Allergies feel like the cold, and can include headaches, runny noses, fatigue and other symptoms that can get in the way of school, fun and family time.

IDENTIFY: Knowing what your child is allergic to can be an important step in finding the right treatment. Allergy testing may be performed to determine whether your child is allergic to any environmental allergens.

AVOIDANCE: An important step in managing allergy symptoms is avoidance of the allergens that trigger the symptoms.  Nasal allergy symptoms can be caused by a variety of environmental allergens including indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets, and pests as well as outdoor allergens such as pollens. Molds, which can be found indoors and outdoors, can also trigger nasal allergy symptoms.  

RECOMMENDATIONS: If your child is allergic to outdoor allergens, it can be helpful to use air conditioners when possible.

Showering or bathing at the end of the day to remove allergens from body surfaces and hair can also be helpful.

For patients with grass pollen allergy, remaining indoors when grass is mowed and avoiding playing in fields of tall grass may be helpful during grass pollen season.

Children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall. Pets tracking in and out of the house can also bring pollen and mold indoors.

TREATMENT: If allergen avoidance and medications are not successful, allergy shots for treatment of respiratory allergies to pollens, dust mites, cat and dog dander, and molds can help decrease the need for daily medication.

If you have concern that your child may be suffering from allergy type symptoms, please reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and to develop a plan of care for your child.

“Allergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know, by the American Academy of Pediatrics. “