As I shield my toddler’s mouth with my hand for what feels like the thousandth time that day, we sit in a waiting room while she coughs persistently. I retrieve her sippy cup from my bag. “She’s not ill,” I declare. “It’s just allergies.”
After more than a decade of parenting, one would think I’d be accustomed to the curious glances, hushed whispers, and concerned expressions from those around us during allergy season. The visual cues are unmistakable.
Why are your kids out in public? Don’t you dare risk our health.
People are terrified that my children might be contagious, fearing a virus could spread through their own homes like wildfire. I understand their concern; I’m also uncomfortable with parents taking sick kids out, especially during peak cold and flu times. But let’s be clear: allergies are not contagious.
During this time of year, a wave of mommy guilt washes over me. I feel compelled to reassure everyone that my kids aren’t passing along a dreaded virus. So, I find myself repeatedly stating, “It’s just allergies.” But let’s face it: there’s no “just” about it.
This allergy season has been particularly harsh. Our once-enjoyable screened porch is blanketed in yellow pollen. Every time we vacuum or dust, that layer of annoyance returns within hours. It feels like a futile struggle.
Like many families battling allergies, we adhere to our doctor’s extensive and often imperfect advice: stay indoors, keep windows closed, change clothes after outdoor activities, keep rescue inhalers handy, and remove shoes at the door. Yet despite following these guidelines, allergies and asthma remain relentless foes.
We’ve tried every possible allergy medication, eye drop, and nasal spray under the sun, but none provide complete relief. We carry around a large box of tissues and water bottles while the nebulizer hums in the background, especially at night before bed.
Unsolicited advice comes often from strangers after I clarify that my child is definitely not sick. I often find the suggestions amusing: Have I considered diffusing a blend of “breathe-easy-forever” essential oils? What about chiropractic adjustments? Or perhaps a daily teaspoon of local raw honey? Acupuncture?
Some advice, however, has ulterior motives. Those offering miraculous cures might also be trying to sell me their products. For just $59.99 a month, a gummy of “greens” promises to restore my child to perfect health. Or I could buy a vial of organic anti-allergy essential oil for $29.99, but I’d need a new one every three weeks. The catch? It’s supposed to cure my kid’s allergies.
I’m not falling for it.
There’s no escape, fellow moms. Allergies are a nuisance, and experience has taught me there’s no quick fix. Families with children suffering from allergies must find a way to balance enjoying life outdoors while avoiding increased discomfort. Yet, it’s a struggle; if our kids don’t get outside, they’re cooped up indoors, bouncing off the walls.
Allergy season is like an unwelcome headline; we just have to endure it. It’s bad enough that it occurs once, but the reality is, it strikes twice a year—from March to June and again from September until the first hard freeze.
With the beauty of spring comes dry, red eyes, runny noses, and persistent coughs. For two of my four kids, this can lead to asthma episodes. Just six days into the new year, we ended up in the ER for asthma, racking up a $1000 bill.
This year, it seems allergies and asthma have no off-season, partially due to global warming. I was surprised to learn that climate change impacts allergy and asthma sufferers, accelerating pollen, mold, and other allergens. Consequently, more allergens mean more allergy and asthma attacks. Air pollution worsens the situation too.
Before you judge a mom for her “sick” child, consider the broader issues at play, such as what policymakers are doing about global warming.
Additionally, allergy and asthma medications can be prohibitively expensive. A rescue inhaler alone can cost between $45-$80, and for some families, skipping essential medications becomes a grim reality. This can lead to asthma attacks that necessitate emergency room visits or even hospitalization.
Allergies, asthma, and eczema often run in families; however, many factors contribute to their prevalence. Judging parents without understanding their circumstances is neither helpful nor warranted.
As with all parenting challenges, it’s better to support one another rather than question choices or make assumptions about a child’s health.
I’ll continue to cover my kids’ every sneeze and cough, yet I know that even if I explain their symptoms as “just allergies,” some will still be doubtful and critical. That’s alright; I understand. But could you please pass the tissue box?