4 Common Causes For Kids With Constant Cold Symptoms
Does your child seem to always have a runny nose, sore throat or puffy eyes? You might think that your little one is just unfortunate enough to suffer from cold after cold. However, your child’s symptoms may be due to something other than the common virus, especially if the rest of the family is unaffected. Read on to discover four potential causes of your child’s sniffles and sneezes.
Dry Air
Thanks to fireplaces and heaters, moisture gets zapped from the air inside your home during the winter months. Dry air can lead to irritated sinuses, sneezing, coughing, and nosebleeds. Fortunately, dry indoor air is an easy problem to fix. Placing humidifiers or vaporizers throughout your home is the most effective way to reduce dry air. You can also use saline gel or spray in your child’s nose to moisturize nasal passages.
Pollen Allergies
If your child’s symptoms appear in the spring rather than in cold weather, the culprit is probably a pollen allergy. Keep an eye on pollen counts and encourage your child to play indoors on high pollen days. Get a pollen mask for your child to wear when he or she must be outdoors for extended periods of time and consider asking your pediatrician if non-drowsy children’s allergy medication can help.
Dust Mite Allergy
Many children experience dust mite allergies because they spend a lot of time playing on the floor. You might think your house is too clean to harbor dust mites, but it takes more than dusting and vacuuming to keep these microscopic critters at bay. One of their favorite hiding spots is in your HVAC system. If your child suffers from dust mite allergies, have your system cleaned and maintained with professional air conditioning services at least twice a year.
Food Sensitivities
You’re probably aware of food allergies in children, but not all reactions to food are severe or obvious. Your child’s constant sinus symptoms may be due to a minor food allergy or sensitivity. Dairy is a common cause of food sensitivities in children, but other foods like wheat, soy and peanuts can also cause these symptoms. An elimination diet is the best and easiest way to pinpoint food sensitivities.
Keep in mind that cold symptoms can sometimes be caused by a more serious illness like influenza or strep throat. If your child’s symptoms become severe or are accompanied by a fever, visit your pediatrician or an urgent care center as soon as possible.
By Meghan Belnap / Blogger, Researcher and Freelance Writer
Meghan is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!