As the seasons change, many families eagerly anticipate more time outdoors, blooming flowers, and warmer weather. However, for children with seasonal allergies, this time of year can bring a different set of challenges. Pediatric seasonal allergies—commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis—affect millions of children and can significantly impact their daily activities, school performance, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs early, understanding the triggers, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies can make a world of difference. In this article, we’ll explore what parents need to know to help their children thrive during allergy season and have included a handy printable guide to keep on the fridge.
Prevention Strategies
While you can’t completely eliminate exposure to pollen and other allergens, you can significantly reduce your child’s risk of severe symptoms with a few proactive steps:
- Monitor Pollen Levels: Check daily pollen forecasts, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, typically early morning and windy days.
- Create a “Clean Zone” at Home:
– Keep windows closed during high pollen days and use air conditioning
– Install HEPA filters in your home and change them regularly.
- Manage Outdoor Play Smartly: After time outside, especially during high pollen times:
- Change clothes when coming back inside
- Wash hands, face, and exposed skin
- Use preservative-free artificial tears or saline drops to rinse eyes.
- Avoid bringing outdoor shoes into bedrooms.
- Protect During Sleep
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Consider using allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
- Avoid Other Irritants: Exposure to tobacco smoke, strong odors, and pollution can worsen allergic symptoms. A smoke-free, clean-air environment is important for children with allergies.
Treatment Strategies
- Antihistamines (oral): Help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Non-drowsy options for kids: cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra).
- Nasal Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages—most effective for long-term relief.
- Examples: fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex)—safe for kids when used as directed.
- Saline Nasal Sprays or Irrigation: Helps flush out allergens and moisturize nasal passages. These are great for mild symptoms or as a supplement to medication.
- Eye Drops: For itchy or watery eyes, antihistamine eye drops can be helpful.
- Pataday or Zaditor can provide relief for itchy, watery or red eyes.
- Allergy Immunotherapy
- Allergy shots (SCIT) or under-the-tongue tablets (SLIT) for long-term relief if symptoms are severe or medications don’t help.
- Usually considered for older children (typically 5 years+).
Here’s a printable daily checklist and routine to help kids (and parents) manage seasonal allergies effectively. Please feel free to reach out to your pediatrician if you need help managing your child’s allergy symptoms.
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Jackie Phillips, MD, April, 2025
Take the first step towards improving your child’s health with pediatric integrative medicine. Call The Village Doctor at (650) 851-4747 or Contact us to learn more about the practice.
