Parenting Times chats with Dr. Stephanie Liu, the Canadian family physician and the Instagram star behind The Life of Dr. Mom (@thelifeofdrmom) about managing your child’s seasonal allergies
Ottawa Parenting Times: What are seasonal allergies and what time of year do they start?
Dr. Stephanie Liu: Seasonal allergies start in the spring due to trees and pollen and can extend into the summer and fall due to grasses and ragweed.
OPT: How common are seasonal allergies in children?
SL: Seasonal allergies are quite common in children. Nearly one in five children have seasonal allergies (CDC 2023).
OPT: How do allergies in children differ from allergies in adults? How are they similar?
SL: The symptoms of seasonal allergies in children are generally similar to those in adults and may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, sore or itchy throat and coughing. Since children may not always understand what allergies are, they sometimes put up with severe symptoms that can negatively affect their life. Seasonal allergies can also make it difficult to sleep at night which can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability.
OPT: What other symptoms should parents watch out for when identifying allergies in children?
SL: In some children with seasonal allergies, they may have swelling and darkening around their eyes or a nasal crease on their nose from repeated rubbing and pushing the tip of the nose up with the hand.
OPT: How can parents differentiate between seasonal allergies and colds that plague kids during the back-to-school season?
SL: Seasonal allergy symptoms can mimic the common cold, but with some differentiating factors. First off, duration of symptoms — seasonal allergies can last for weeks or months, while the common cold usually has a shorter duration typically less than two weeks. Seasonal allergies also tend to recur yearly around the same time each year. The onset of symptoms is also a key feature, seasonal allergy symptoms appear immediately after exposure to allergens such as pollen. Cold symptoms can often present more gradually, starting with a sore throat or stuffy nose and then progressing.
The colour of nasal discharge also differs. With seasonal allergies, nasal discharge is usually clear and watery, while the nasal discharge with a common cold can be clear or thicker and discolored. Common colds can sometimes be associated with a fever, whereas seasonal allergies are not.
Itching and sneezing are more common for seasonal allergies which are commonly associated with itchy eyes, nose or throat and bouts of sneezing.
OPT: How can parents relieve seasonal allergy symptoms in children?
SL: Check pollen counts and try to plan outdoor activities when pollen levels are lower, usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Try to avoid outdoor activities on windy days when pollen is more likely to be in the air.
Keep windows in your home and car closed to keep allergens out. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming to reduce allergens like pollen and dust in the home can also be helpful.
Have your child wash their hands and face as soon as they come in from outside to remove pollen and other allergens from their skin. Better yet, have them rinse off in the shower.
OPT: Tell us about medication and antihistamines.
SL: Nasal saline sprays can be helpful in flushing out allergens to relieve nasal congestion from seasonal allergies. Prescription nasal steroid sprays can also be helpful at reducing nasal symptoms.
Over-the-counter antihistamines, like REACTINE®, can also help. For example, REACTINE® works fast to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms for 24 hours. REACTINE® Children’s Liquid is suitable for ages two to 12. Since it’s a liquid, it’s also a good option for children who don’t like swallowing pills.
OPT: What is the importance of following the label and of proper dosage of antihistamines?
SL: Make sure you check in with your healthcare provider before starting medications. It is important to follow the label and check the dosage for safety and effectiveness. Antihistamines can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Also, antihistamines are most effective when taken at the correct dose, taking too little may provide inadequate relief of symptoms while taking too much may not offer additional benefit and increase the risk of side effects.
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