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It’s that time of year when many of us can’t wait to open windows and fill our homes with fresh spring air after a long winter. But for kids with seasonal allergies (sometimes called hay fever), fresh air can also bring a lot of discomfort.
Allergy symptoms, which usually come on suddenly and last for as long as a person is exposed to an allergen, can include sneezing, itchy nose, eyes, throat, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. Kids who have coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath in addition to these symptoms might have allergies that trigger asthma.
Allergy symptoms can happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air. People can be allergic to one or more types of pollen, and the type someone is allergic to, determines when symptoms may happen. For example, here in Pennsylvania, tree pollen is highest from February through June, grass pollen is highest from May through August, and weed pollen is highest from July through October — so kids with these allergies are likely to have increased symptoms at those times.
You can do some simple things to make your child — and anyone else in the house that has seasonal allergies — feel better.
Keep the pollen outside. Try to keep your house as pollen-free as possible. Close windows and use an air conditioner if you have one. Your child should change clothes, wash their hands and face when they come inside, and take a shower before bedtime. Close windows during car rides and put on the air conditioner.
Be thoughtful about outside time. Windy days and places with lots of plants and trees can be the most challenging. Many weather sites and apps have local pollen counts; check them as you make your outdoor plans. Grass and weed pollen tend to peak in the morning, so save outdoor activities for evenings.
Use medication the right way. Sometimes it is difficult to avoid the allergens and you may need to use medication. Although you might think to use medication only when your child has symptoms, allergy medications work best when taken consistently and can take some time to have an effect. The medications most commonly used for allergies include antihistamines taken by mouth, nasal sprays to help stuffiness and sneezing, and eye drops to help itchy eyes. Most of these medications are available without a prescription.
If reducing exposure and over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, talk with your child’s doctor. They may recommend prescription medications such as oral, nasal, and ocular (eye) antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. If these don't help or a child has to take multiple medicines to ease symptoms, the doctor may recommend seeing an allergist. The allergist can decide whether allergy shots (immunotherapy) could help.
