Seasonal allergies

Its that time again, folks! School is starting, and with it comes the good things about Fall. But for some unlucky kids, it is also a time when we start to see those those pesky seasonal allergies again.

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Here is everything you need to know to handle environmental allergies like a pro! Also be sure to check out the NEW free download in the guides section that lists 10 things you can do for allergies that aren’t medication.

Why do allergies happen?

Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to triggers. Antibodies called Immunoglobulin E cause mast cells to release histamine, which then triggers symptoms.

Some children are predisposed to allergies. They tend to run in “atopic” families (which means families with asthma and eczema as well as allergies). But it is possible to develop allergies even without a known family history.

Allergy symptoms

Symptoms vary by person and can change over time. These are the most common:

• Nasal congestion/runny nose

  • Allergic rhinitis is the term physicians often use to describe this symptom.

• Sneezing

• Headaches & sinus pressure

• Sore or itchy throat (often worst in the morning)

• Rashes including worsening eczema

• Itchy, watery, puffy or red eyes

  • Allergic shiners are the darker puffy areas that some children develop around their eyes

• Cough or wheezing

• Fatigue (which may be related to the fact that these symptoms often interfere with restful sleep).

What causes allergies?

It is theoretically possible to be allergic to anything. The body produces IgE antibodies in response to a trigger, which activates mast cells and histamine release. The most common causes of environmental allergies in children include:

• dustmites

• mold

• pollen (trees, weeds, grasses)

  • Ragweed allergies often flare up in the late summer and early fall.

• pets

• cockroaches

The most common times of year to develop allergy symptoms are spring and fall.

Treatment:

Most allergy medications are available over the counter, and when used consistently, they can be very effective. I find that parents often dismiss allergy symptoms as not a big deal, and avoid treating them, but the truth is that these symptoms can have a tremendous impact on quality of life. But there are many options, so this warrants an entire post of its own. Click here to read it!

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: It can take up to 2 weeks of consistent use to see the full effect from some of these preventive/controller allergy medications.

Things to avoid:

We do not recommend nasal decongestants, cough suppressants or expectorants in kids (eg afrin, sudafed, dimetapp, mucinex).

These medications can cause side effects including drowsiness, upset stomach, seizures, increased heart rate, & even death.  Some cause worse rebound symptoms (such as Afrin) if used for more than a few days. None have really been shown to be all that helpful in kids.

What can I do apart from medications?

The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to minimize exposure to the triggers. Check out the free download in the guide section for a list of practical ways to do this!

When to consult the allergist

This is not a comprehensive list. In general, always err on the side of calling your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child. There is a lot to be said for a parent’s gut instinct, and I promise: your pediatrician would rather you called!

In most cases, a general pediatrician can handle standard allergy symptoms. We bring in allergists in unusual circumstances, when routine interventions are not working, or when allergies are so severe that they are disrupting day to day life. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be helpful in these situations.

FAQs

Can infants get seasonal or environmental allergies?

Environmental allergies are a result of exposures within the environment, so it is rare for young infants under age 1 to develop them. However, it is not impossible.

Dust mites, pets, and mold are more likely than pollen to trigger allergies in babies. This is because they are more likely to have sustained exposure to these indoor allergens.

Infants do often have rhinitis (or nasal congestion) for other reasons, but it is not necessarily allergic rhinitis. However, it can be hard to tell, so infants are often mis-diagnosed as having environmental allergies.

Do you recommend Benadryl for allergies?

Although this medication is often used, it is not a favorite. As a first-generation antihistamine, Diphenhydramine is known to have a shorter duration of action and to cause more side effects because it more easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. The newer antihistamines are equally (or more) effective, longer-lasting, and better tolerated.

I’ve heard raw local honey can be helpful. Is this true?

Actually, the evidence does not support this. There are only a few studies so far have addressed this question in an objective way, but the sample sizes are very small with mixed results.

Additionally, pollen in honey is usually from flowering plants, which are not common causes of allergies. While some tree pollen may get into the honey itself, the amounts are likely so variable and miniscule that exposure is unlikely to make any difference to the immune system.

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Seasonal allergies can be disruptive and frustrating, but the medications are often quite effective. The key is consistency and starting them early in the season.

I hope this post gives you a better understanding of environemtna allergies, as well as some actionable tips to help keep those allergy symptoms at bay!