Spring Has Sprung and Here Comes the Sneezing!

The sun is out, the trees and flowers are blooming, and your child is sneezing! The signs of Spring are all around us!

If your child develops a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, or frequent sneezing around the same time each year, seasonal allergies may be the culprit. Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are one of the most common allergic conditions in children. In the United States, about 1 in 5 children had diagnosed seasonal allergies in 2024.

Seasonal allergies happen when a child’s immune system overreacts to environmental triggers such as tree, grass, or weed pollen, and sometimes outdoor molds. Common symptoms include sneezing, a clear runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and frequent throat clearing or sniffling.

One reason seasonal allergies can be tricky is that they often masquerade as “just another cold.” A cold usually improves within 1 to 2 weeks, while allergies tend to linger through the pollen season and often come with more itching and less fever.

Some children with allergies also have related conditions such as eczema or asthma. This overlap is sometimes referred to as the “allergic march,” and it is one reason persistent allergy symptoms are worth discussing with your pediatrician.

The good news is that there are several ways families can help reduce symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping windows closed during pollen season, especially on dry and windy days, and using air conditioning when possible to reduce pollen exposure indoors and in the car. It can also help for children to wash up, change clothes, and shower after spending time outside, especially before bedtime.

When symptoms are more persistent, medications can help. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Claritin may improve itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Nasal corticosteroid sprays (ie Flonase) are often among the most effective treatments for ongoing allergy symptoms and usually work best when used consistently. Families should check with their child’s pediatrician before starting over-the-counter allergy medicines, especially in younger children.

You should contact your pediatrician if your child’s allergy symptoms are affecting sleep, school, sports, or daily activities, or if symptoms seem to overlap with asthma, recurrent sinus problems, or frequent ear issues. With the right plan, most children can breathe easier and enjoy the season a lot more.

Need help managing your child’s seasonal allergies?
Make an appointment today to see your provider to help diagnose and treat your child’s allergy symptoms today!