How to Manage Your Child’s Seasonal Allergies

Spring flowers bring pollen, and pollen means seasonal allergies! Around 1 in 5 Australian children have seasonal allergies, and this number is likely to grow as climate change brings about longer pollen seasons. Spring will be in full swing soon enough, and if your child suffers from allergies, you’ll want to be prepared to help them. In this blog, we unpack everything there is to know about seasonal allergies. We also provide handy tips to control allergy symptoms so you and your child can enjoy the warmer weather without worrying about a runny nose!

 

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also called “hay fever” or “allergic rhinitis”, refers to the body’s allergic response to allergens. People are more likely to experience allergy symptoms during certain times of the year, especially as the weather gets warmer. This is when trees, grasses, and flowers release pollen to fertilise other plants. 

If your child gets persistent cold-like symptoms with the changing seasons, they are most likely reacting to pollen. Their immune system sees pollen particles as invaders, and releases chemicals to defend against them. It is the release of these chemicals that causes allergy symptoms.

Children can develop hay fever allergies at any time, even if they have never had them before. It can start at almost any age, although allergy symptoms do not usually appear before a child is two years old. Most people with seasonal allergies develop them by age twenty.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

If your child has chronic cold-like symptoms that develop at the same time every year, they may have seasonal allergies. Common symptoms can include:

• Sneezing.
• Red and itchy eyes, nose and throat.
• Nasal congestion.
• Clear, runny nose.
• Postnasal drip.

These symptoms often come on suddenly and last for as long as your child is exposed to the allergen. Children who experience coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, in addition to allergy symptoms above, may have allergies that trigger asthma.

 

 

Tips for managing your child’s seasonal allergies

Reduce the spread of allergens indoors: To reduce the amount of allergens in your home, keep your windows closed, have your child change into fresh clothes after being outdoors, and clean your home more frequently. You should also encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, especially after playing outside.

Keep your child’s bedroom clean: Keeping your child’s bedroom clean can reduce the amount of irritating allergens in the air, like dust, which can worsen allergies.

Use a humidifier: Humidifiers can help alleviate allergy symptoms by maintaining an optimal humidity level. This can make your child more comfortable indoors by reducing sinus inflammation and soothing irritation. Humidifiers can also filter common allergens, such as dust and pollen, from the air.

Have allergy medication on standby: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops are the best medications to treat seasonal allergies. These medications can provide quick hay fever relief and alleviate any symptoms.

Monitor pollen counts in your area: A pollen count measures the amount of pollen in the air. It can be useful when planning your activities and can help minimise your child’s seasonal allergies. When pollen counts are high, consider going to the movies instead of the park! To learn how to view the current pollen count in your area, click here.

Find the best time to play outside: The amount of pollen in the air usually rises in the morning and peaks by midday or early afternoon. This is often the time of day when allergies are at their worst, so it might be wise to stay indoors during these times. The best time to go outside is after rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. However, you might want to avoid playing outside on dry and windy days.

Avoid strong fragrances: Hay fever can be triggered or made worse by strong fragrances, such as perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, and scented candles. Avoid using strong fragrances around your child to keep seasonal allergy symptoms at bay.

Clean your air conditioning filters regularly: Regularly cleaning your air conditioning filters can help improve the air quality in your home. Clean filters ensure a good flow of fresh air throughout your home without any allergens.

Think about your pets: Your dog or cat may pick up pollen on its fur. This can be carried into your home and trigger seasonal allergies. Consider wiping their fur after walking outside, bathing them more frequently, and keeping them out of your child’s bedroom.

Send your child to childcare prepared: Talk to your child’s educator about their allergies so they can keep an eye on them and help them if necessary. If your child takes any medications for their seasonal allergies, ensure your centre has some. It’s also a good idea to give your child their own packet of pocket tissues to carry around with them.

If you follow these tips, chances are your child will feel more comfortable and confident during changing seasons. When children feel better, parents do, too!

 

When to get help

If untreated, hay fever can lead to complications like chronic ear infections, asthma attacks, or eczema flare-ups. If you’re struggling to control your child’s allergy symptoms and the tips above don’t seem to be helping, it’s time to get professional help. 

Booking an appointment with your local GP is a great start. Sometimes, all you need to do is change to a different medication or dose or use it a bit differently. Your GP can also prescribe stronger allergy medications or give your child a referral for an allergy test. Allergy testing can determine the exact cause of your child’s hay fever and provide specific management strategies to control symptoms.

Dealing with your child’s seasonal allergies can be challenging at times. To get them under control, there are a number of strategies you can implement to keep them at bay. From reducing the amount of allergens indoors to monitoring pollen counts, these proactive steps can help your child enjoy the warmer weather without any discomfort. To learn more, reach out to us on 02 9891 2222 or via email at mail@reggioemilia.com.au.