Spring is coming! Preparing for Seasonal Allergies in Children.
Recognizing Seasonal Allergies in Children
Do you find that your child seems to develop symptoms of sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy eyes around the same month every year? He or she may have seasonal allergies. Other names for this condition could be environmental allergies, hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Common Symptoms: Watery Eyes, Itchy Eyes, and Nasal Congestion
A child with this condition could have eyes that are watery and itchy and a runny or stuffy nose which may cause the child to rub the eyes or nose, leading to dark circles under the eyes and evidence of rubbing on and around the nose. The nose can also look swollen, irritated, and inflamed inside where the mucous membranes are seen.
What Triggers Seasonal Allergies in Children?
From the beginning of spring through fall, each child affected by seasonal allergies may have a certain time when these symptoms develop due to the types of particles he or she is allergic to, which are most commonly pollen from trees, grass, ragweed, and other weeds.
Is It a Cold or Allergies?
Seasonal allergies tend to run in families and can be confused with viral illnesses due to some overlapping symptoms. Some major differences to note are that seasonal allergies should not be associated with a fever, and generally the timing is related to exposure, both during the right time of year and if the offending agent is around such as worsening while being outside. So, if coming inside, taking a shower, or taking allergy medications helps improve the symptoms, then these are more likely to be caused by the allergens.
Managing Itchy Eyes and Other Symptoms from Seasonal Allergies
Therefore, ways to try to decrease the symptoms involve avoiding exposure to the allergens such as keeping windows closed and using air conditioning instead, using air/HEPA filters, using saline rinses, wearing wraparound sunglasses while outside, and washing hands and changing clothes when coming in from outside to avoid depositing particles inside the house and on furniture.
Medications and Allergy Treatment Options
Using antihistamines can also help to lessen the symptoms, either when symptoms start, or even preventively through the known season. You can work with your physician to figure out the correct dose and type of antihistamine to use, as there are prescription and over the counter options, as well as options for eye drops and nasal sprays if needed.
When to Consider Sublingual Immunotherapy
If despite treatment with allergen avoidance and medications the symptoms remain severe, there is the possibility of using sublingual immunotherapy. This is when a dissolvable tablet containing small doses of what the person is allergic to can be given under the tongue to increase tolerance to that allergen over time.
Helping Your Child Enjoy Allergy Season with Relief
Children may become irritable due to the discomfort from seasonal allergies and not realize that these could be related. It can help to know that although many people are used to living with the symptoms during their particular season, there are options for relief. Hopefully these tips can help you find ways for you and your child with seasonal allergies to enjoy the time of year in comfort! If this is a concern for you or your child, feel free to reach out to your physician for more advice.
