Seasonal allergies strike at different times of the year. Also known as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, seasonal allergy symptoms occur when airborne irritants, or allergens, enter the eyes, nose and throat, setting off an allergic reaction.
In the spring, flower and tree pollen are common culprits. Grass pollen starts in late spring and peaks in the summer months. Weed pollen (such as ragweed) and mold spores plague kids mainly in the late summer and fall.
Since children need to be exposed to an allergen before they can be allergic to it, children under two years of age are less likely to have environmental allergies.
Signs your child may have seasonal allergies
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, cough, and dark circles under the eyes.
Seasonal allergies can be more than just a mild annoyance. Some of the consequences of allergies in children include:
- Fatigue and poor concentration in school due to lack of sleep
- An increase in ear and sinus infections
- Asthma exacerbations
- Behavioral issues from discomfort and lack of sleep
How can you minimize exposure to seasonal allergy triggers?
Even when pollen seems to be blanketing everything in its path, there are steps you can take to prevent allergies from acting up:
- Have your child wash their hands and face as soon as they come in from playing outside so they don’t rub pollen in their eyes and nose. Better yet, rinse them off in the shower.
- Check the forecast for pollen levels, and limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are at their highest.
- Dry laundry in the dryer. Since pollen can coat clothing, avoid hanging laundry outside to dry.
- Have your child take their bath at bedtime. This will help with nighttime allergy problems.
- Keep windows in your home and car closed and use air conditioning to filter the air. Make sure the air conditioner is on re-circulating mode.
How do you treat seasonal allergies?
In combination with taking steps to limit your child’s exposure to allergy triggers, there are many safe, effective allergy medicines that target specific symptoms your child is struggling with the most.
Most allergy medications are now over-the-counter and generally fall into the categories of oral antihistamines, nose sprays and eye drops. Below are some key things to know about each type. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or nurse practitioner about the best options for your child.
Important note: Read labels carefully for the active ingredient and do not give your child more than one oral antihistamine at a time unless under the direction of a healthcare provider.
However, most eye drops and nose sprays can be given together along with an oral antihistamine.
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