It seems everyone is on high alert for sniffles and sneezes following the COVID-19 pandemic. At Little Oaks Pediatrics, we know our parents' and caregivers' ears perk up when they notice their child is congested. Living in beautiful North Carolina comes with many benefits. But it also comes with some drawbacks. What makes our state so green also makes many locals' noses run. But is it a cold or just allergies? It can be hard to tell. In this month's blog, we highlight the differences between the two so you can help your child accordingly.

Timing is (usually) Everything.

Allergies tend to be most problematic when everything is blooming. Yes, that is right now! Spring means pollen - you know - that yellow stuff coating your car. Grass pollen is produced during the summer months, and the fall brings weed pollen. As we all know, spring can happen as early as February in NC, so if it has been a mild winter, their congestion and runny nose may be caused by early blooming trees. The peak allergy months typically occur in April, May, and September.

The glorious outdoors beckon us in the spring, and if your child has seasonal allergies, limiting outdoor activities may not be an option after being cooped up over the winter. Talk to your child's pediatric provider about treatment recommendations. Depending on the severity, we may recommend oral medication, sublingual immunotherapy, or another treatment option.

Colds and Allergies are Different.

Viruses cause colds. They are highly contagious and spread through airborne droplets released when an individual sneezes or coughs. They can also be spread by shaking hands and sharing toys with a child who is sick. Your child's immune system is built to fight off a cold naturally, but it may take a week or two to resolve fully.

An immune reaction to an environmental allergen causes allergies. This allergen can be dust or pollen. Allergies are not contagious and can last throughout "allergy season," which can be challenging if your child feels run-down and is struggling with allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and sinus congestion.

Other Types of Allergens

Indoor allergens can also be a problem for some children. If you notice that they are struggling with allergy symptoms year-round, consider some of these possible causes.

Animal Dander: Despite common belief, people aren't allergic to animal hair. An allergen found in the saliva, dander, and even urine of animals can cause allergy symptoms.

Dust Mites: Dust is everywhere - even in the cleanest homes. Dust mites are microscopic pests that thrive in our humid NC weather and feed on the skin flakes we shed throughout the day (sounds gross, but it's a natural process). Mites can be found on bedding, carpeting, and furniture.

Indoor Dust and Mold: Indoor dust, as mentioned above, is in all homes. Mold can grow anywhere that is damp in a house, such as under leaky sinks and behind walls where plumbing issues may be present but hidden.

How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

While you can't control the outside environment, you can limit allergen exposure in your home. Here are a few suggestions to try.

• If there appears to be an allergy to pet dander, keep pets out of bedrooms when sleeping. Bathe pets every few weeks with an oatmeal shampoo to help hydrate their skin. Wash hands after petting or playing with pets.
• Launder clothing and bedding regularly. Change and launder clothes after spending time outdoors.
• Thoroughly wash hands after returning from the outdoors.
• Change out air filters in your home regularly. A spring and fall filter replacement schedule is an effective way to stay ahead of allergy season and ensure the air you breathe at home is as clean and filtered as possible.
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level of 40 to 50 percent in your home. Be sure to clean it daily to prevent mold from accumulating.
• Repair and seal any water leaks in your home. Ensure any areas where water damage occurred are replaced or dried thoroughly.
• Remove mold growth on hard surfaces. A 5% bleach solution can easily be prepared and used to clean these hard surfaces safely.
• Use a HEPA filter vacuum, as they are highly effective at removing dust particles from your flooring. Vacuum carpets often and clean other flooring regularly. If allergies are particularly troublesome, consider removing carpeting from your home, as it can be a hotbed for collecting allergens.

While allergies are common, your child doesn't have to live a life where they avoid the outdoors during allergy season or struggle at home. Please schedule an appointment with their pediatric provider to explore how to help them feel better.