Somerset Pediatrics
Seasonal Allergies in Children
What is an allergy?
Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to substances called “allergens”, which trigger
the immune system to react to harmless substances as though they were attacking the
body.
Common seasonal allergies are tree pollen in Spring, grass in Summer, and weeds in Fall.
What symptoms are from allergies?
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An itchy, runny nose with thin, clear nasal discharge and/or a stuffy nose.

Itchy, water eyes. Eyes are often red. Eyelid puffiness is common. Sometimes the
white of the eye is swollen. One or both eyes may have symptoms.

Repeated sneezing and itching of the nose, eyes, or skin that last for weeks or
months.

Fever is not present unless a secondary infection is present.

Often seasonal (for example, Spring, Summer, Fall before frost).
The hallmark of allergies is itchiness. Itchiness of the eyes, nose, and throat are common.
Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold.
Do allergies mean asthma is also present?
Although allergies and asthma often go together, they are actually two different
conditions. In simple terms, asthma is a chronic condition that starts in the lungs.
Allergies are reactions that start in the immune system. Not everybody with allergies has
asthma, but most people with asthma have allergies.
Do allergies run in families?
If one parent has allergies, there is a 30-40% chance that his or her child will have
allergies. The risk increases to over 60% if both parents are allergic.
What are allergy shots?
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may be recommended for a small percent of
patients. These shots contain small amounts of the substances to which your child is
allergic. This allows your child’s body to become less sensitive to these substances.
Allergy Treatment:
Nasal Sprays – prescription
Decrease mucus production of the nose. Need to be used daily to work effectively. They
act directly on the nose and only a very small amount is absorbed to the rest of the body.
Antihistamines – OTC (over the counter)
Most antihistamines are non prescription. Most are long-acting and given once daily at
bedtime. Long- acting antihistamines take several hours to “kick in”. If taken at bedtime,
they will be peaking during the daytime when children are outside. Drowsiness is not
common with long-acting antihistamines [i.e. Claritan (loratidine), Zyrtec (cetirizine)].
Short-acting antihistamines (i.e. Benadryl) often have drowsiness as a side effect.
Generic antihistamines are fine to purchase.
Eye drops (prescription and OTC)
Eye drops work best when used daily because most eye drops have two components – a
rapid acting antihistamine and a controller medication to prevent the allergic eye reaction.
Keeping eye drops in the refrigerator will decrease the burning sensation that sometimes
occurs when the drops are used.
Singulair (Montelukast) – prescription
Sometimes used in addition to the above treatments. Pill taken at bedtime.
What additional things can I do for my child?
Identifying and avoiding the things your child is allergic to is best. If your child has an
allergic condition, try the following:

Keep windows closed during the pollen season, especially on dry, windy days when
pollen counts are highest

Shampoo and shower before going to bed. Don’t take pollen to bed!

Cool compresses to puffy eyes as needed.

Remember medication controls allergies best when taken daily.