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Recognize allergic symptoms in kids
As soon as you notice your child is suffering allergic symptoms, see a pediatrician or allergist to get a diagnosis. Look out for these common symptoms of outdoor seasonal allergies:2
Sneezing
Itchy nose and/or throat
Nasal congestion+
Coughing+
Itchy, watery, and/or red eyes+
You may see multiple symptoms or just one. In any case, the sooner you seek medical guidance, the sooner you can get your child on the path to relief.
Get to know what triggers your child’s allergies
The most common trigger of outdoor allergies in kids2 is pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Many allergens produce similar symptoms and will benefit from the same efforts at relieving them.
You can help minimize symptoms
Here are tips to alleviate seasonal allergies:
Limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m.–3 p.m. when pollen counts are highest3
Have children wash their hands immediately upon returning inside2
Teach children to avoid rubbing their eyes, which can worsen symptoms
Schedule showers or baths as soon as possible after they come inside to wash off any potential remaining allergens on their skin or hair3
Make sure they only wear outdoor clothes once before washing them3
Dry clothes in the dryer, instead of hanging them outside among allergens3
Be aware of your child’s exposure to allergens at school
Learn more about managing your child's allergy symptoms.
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Editors. Allergies and Hay Fever, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), 2018
2. Jordan C. Smallwood, MD, Reviewer. Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever), KidsHealth (kidshealth.org), October 2016
3. Andrew Moore, MD, Reviewed. Outdoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org), September 28, 2020
Recommended Reading
Adult Outdoor Allergies Triggers, Symptoms, and Relief
Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, affects 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children.
The most common outdoor allergy trigger is pollen, a powdery substance released for fertilization by trees, grass, and weeds.
In early spring, tree pollen gets blown around. In late spring and early summer, it’s grass pollen. And in late summer/early fall, it’s weed pollen. But that all depends on your location, climate, and the local greenscape. In temperate climates, pollination can happen year-round.
Adult Indoor Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens. An allergen is any substance which produces an allergic reaction. Millions of people suffer year-round because of indoor allergens.
The most common sources of indoor allergies are dust mites, fungi (mold), mammals (both your pets and invasive rodents), and cockroaches.
So basically, the cleaner your home, the stronger your defense against indoor allergies.
Respiratory problems caused by sandstorm
Though severe sandstorms are rare, milder sandstorms often accompany seasonal weather changes. Aside from sand, these storms carry with them dust, bacteria, fungi and viruses, all which can have an impact on your health.
The most vulnerable to the effects of sandstorms are often the elderly, children, allergy sufferers, particularly those with allergic rhinitis, people with respiratory conditions like asthma, and those with weakened immune systems.
Helping Children with Indoor Allergies
For kids dealing with indoor allergies, home can mean an extravaganza of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s because allergic triggers can be tucked into just about every nook and cranny. No exaggeration: the kitchen, bathroom, closets, beds, pets, and even toys can all be sources of allergens.