside during afternoons and evenings when pollen levels are at their highest. When it’s windy, consider wearing a scarf or a mask. In addition, clean up their nose with a saline nasal wash, ask them to take a shower after playing outside and wash their clothes immediately.
📍Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital, 1598 Xinjinqiao Lu, near Jinwan Lu, Pudong.
📍Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, near Qinjiang Lu.
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