By Dr. Michelle Kirshenbaum, MD, Town Center Pediatrics
As the seasons change, it’s important to know how your child’s health may be affected. Up to 40% of children experience seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Seasonal allergies can be caused by trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds releasing pollen particles in the air, but can also be triggered by mold.
There are a few different ways you can help your child manage seasonal allergies. The America Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting your child’s exposure to allergens to help reduce symptoms. Additionally, your pediatrician may recommend using over-the-counter allergy medicine.
Know the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold
Allergy symptoms can include a runny, itchy, or stuffy nose; sneezing; headaches; and fatigue. Seasonal allergies usually mimic cold-like symptoms (but no fever) occurring around the same time each year and lasting longer than a few days. Allergies are not contagious, but multiple family members may be affected.
Check Local Pollen Counts and Allergen Forecast
Check the forecast to find out when pollen counts will be at the highest and try to keep your child inside during those times.
Tree, grass, and ragweed pollen counts may have different levels depending on time of day and season. Levels of tree and flower pollens are highest in the spring, while grass pollen begins at the end of spring and increases in the summer. Ragweed pollen and mold are most common in late summer and into the fall.
On windy days or when grass is being mowed, limit outdoor activities. Be mindful of where your child plays – tall grass is likely to emit pollen and piles of dead leaves may contain mold.
Talk to Your Child’s Teacher, School Nurse
Allergens in the classroom can have a significant impact on your child’s health. Talk to your child’s teacher, school nurse, or administrators about your child’s allergies and the best ways to manage them.
Plants or mold in classrooms, open windows, and lack of air filtration may contribute to levels of environmental allergens.
Keep Pollen Outside
Have your child wash their hands and face or even take a shower or bath after playing outside. Outerwear may need to be washed more frequently. Take off your shoes when you enter your home to avoid tracking pollen inside. Wiping down your pets when they come inside may also help, as pets can track pollen and mold inside.
Avoid line-drying clothes outside where pollen dust can collect. Hang clothes inside or put them in the dryer.
Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to keep the air clean inside your home or car. Wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to replace the HVAC filters in your home.
If your child is allergic to dust or has other indoor allergies, make sure these are under control before seasonal allergies begin.
If Symptoms Persist, Consult Your Child’s Pediatrician
Your pediatrician may refer you to an allergy specialist or discuss over-the-counter treatments, such as antihistamines, nose sprays, or eye drops. Allergy testing may help determine the cause of your child’s allergies.
If your child has asthma, consult with your pediatrician or allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist before allergy season begins. Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms.
