By: Dr. Jennifer Bailey and Dr. Jessica Nguyen Updated 29 May 2022, 20: 45 pm EDT
Translated by Maythé Ruffino and Damaris Bernard
Imagine the following: it is spring and your child has sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat and maybe up to a rash. What’s going on?
It is probably an allergy. You may have heard of these symptoms as “hay fever.” That refers to allergies that only occur at certain times of the year. For each child, what triggers these symptoms may be different. Some of the most common causes are allergens found in the environment, such as pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. Mold is another well-known trigger. Mold is most commonly seen in moist environments. Inside the home, pet dander or pests like dust mites, cockroaches, or even mice can be to blame. In some cases, food or medicine may contain allergens.
These symptoms often appear to be a cold. Parents may have trouble telling one from the other. In general, allergies differ from colds in that they feature itchy eyes or noses, as well as itchy rashes that are usually found in the folds of the skin, such as the elbows or knees.
Allergies are also more common in children whose family members also have allergies. They can develop at any age, but may first be discovered with a change in environment, such as moving to a new home or geographic area. If not managed with strategies or medications, these symptoms can be detrimental. They can affect a child’s ability to pay attention in school, or enjoy time at home with family, or play with peers.
As a parent, there are several ways to manage allergies. The first step is to be aware of what causes them and what the symptoms are. If your child’s allergy symptoms occur outdoors, an air quality test can help you determine when your child may be most affected. An air quality test is a measure that helps understand how important certain contaminants are in outdoor air. Many weather programs include the Air Quality Index (AQI) which provides a daily assessment of the level of pollution in the air in your area. Your local Air Quality Index is also available for free at AirNow.gov. These ratings use a color scale, from green (good air quality) to red (poor air quality), and a corresponding number from 0 (good) to 150 (bad). These give you an idea of what the outside air quality is like for that day (and even for that particular hour) and a forecast for the next day. You can use this information to plan outdoor activities and determine what precautions to take.
Sometimes children can have symptoms even when the air quality forecast is the safest (less than 100). If your child goes outside on these days, ask her to take a bath or shower, wash her hair, and change her clothes when she gets home to get rid of allergens. If possible, use air conditioning instead of opening windows on windier days to help prevent allergens from entering the home.
Indoors, shake regularly , especially in the bedrooms. Wash sheets and all bedding at least every 2-3 weeks in hot water to kill dust mites. Also, if there is concern about any pest infestation, call pest control services. Your child’s pediatrician can help you by writing a recommendation if you are having difficulty getting your landlord to help.
If your child is still struggling with allergies despite following these recommendations, there are several treatments that can be followed.
- Nasal Rinses (also called nasal irrigation with water saline or neti pots) work by rinsing the inside of the nose with salt water. This can remove any dust or pollen and even loosen thick mucus. You can buy them over the counter at any pharmacy or make your own by following the instructions here.
- Antihistamines (such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Benadryl) are available without a prescription, they can help relieve itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. However, some make people feel tired and should not be given to young children. Read the medicine directions carefully and talk with your child’s doctor before trying any new medicine.
- Nasal Corticosteroids (like Flonase) are administered daily as sprays into the nose. They are very effective. They are widely used to stop persistent allergies. Its prolonged use in children is very safe. Your child’s doctor may prescribe them, although some sprays are available without a prescription. Always be sure to read the directions carefully, as some sprays should not be given to young children.
- Allergy shots
: the doctor of your child might suggest allergy shots, which are usually given weekly or monthly by an allergist to help desensitize the immune system to allergens. These vaccines may also help reduce your child’s risk of developing asthma later in life.
As always, please contact your child’s doctor if you have any concerns or for more information about allergies or the medications used to treat them.
Information sources:
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/AAP-Allergy-Tips.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages /Seasonal-Allergies-in-Children.aspx
- https://acaai.org/allergies /allergies-101/who-gets-allergies/children/
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/seasonal-allergies-in-children-the-basics?search=seasonal%20allergies&source=search_result&selectedT itle=3~148&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
https://childrensnational.org/visit/conditions-and-treatments/allergies-immunology/allergies