Sniffles and sneezes are an inevitable part of growing up.  But if your child has a lingering runny nose and cough—or both appear around the same time each year—it could be seasonal allergies.  Seasonal allergies typically happen in the spring, summer and early fall. 

Symptoms of seasonal allergies typically start to show up in children after the age of 3 and most prominently around 5 to 6 years.  If your child has been diagnosed with eczema or asthma, they’re also more likely to develop allergies.

If you suspect that your child might be among the roughly 20% of children who experience seasonal allergies each year, know that relief is possible.  There are many steps you can take to make seasonal allergies easier on your little one.

What are common signs of allergies in kids?  
Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, have the same signs in kids that they do in adults. Common symptoms of seasonal allergies in children include: 

• Itchy, stuffy or runny nose 
• Red, itchy or watery eyes 
• Itchy mouth or skin  
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Increased fatigue

Sometimes it can be tough for kids to communicate how they are feeling, so parents can also watch out for behaviors such as breathing through their mouth while sleeping.  

Why do we have allergic reactions? 
You can think of allergic reactions as your body overreacting to something it has been exposed to.  And different people may have different allergy triggers.  People with seasonal allergies react to pollen or mold in the air—and their bodies produce antibodies in response.  As a result, you get congestion and inflammatory symptoms.  These inflammatory symptoms are caused by the body’s release of different chemicals such as histamines.  Histamines cause itching, redness, swelling and secretions in the nose, eyes, skin, throat and ears. 

What are common seasonal allergy triggers?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five children report having a seasonal allergy.  

There is a chance your little one could grow out of their allergies. Outgrowing allergies may occur over time as the body develops a tolerance to the specific allergen after long periods of natural exposure.  But, if your child has severe allergies, the chances of outgrowing them drops.

The timing of allergies depends on where you live and which plants and pollens are your personal triggers. Some general guidelines: 

• Allergies from trees typically occur in springtime. 
• Allergies from grasses occur in late spring and early summer. 
• Allergies from weeds—including the common allergy trigger, ragweed, occur in late summer through early fall.

Weather can also affect your child’s allergies.  For example, pollen counts can increase after rainfall and when the wind picks up. Counts also tend to be higher in the morning and during periods of cool nights and warmer days.   

What’s the best way to treat allergies in kids? 
Preventing exposure – When it comes to seasonal allergies, one of the best treatments is prevention. That means minimizing your child’s exposure to known allergens.  Some ways to help your child avoid seasonal allergy triggers include:

• Stay indoors with the windows closed (no window fans) when pollen counts are high.
• Shower, change clothes and wash your child’s hair after being outside.
• Dry clothes inside the house (rather than outside on a line) to avoid pollen contact.
• Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 face mask if pollen counts are especially high.
• Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the bedroom.
• Clean with a vacuum that’s certified “asthma- & allergy-friendly.” 

While it’s important to be mindful of triggers, kids will be kids.  Don’t feel like you need to lock your child indoors for a whole season when they should be out playing.

Allergy testing  – Allergy testing can also help to identify specific triggers so you can be more targeted in your approach.  For instance, if your child is allergy tested and you have the specific tree or plant in your backyard, it may help to remove it. 

To get tested, make an appointment with an allergist who will typically perform an exam, asking about symptoms as well as any history of seasonal allergies in the family.  Clinical allergy testing can be performed using skin scratch tests, blood tests or elimination tests. 

What medications can kids take?
There are several kid-safe, over-the-counter allergy medications on the market.  They are typically the same treatments that are used for adults, although it’s important to read the instructions because doses may differ based on age.  Talk to your doctor to find the best medication for your child.

Seasonal over-the-counter allergy medicines for children include: 

• Topical nasal corticosteroid sprays.
• Antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin).
• Decongestants are typically only approved for short-term use.
• Sterile saline nasal sprays and rinses, while not medications, they may help relieve symptoms.

Content is for general informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care.  See your physician for medical advice personalized to your situation.  Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

~Article by Dr. Gary Grosel, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Ohio
Photo credit: Shutterstock/by pingpao