Can Allergy Affect a Sportsperson?
The pollen counts start to rise when allergy season comes, but you can feel fine playing outside for hours without any prescription required. Only wait, though. You will continue to be exposed as time passes and pollen counts increase. It will not be long before allergies begin to cause sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion and drainage, because allergies will bring inflammation to your nasal cavity. These symptoms will affect your game on their own, but they will also decrease the quality of sleep. When that happens, "brain fog" can set in.
Allergy drugs are available over the counter and you can sail through the allergy season without any complications if taken prior to your peak allergy symptoms arrive. A detailed allergy test is also recommended so that we can assess which allergens causing your symptoms and then address avoidance strategies better. This is always best done by a reputed allergy and asthma clinic. Finally, for those with allergy causes that the patient simply cannot stop, allergy immunotherapy can be started. Allergy Immunotherapy (drops) is also excellent for patients with disease states caused by allergy and for those that do not respond to over-the-counter medication.
You want them to be healthy and have fun, whether your kids play baseball, soccer, basketball, football, or do other sports.
Many children suffer from allergies. The majority of cases are moderate, but some may have serious reactions to some of the stimuli. This is considered anaphylaxis by doctors. Among the most common causes are food allergies and insect stings. Sometimes, when children are exposed to allergens before or after exercise, they may have this kind of reaction.
Be Prepared
For all children, being active is good. And a child with serious allergies can still take part in games and sports with a bit of time to prepare. Such tips ought to help.
1. An allergist's visit. Take your child to a doctor for allergies. The doctor will do testing to figure out what allergen makes your child sick, how serious the allergy is, prescribe medicine.
2. Keep the insect sting out. A procedure called desensitization helps children who are strongly allergic to bees, wasps and other stinging insects (or immunotherapy). A small amount of insect venom is injected under the skin of your infant by an allergist. Over a period of around 3 months, they slowly increase the amount of venom until your child can handle the allergen. A perfect way to manage insect allergies is this technique.
3. Ask for shots of epinephrine. Children who are highly allergic to bee stings or certain foods often bring an injection of epinephrine to the field with them. Your allergist should determine if one is needed by your child and show you how to use it. Your child should also know how to use it, along with their teachers, caregivers and coaches.
4. Take some drugs. Children with serious seasonal can take allergy shots in advance so that they are not sidelined by pollen during the spring.
5. Draw up a strategy. Your child needs an allergy plan, signed by you and your allergist, in writing. The strategy should list the causes, signs, and treatments for your child's allergies. Send your child's coaches and school a copy of the strategy.
6. Pack food for your kids. Packing meals and snacks at home is the easiest way for children with serious food allergies to eat on the road. That way, you know you do not have any causes. Make sure your child knows what to avoid in the event that anything is offered while you are not around.
7. Know the Signs: Symptoms of anaphylaxis caused by exercise include:
• Rash
• Itching
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling of suffocation
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Headaches
Bear in mind, other factors may result in these symptoms. But if it is anaphylaxis, a child needs instant attention right away. All these are equally applicable for the sport people and they ought to visit an allergy and asthma clinic. At OKOA we treat ENT problems for children and adult, sinusitis and more.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.