With the springtime and outdoor athletic season in full swing, you may be wondering how to best keep your athletes performing at their peak capacity while battling seasonal allergies. Appropriate management of seasonal allergy symptoms can keep your player comfortable – both on and off the field. Here’s what you need to know:
Allergies are caused by any substance that comes into contact with an individual (particularly those substances that are inhaled) and yields an immune response. Examples of common substances that can yield an immune response include plant or grass pollen, tree pollen, animal hair, dust and dander.
All players may be susceptible to allergies. Because asthma, eczema, and allergies are all associated with a hyperactive immune system, those who have a personal or family history of these three conditions may be at an increased risk.
Players may notice the following symptoms:
Players who have a history of asthma may notice increased coughing and/or exacerbation of their asthma.
Allergies left unmanaged can lead to poor performance – including poor visual acuity, difficulty breathing, and decreased hearing. In severe cases, they may lead to infections of the ears and sinuses.
If you have a history of seasonal allergies, the best way to manage symptoms would be to avoid the triggering/offending agent. However, this is usually not possible – especially for athletes who cannot avoid outdoor allergies with outdoor sports and activities. The following may help with relief:
Pharmacological interventions are available for treatment of symptoms and include:
Lastly, players with a history of asthma are encouraged to remain complaint to their inhaled therapy. Keep an albuterol inhaler handy to treat exacerbations. Some may consider using their albuterol 30 minutes before engaging in physical activity to prevent exacerbations.
A child with seasonal allergies and asthma may also benefit from the addition of montelukast to their regimen. Please speak to your primary care provider if you may be a candidate.
Because of the need for reapplication, ophthalmic drops may take some time away from the sport, but otherwise poses little interference.
Seasonal allergies can be a pain and a burden. In extreme cases, parents may consider taking their child out of sports and athletics altogether. However, with proper education and management, the player can be offered a chance to enjoy their sports with minimal interference. Please see your primary care provider if you have further questions regarding this topic.
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