Healthy Spring: Kids and Seasonal Allergies
When allergy symptoms are triggered by the pollen in the air, the condition is referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever. Hay fever can affect the quality of life of both children and adults; often leading to sinus infections, disrupting sleep and affecting their ability to learn at school or perform at work.
Common symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis include itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat and/or eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose (congestion), runny nose, tearing eyes and dark circles under the eyes. Children that play outdoor sports during this time of year may start to experience signs of asthma due to the tree pollen in the air or develop a rash or hives. It is important to know the signs that indicate an allergic reaction may be turning into a life-threatening situation; which include difficulty breathing, wheezing, a harsh bark-like sound in the throat heard when breathing, loss of color around the lips and unconsciousness.
In most cases, over the counter allergy medication should take reduce and manage their symptoms. If your child has been experiencing the symptoms common to seasonal allergic rhinitis or other allergic reactions, and over the counter medication isn’t working, it may be time to talk to an allergist.
Jose Bardelas, MD, is a board-certified allergy and immunology specialist with the Allergy and Asthma Center of NC and member of the Cone Health Medical Group.