Seasonal allergies tend to kick up when certain trees, grasses and weeds are in flower. Since seasonal allergies run in my family, every sniff and sniffle when my son was young had me wondering if he was going to be the next one to suffer. I somehow escaped hay fever, but he did not. It was clear by his third birthday that seasonal allergies were going to be a part of his life.
Genetics do play a big role in who develops seasonal allergies. These individuals develop a hyper-alert immune system that is continually on the lookout for substances that are foreign to the body. Hay fever, pollen and mold spores are treated as a danger and their body reacts by releasing histamine. This reaction causes the nose and airways to inflame creating an undeniably miserable child.
7 signs your child has seasonal allergies
1. Chronic congestion. A runny nose is a big clue that your child may be suffering from seasonal allergies. If allergies are the cause, the drainage will be clear and almost constant.
2. Itchy, watery eyes. Red eyes that your child cannot take their hands away from are another sign. Watery eyes that have to be wiped and rubbed often are no fun.
3. Scratchy throat. Your child will let you know if their throat hurts by not wanting to talk or simply crying.
4. Itchy ears. I had never heard of this symptom before, but my son’s ears cause him much grief throughout hay fever season.
5. No fever. If your child has the above symptoms and is not running a fever, their body is simply fighting off foreign substances like pollen.
6. Feels better in air conditioning. As miserable as my preschooler was when playing outside, he would suddenly perk up on a long air conditioned drive, or trip to the ice cold indoor playground. Getting away from the offending substances was a nice break as well as a sign that seasonal allergies had a grip on him.
7. Symptoms kick up the same time each year. This is an indicator that you are dealing with hay fever and not something related to a chronic allergy. Generally the bulk of your child’s seasonal allergy symptoms will last for four to ten weeks. It may take looking back on the past year to realize your child has allergies.
If you suspect your child is developing seasonal allergies contact your physician. This is not something they will be able to shake off. It can quickly interfere with concentration and the quality of their sleep so the quicker you find treatment, the better. Your child’s doctor can order allergy testing to help identify the exact cause of symptoms. This knowledge will help in both treatment and in better knowing what to avoid in the future.
