Sneezing. Runny nose. Itchy, watery eyes. Cue the challenges of seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies occur during specific times of the year. They’re caused by exposure to airborne allergens like pollens produced by trees, grasses, ragweed and other weeds. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they affect nearly 1 in 5 children.
Mild allergy symptoms can often be treated symptomatically. For those with more severe allergies, knowing what’s causing your child’s seasonal allergies can be helpful in minimizing exposure to common triggers.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. They happen when a person’s immune system overreacts to a certain trigger or allergen in their environment. When this occurs, histamine and other inflammatory signaling molecules are released, contributing to inflammation and fluid buildup. This leads to various symptoms. And it can significantly affect a child’s daily life.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include:
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Clear drainage from the nose (also known as rhinorrhea)
- Cough
- Skin irritation
- Headache
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Certain allergens are more prevalent during specific seasons. Understanding seasonal patterns can help you recognize and manage your child’s symptoms.
The most common triggers for seasonal allergies by season are:
- Spring: Tree pollen
- Summer: Grass pollen
- Fall: Ragweed and outdoor molds
Seasonal allergies are different from year-round allergies, also known as perennial allergies. Allergens that are present throughout the year trigger year-round allergies. These can include things like dust mites, molds or pet dander.
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Management and Treatment
While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, there are many ways to treat symptoms. If your child is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, their doctor may suggest various treatments. However, each child is different, and multiple factors will be considered. This will include their age, overall health and medical history, the severity of their reaction and symptoms, as well as tolerance to specific medications and treatments.
Tips for reducing exposure to allergens:
- Keep windows closed and run the air conditioning.
- Use dehumidifiers and air purifiers, changing filters often.
- Vacuum and dust often.
- Wash hands and clothes after playing outside.
- Choose indoor activities when pollen counts are high.
- Dress in a hat and sunglasses to protect the face and eyes.
- Remove clothes after outdoor activities outside the bedroom.
- Shower or bathe at night to remove pollen before getting into bed.
- Store outdoor sports equipment outside your living space (e.g., in the garage).
An overview of treatment options:
- Saline nasal sprays flush the nasal passages and moisturize the inside of the nose. These are made of a non-medicated solution of salt and water. And they’re available over the counter.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nose. These work best when used before symptoms begin. But they can also be used during an intense flare-up. These are available over the counter and by prescription.
- Antihistamines help block the release of histamines. They can help alleviate sneezing, itching and a runny nose. They come in tablets, capsules or liquids and are available over the counter and by prescription. Some antihistamines, notably Benadryl/diphenhydramine, may cause drowsiness. Cetirizine, loratadine, des-loratadine, levocetirizine and fexofenadine are better choices.
- Decongestants decrease congestion associated with allergies by making the blood vessels in the nose smaller. They’re available over the counter and by prescription and most commonly come in liquid and tablet form.
- Allergy shots may be needed in severe cases where other treatment options have not worked.
If you’re considering any of these treatment options, consult your child's pediatrician or allergist to determine the proper course of treatment and dosage for your child. Some people feel local honey can help prevent allergy symptoms, but there are not great studies supporting this (but it is delicious and unlikely to be harmful). Keeping your child hydrated can also help thin mucus and ease symptoms.
Testing and Diagnosis
Seasonal allergies, perennial allergies and other respiratory issues can all have similar symptoms. But they’re treated differently. So, it’s important to consult your child’s doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. They may also refer you to an allergist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating allergies.
Your child’s doctor will ask about symptoms. So, tracking symptoms in a journal can be helpful. Including things like when symptoms happen, what your child was doing at the time and how long symptoms last can help you recognize what’s triggering them. They’ll also ask about medical history, including any family history of allergies or asthma. And they’ll conduct a thorough medical exam.
The allergist may also order a skin or blood test to diagnose allergies. Skin tests are usually preferred because of their speed and accuracy. However, your child’s doctor may order a blood test if your child has certain skin conditions or cannot stop antihistamines. During a skin test, children are exposed to a small allergen sample on their arm or back. If they react to the allergen, a small red bump will form.
With the proper guidance and care, you can help your child successfully manage their allergies and improve their quality of life.
