Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis —often called seasonal allergies—is caused by your child’s immune system reacting to particles in the environment such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander. These allergens can irritate the lining of the nose and eyes.
Common Symptoms
Children with allergies may experience:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
- Red or watery eyes
- Headache or tiredness
If you think your child has seasonal allergies and symptoms do not improve with simple home treatments, your child should be evaluated by their pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Managing Allergy Symptoms
Avoiding Triggers (Allergen Avoidance)
Reducing your child’s exposure to allergens is the first and most important step. Because children spend many hours sleeping, focusing on the bedroom can be especially helpful.
Pollen
- Keep bedroom and car windows closed during pollen season.
- Remove coats, hats, and shoes before entering the bedroom.
- Keep pets that go outdoors out of your child’s bedroom.
- Washing your child’s hair or giving them a bath/shower before bedtime can help remove pollen picked up during the day that remains on their hair and skin
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They thrive in humid environments. They are a common cause of environmental allergies.
To reduce exposure:
- Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs, and pillows.
- Wash bedding, stuffed animals, and area rugs weekly in hot water (over 130°F).
- Remove carpets, heavy drapes, and upholstered furniture from the bedroom
- Use synthetic pillows instead of feather or down pillows.
- Avoid wool blankets.
Mold
Mold grows in damp areas.
- Use bleach-based cleaners in bathrooms, basements, and other humid spaces if the room can be properly ventilated
- Reduce indoor humidity when possible (portable dehumidifiers help!)
Pets
If your child is allergic to animals:
- Keep pets out of the child’s bedroom.
- Bathe pets weekly to reduce allergens.
- Speak with your pediatrician about whether referral to an allergist for allergy shots may be appropriate for them
Medications
Allergy medications can help relieve many environmental allergy symptoms. These medicines work best when taken daily during allergy season, rather than only when symptoms appear. Some medications take several days to reach full effect.
Oral Antihistamines
Non-drowsy antihistamines are often the first choice for treating seasonal allergies. These are available over the counter and include:
- Zyrtec® (cetirizine)
- Claritin® (loratadine)
- Allegra® (fexofenadine)
- Xyzal® (levocetirizine)
Zyrtec® (Cetirizine) is recommended as the first-line option in children. Please see the HPG website on dosing for recommendations for your child.
Eye Drops
For itchy, watery, or red eyes, Zaditor® (ketotifen) eye drops are very effective and available without a prescription. Please note that this is only approved for age 3 or older.
Nasal Sprays
Steroid nasal sprays often work better than oral medications for nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Examples include Flonase® (fluticasone) and Nasacort®.
- These are available over the counter.
- If oral antihistamines are not providing enough relief, adding a nasal spray is often helpful.
When to See an Allergist
If your child’s symptoms do not improve with environmental changes and medications, your pediatrician may refer your child to an allergist. An allergist may perform skin testing to identify specific triggers and, in some cases, recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Allergy testing and shots are usually considered only when other treatments have not been effective, which is uncommon.
Take-Away
With the right combination of allergen avoidance and medication, most children experience significant relief from allergy symptoms and are able to participate fully in school, sports, and daily activities.
