Spring and summer mark the beginning of baseball and softball season, resulting in much time spent outdoors. Nearly 100 million Americans experience allergy symptoms each year, and for kids and parents with seasonal allergies, it can mean runny noses, itchy eyes and lingering fatigue that could distract from the games.
Whether your child plays softball, baseball, tennis or runs track, managing allergies during outdoor sports is essential to keeping everyone healthy and focused.
Understanding Allergens
The first step in managing environmental allergies is identifying what triggers them. For many athletes playing outdoor sports, the biggest culprits are:
- Grass and tree pollen on and around the field
- Dust kicked up by base running or dry conditions
- Mold spores in damp equipment or field areas
- Poor air quality on warm, stagnant days
If your child plays sports on grass fields, they may be directly exposed to airborne pollen every time they crouch, run or slide. These same triggers can be found on soccer fields, tracks and even tennis courts, depending on the time of year and location.
How to Prepare
Good allergy management starts before your child ever steps onto the diamond. With a little planning, you can significantly reduce their symptoms and discomfort.
Try these practical steps before practices or games:
- Check the day’s pollen count and air quality forecast.
- Give allergy medication at least an hour before exposure, if your doctor recommends.
- Apply allergy-friendly sunscreen or wear light, long sleeves to reduce contact with pollen.
- Encourage the use of sunglasses or a hat to protect eyes from irritants.
- Immediately change clothing and shower following the games to reduce contact with allergens.
Keep Relief on the Sidelines
Even with preparation, symptoms can flare up mid-game. Having a few essentials on hand can make a big difference during games.
What to pack in your child’s gear bag or keep nearby:
- Allergy eye drops and nasal sprays, to be used as advised by your doctor
- A reusable water bottle to flush out allergens and stay hydrated
- Wet wipes to quickly clean hands, face or gear
- Extra tissues for runny noses or sneezes
- Emergency medications, such as an inhaler or epinephrine, if prescribed
Let coaches and team staff know about your child’s allergies so they can help monitor symptoms and act quickly if needed.
If your child’s symptoms are severe or don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to visit an allergist. Professional testing can pinpoint specific triggers, and your provider might recommend a stronger medication or allergy shots for long-term relief.
To learn more about allergy management options, contact Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy to schedule an appointment for you or a family member today.