7 ways to reduce your child's seasonal allergy symptoms

Many parents look forward to springtime—especially after a long winter with kids trapped inside. But for many families, along with the sights and sounds of warmer weather come seasonal allergies, commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

There are a number of things your children may develop allergies to as they age, whether trees in the spring, grass in the summer, or ragweed in the fall. Allergic rhinitis is the most common childhood allergy, and symptoms typically stick around until the first frost. And while seasonal allergies can put a damper on the enjoyment of warm weather, the good news is there are ways to minimize the symptoms of your child’s allergies.

Signs of seasonal allergies in children

Young babies and toddlers rarely have seasonal allergies. Just like adults, they typically need several seasons of exposure to allergens before they develop allergy symptoms.

As they get older, however, typical signs and symptoms that your child might have seasonal allergies include:

• Itchiness: An itchy nose or eyes is one of the telltale signs of an allergy.
• Eye and nose rubbing: Because of itchiness, you may notice persistent eye or nose rubbing. In fact, some children with allergies who repeatedly rub their nose with their palm will develop a crease at the end of their nose—a motion called an “allergic salute.”
• Sneezing: Recurrent sneezing is typical of season allergies. While you may mistake it as the first sign of a head cold, sneezing due to allergies doesn’t subside as with a cold.
• Dark circles: Children with allergies can have dark puffy circles in the under-eye area. This is due to reduced blood flow in the tiny veins under the eye due to sinus blockage and inflammation. Sometimes these dark circles are known as “allergic shiners,” and you may even notice a crease under the eye called an “allergic pleat."

Minimizing allergy symptoms in children

While it’s not realistic to avoid every allergen during the warmer months, here are seven steps you can take to prevent and minimize your child’s allergy symptoms.

Keep your child indoors during high pollen counts

Limit outdoor activities from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. when they day’s pollen counts tend to be the highest. You can also check your forecast for local pollen levels.

Avoid doing lawn care with your child

Keeping your child indoors when you’re doing any mowing or lawn care can also help minimize their exposure to extra pollen or other allergens. If your older child suffers from seasonal allergies, it might be a good idea to get their help doing chores inside, rather than activities like weeding or mowing the lawn

Wash often

Encourage your child to wash their hands and face as soon as they come inside from spending time outside. Similarly, it’s a good idea for your child to bathe or shower before bed to remove any pollen on their body or hair.

Dry laundry in the dryer

Avoid hanging laundry items out to dry whenever possible, as pollen can coat and stick to clothing and linens. Similarly, wash your child’s bedsheets and towels regularly.

Keep windows up

Keep windows closed in your home and in the car to keep allergens outside. Check to ensure your air conditioning is on re-circulating mode to keep it as clean and filtered as possible.

Discuss medication options with your child's health-care provider

There are many safe, effective over-the-counter treatments that can significantly improve your child’s allergy symptoms. It’s important to discuss options with your child’s provider or pharmacist before administering any medicine; however, recommendations may include oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops depending on symptoms.

Consider seeing an allergist

If your child’s symptoms aren’t able to be managed by the steps above, their provider may recommend further testing to pinpoint specific allergies or refer them to an allergist if needed.

Seasonal allergies can be difficult for both you and your child, but by taking specific steps, it's possible to minimize their allergy symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, it's always advisable to contact your child’s provider.