A few days last week I was pretty certain I was going to die. I was nauseous, fatigued, and the walls kept seemingly leaning to one side. It was unnervingly unbalancing. Then suddenly, I had an epiphany: this was my allergy-related vertigo returning. You see, last year after a whole bunch of tests (and many sobby calls to my husband declaring certainty of imminent death), my doctor determined that seasonal allergies were causing fluid to pool behind my ear drums, thus causing all of the nastiness. Treatment was administered and I was back up and running, walls properly vertical, in no time. As soon as I realized the source of my sickness last week, I started the treatment immediately and quickly felt loads better.
Seasonal allergies have taken different forms with me over the years. Sometimes I’ve been slayed by itchy, watery eyes with a runny nose. Sometimes it’s been yucky, unshakeable migraines. Whatever the symptoms, I’ve learned the significant help over-the-counter medications can offer when taken properly. Because of my experience, while my 3 and 5 year old have yet to exhibit signs of seasonal allergies, I will not hesitate to pursue allergy treatment for them if they do. Allergies are the third most common chronic disease among children 18 and under, so it is a very comment experience for kiddos.
While you are eager to help your kids find relief when they have symptoms, I know it can be hard to tell whether your little one is having a springtime cold or is suffering from allergies. This infographic is helpful in sorting it out:
When treating your child’s symptoms, it’s also really important to make sure you always read drug facts label make sure the ingredients are safe for your child before administering any OTC medication; it is NOT safe to give children under age 6 OTC meds containing diphenhydramine. And also remember that while when they are feeling crappy and sleeping poorly, it can be tempting to give them allergy medications to help make them sleepy, but this is never a safe move.
For more information on allergies and ingredients in medications, check out this article from Know Your OTCs that helps spell everything out.
If your family is like mine, you are loving the outdoors time of year. Hours upon hours spent hanging out at the park, doing picnic lunches and playing out in the yard. Windows are kept open and the fresh air flows. It would be cruel to let allergies steal our gorgeous Springtime. Get on top of allergies with this smart info and give those yucky symptoms the boot! The sunshine is yours for the taking!
****I am compensated as an KnowYourOTCs blogging ambassador for this post, but my opinion are my own.****
First photo credit: JLB photography
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Janine Huldie says
I needed this as yesterday, I started to feel a bit off just like you described and then I remembered it was allergy season. Seriously gets me every time (myself) each year! Thanks for the reminder and tips, too 😉
Meredith says
Why do we always forget?? Let’s remind each other next year, Janine!
Cynthia Gabriele Sprouts Consignment Boutique says
Thanks for the information.
Meredith says
Great stuff to know with kids!
Meredith says
Your posts are so relevant to what’s going on in my world these days….are you peeking in my window?
Allergies hit the three of us like a ton of bricks two weekends ago (and I don’t usually have any issues until the late summer Cottonwood “snow”). I am currently battling itchy, watery eyes and a scratchy throat this morning. Thanks Mother Nature!!
Meredith says
Isn’t it crazy how they just slam into you? Powerful junk! I am hoping you can feel better soon, Meredith 🙁