What are seasonal allergies?
There are many allergens in nature that can lead to allergies. Certain plants, trees, weeds and grasses are allergens that are known to commonly trigger symptoms. These symptoms predictably return year after year during the same season and usually last for several weeks.
Similar to seasonal allergies, perennial allergies are caused by allergens that are present throughout the year, such as dust, molds, animal dander and cockroaches. Although symptoms can overlap, the exposure to the trigger that causes symptoms is not seasonal. For some perennial allergies, avoidance of the allergen (e.g., staying away from cats if you are allergic to them) is an effective way of reducing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies
Symptoms of seasonal allergies may vary from person to person and season to season.
They include:
- sneezing
- runny, blocked or itchy nose (allergic rhinitis)
- itchy throat
- itchy, red, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- cough
One person can have seasonal allergies to two or more different allergens that occur during different seasons. For instance, a grass or tree allergy may occur in the spring in certain climates and a ragweed allergy may occur in late summer. The symptoms for each allergy may overlap in one person or may differ depending on the allergen. The symptoms may be better or worse for a child if they are travelling to another city or region. Many children with seasonal allergies have more symptoms when they are outside and exposed to the allergen. Their eyes may get itchy or they may sneeze more when playing outside. The symptoms, such as a blocked or congested nose or a cough, may also persist throughout the day and night and can affect sleep.
Cause of seasonal allergies
About 10% to 15% of children can experience seasonal allergies. Since seasonal allergies only develop after previous exposure to the allergen, usually children have had several seasons of exposure before they develop symptoms. While symptoms can develop at any time in childhood or adolescence, most people with seasonal allergies develop them between the ages of 2 and 20. Seasonal allergies are more common in children with asthma, eczema and other allergies and in children whose family members also have asthma, allergies and eczema.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies may look the same as a viral respiratory infection at first, but unlike viral infections, allergies are not contagious.
Diagnosis of seasonal allergies
Usually, children with seasonal allergies can be diagnosed based on their symptoms and the season, and no further testing is required. However, in rare situations where the diagnosis is not clear, your health-care provider may refer them to an allergist.
Treatment of seasonal allergies
Treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms may differ from child to child but often include:
- Allergen avoidance: While this may be difficult to do when the weather is beautiful, some activities may cause more symptoms, such as lawn mowing and gardening. Many people with seasonal allergies find that their symptoms are worse on windy days or when pollen counts are reported to be high, and better after a rainfall.
- Non-sedating antihistamines: There are many over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamines that are available for seasonal allergies (such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine and fexofenadine), and some available only by prescription (such as rupatadine and bilastine). Most are used once or twice a day, and several are available in a children’s syrup. Children with seasonal allergies may find that one type of antihistamine works better than another. Usually, a trial of 3 to 5 days is recommended before switching to another product. Talk to your child’s health-care provider or a pharmacist if you have questions about which antihistamine to try first and about dosing or administration.
- Avoid sedating antihistamines and decongestants: Sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or cold medicines.
Other treatments that may be effective for children with seasonal allergies (along with non-sedating antihistamines) include:
- Nasal irrigation with saline nasal drops/ or spray
- Steroid nasal sprays (for allergic rhinitis)
- Antihistamine eye drops (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Combination antihistamine/steroid nasal sprays (for allergic rhinitis)
- Asthma control for children who also have asthma
When to see a health-care provider:
Your local pharmacist can help you choose a non-sedating antihistamine and advise you about dosing. If the over-the-counter medications are not relieving your child’s symptoms, your health-care provider can prescribe nasal sprays or eye drops to help manage symptoms. Children with asthma who have worsening asthma control due to seasonal allergies should review their asthma medications with their health-care provider.