Spring is back and so are allergies. Did you know that 50 percent of all Black children have seasonal allergies? Experts say lack of adequate medical coverage and living conditions are the issue.
Allergies happen when your immune system goes crazy trying to fight off a protein substance (allergen) you breathed in that it doesn’t recognize. If you notice your child is congested, sneezing, has itchy eyes, nose and throat, coughing, and wheezing, he may have allergies. The only real way to know for sure is to schedule an allergy screening with your doctor.
Allergies can be passed down from your parents, if mom and dad both had them the chance that you will too is a whopping 7 in 10. Allergies are becoming increasingly more common and trees, grass, pollen mold spores, dust mites, roaches, cats, dogs and rodent dander are all things to watch out for.
There is no cure for allergies but they are easy to manage. Here’s a few tips to turn your home into a safe zone:
— Keep a clean house. A deep clean of the house from top to bottom will help rid you of any dust and mold that has accumulated all winter long.
— Keep pollen at bay. Keep your windows closed and avoid window fans on days when the pollen count is high. You can find get an allergy forecast update from most spring-time weather reports or by going to pollen.com.
— Take your medicine. When you know you’ll be outside awhile take an allergy pill 30 minutes ahead of time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one is best to relieve your symptoms.
— Mind your dirty laundry. Try to wash your bedding once a week in hot water and dry them inside to further avoid pollen.
To learn more or to find an allergist in your area, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

(Photo:Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/Landov)