Spring is just around the corner, which means a new wave of illnesses is on the way. Seasonal illnesses can be stressful, especially for parents. Allergies, asthma, respiratory viruses, and allergic pink eye all peak in the Spring.
While not deadly, many of these illnesses can be scary, cause discomfort, and take time away from school. Thankfully, there are several ways to naturally manage symptoms and even prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Spring allergies
Seasonal allergies might not seem like a big deal, but symptoms can be quite debilitating and miserable. They occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne pollen and allergens, causing sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, headaches, and congestion.
The best way to prevent symptoms is to reduce pollens inside the home. This includes dusting regularly, changing bedsheets, using an allergen-friendly mattress and pillow cover, vacuuming at least twice a week, and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Keeping windows closed, pets out of bedrooms, and removing shoes when entering the home can also help reduce allergens inside the home.
If symptoms do occur, using a nasal saline spray or rinse at least once a day helps remove the allergens collected in the nasal passages throughout the day. Quercitin and Butterbur have been shown to reduce inflammation and histamines, the chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be helpful. Probiotics can also help reduce the allergic response since most of our immune system is in our gut.
Seasonal asthma
Seasonal asthma occurs when asthma symptoms are exacerbated by seasonal allergens. Some people are also sensitive to changes in weather, which is why they experience asthma symptoms as the weather changes from Winter to Spring and Spring to Summer. Prevention is key when it comes to seasonal asthma. The goal is to reduce the exposure to seasonal allergens that can trigger an asthmatic response.
Typical symptoms of asthma include coughing and wheezing. Other allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and eczema, may also be present. Reducing inflammation is important in reducing these symptoms, and this can be done through a variety of natural ways. However, a child with symptoms or a diagnosis of asthma needs to be evaluated and monitored by a healthcare provider. Most children with asthma symptoms, no matter how mild, need a steroid inhaler to have on hand if their symptoms flare.
Respiratory viruses
Many believe respiratory illnesses primarily occur in the winter, but many circulate from March through May. Rhinoviruses, human parainfluenza viruses, and human metapneumoviruses are all prominent in the spring. It is important to continue good hygiene practices through the spring to reduce exposure to these viruses. Eating a whole foods diet, getting enough sleep, moving your body, and staying hydrated will also help continue to keep the immune system strong as you move into the spring season.
These viruses can be treated with nutrients and herbs that help boost the immune system and fight the virus. Vitamin D and Zinc have both been shown to effectively treat Rhinovirus symptoms. An herb called Pelargonium sidoides has also been shown to reduce the symptoms caused by Rhinovirus. Quercitin is an antioxidant that has anti-viral effects and can reduce respiratory symptoms caused by human metapneumovirus.
While there are some effective strategies for treating spring viral respiratory illness, it is important to see your doctor if you or your child isn’t improving within a couple of days or if they are experiencing any difficulty breathing or prolonged fevers. An evaluation is important to determine the cause of your child’s symptoms if they are not improving or are getting worse.
Pink eye
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, can be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious causes are viral or bacterial, and these can happen at any time throughout the year. Non-infectious pink eye is often caused by an allergic response to something in the environment. Allergic pink eye tends to happen more often in the spring when other allergy symptoms flare.
Bacterial pinkeye can look the most intense, with green and yellow discharge spreading to both eyes. Most bacterial pink eye can go away on its own, but it’s highly contagious. Prescription antibiotic eyedrops can speed up the healing process and prevent spreading it to someone else.
Pink eye caused by a virus typically affects adults more often than children. Symptoms include redness of the eye, watery and sometimes white mucus discharge. It is also contagious. Viral pink eye is often secondary to a respiratory illness, so natural antiviral support, such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, and elderberry, can help the immune system fight the infection. However, if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms on top of the pink eye, consult your healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Lastly, allergic pink eye is the most common in the spring. While it affects both eyes with intense itching, tearing, and redness, it’s not contagious. It can be treated the same way you would treat allergies, with quercetin, vitamin C, butterbur, and probiotics. However, the best treatment is through prevention, by keeping the home clear of allergens, reducing exposure, and a low-inflammatory diet.
The last thing you want is a cycle of endless tissues and missed school days. While the surge in pollen and lingering viruses can feel overwhelming, staying ahead of the symptoms with environmental controls and nutritional support makes all the difference. By turning your home into a pollen-free zone and fueling your family’s immune systems with natural anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and antihistamines like Quercitin, Butterbur, and Vitamin C, you can manage and even prevent illness.
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