Welcome to SciShow Kids! Today, we’re talking about something that makes many people sneeze and sniffle, especially in the springtime. It’s called allergies! But don’t worry, allergies aren’t something you can catch from someone else like a cold or the flu. Let’s find out what causes them!
Allergies happen when your body makes a little mistake. The part of your body that gets confused is called the immune system. Your immune system is like a superhero team made up of different parts of your body. Its job is to fight off germs that can make you sick. Even though you can’t see them, germs are everywhere—on things you touch and even in the air!
When germs sneak into your body, your immune system jumps into action. Special white blood cells in your blood try to catch and destroy these germs. Your body also makes extra mucus, or ‘snot,’ to flush germs out. Coughing and sneezing help blow germs away, too. Your immune system is amazing, but sometimes it makes mistakes.
An allergy is when your immune system thinks something harmless, like dust or pollen, is a dangerous germ. These harmless things are called allergens. For example, pollen is a yellow powder made by flowers and plants, and there’s a lot of it in the air during spring.
When pollen gets into your nose or eyes, your immune system thinks it’s a germ and tries to fight it. This can make your nose feel itchy and stuffy, cause you to sneeze, and make lots of mucus to wash the pollen away. Your eyes might get itchy, watery, and red, too. All these reactions can make you feel like you’re sick.
Most people with allergies try to avoid allergens or take medicine to help with sneezing and runny noses. If you’re feeling healthy today, it’s because your immune system is doing its job. But if you’re sneezing in the springtime, your immune system might just be a little confused!
Thanks for joining us at SciShow Kids! If you have questions about how your body works, ask a grownup to help you leave a comment or send an email to [email protected]!
Allergy Detective: Go on a nature walk with a grown-up and try to spot things that might cause allergies, like flowers, trees, or grass. Use a notebook to draw or write down what you find. Talk about why these things might make some people sneeze or have itchy eyes. Can you think of ways to avoid these allergens?
Immune System Superhero: Create your own superhero character that represents the immune system. Draw a picture of your superhero and think about what special powers they might have to fight off germs. Share your superhero with a friend or family member and explain how they help keep you healthy.
Sneeze Experiment: With the help of a grown-up, sprinkle a little bit of pepper on a piece of paper. Gently blow on the pepper and watch how it moves. This is similar to how pollen can move through the air and into our noses. Discuss how sneezing helps get rid of these tiny particles and why it’s important for our health.
