The
arrival of springtime and warm weather means that allergy season is in
full swing. Triggers such as pollen or air pollution, may start to
bother those children with Asthma. Pay attention to pollen levels.
These are noted in your local weather report. Try to spend less time
outside when levels are high. Keep windows closed to keep pollen
outside. Have your child’s quick-relief medicine with you at all
times. Stay in contact with your child’s doctor about flare-ups, for
treatment needed.
Many children are coming to
school with itchy, bloodshot eyes. This could be due to the fact that
the child has seasonal allergies, or it could be due to Conjunctivitis,
which is commonly called pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of
the thin, transparent layer of the eyeball and the inner surface of the
eyelids. The inflammation causes redness, tearing and occasionally
formation of a yellow discharge. Transmission is by direct contact, and
is contagious for the first 24 to 72 hours and until discharge has
ceased.
Bloodshot
eyes from allergies are not always discernible from Conjunctivitis. If
your child has the above signs and symptoms, please call your
pediatrician for treatment and keep your child home.
If your child has been diagnosed with
seasonal allergies and requires eye drops, they can be administered in
school, as needed, following the school medication policy. If your
child has been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, please forward a
doctor’s note so I can update your child’s health record. If you have
any questions, please call me.