Seasonal Allergies – When It’s “That Time of Year”

The first winter we lived in Austin, Texas, I became well-acquainted with what is locally known as “Cedar fever.” Upon walking outside one morning my eyes immediately swelled up and watered profusely, my nose ran like a faucet, and I could not stop sneezing. The Cedar trees in central Texas spend the winter months releasing their pollen in clouds that look so much like smoke that it even prompts reports to the fire department at times. Those who are allergic to the Cedar pollen spend the next few months in a miserable progression of allergic response. 

Seasonal allergies affect many people, but while the Spring season is usually equated with large pollen counts – it is, after all, when the grasses, trees, and flowers typically bloom – allergies can actually occur during any season of the year. 

Allergies often start during childhood, but can develop at any age. An allergy of any kind is a reaction of the body to a particular substance that triggers the immune system to see a harmless particle as an attacking one. 

Signs of seasonal allergies

Generally, the symptoms of seasonal allergies in a particular individual occur at the same time each year – thus the “seasonal” description. In the warmer months these are typically outdoor, or aeroallergens, such as tree and plant pollens. In the colder months, indoor allergens become more of a problem, including dust mites, mold, and animal dander. 

These symptoms include

• Sneezing
• Clear runny nose and congestion
• Itchy eyes, throat, and/or nose
• Throat clearing
• Watery eyes
• Skin rashes – particularly in children with underlying eczema.

One of the most important symptoms to distinguish seasonal allergies from a common cold is itchiness. While this is usually present with allergies, it is never present with a cold virus. If you are having difficulty determining if your child is suffering from allergies or a cold virus, please see the Pediatrician for evaluation and recommendations for how best to care for your child. 

Treatment of seasonal allergies

Controlling allergic symptoms is accomplished through both environmental management and medications. 

Environmental control: use air filters to remove aeroallergens, clear piles of leaves to prevent mold exposure, wash bedding and stuffed animals frequently. You many need to purchase pillow and mattress covers if your child has a significant dust mite allergy. 

Medication management: this usually starts with over the counter antihistamines to help block the allergy response. However, if seasonal allergies are more significant your child’s Pediatrician may prescribe eye drops, nasal sprays, or other stronger oral allergy medications to help control symptoms. 

If your child’s allergy symptoms are particularly severe and requiring multiple medications, or they are present year-round, it will likely be helpful to be seen by an pediatric allergy specialist. Some children benefit from immunotherapy, or “allergy shots” to slowly decrease the sensitivity to particular allergen(s). Keep in mind, these are not generally recommended under age five. (For more about Immunotherapy, please see this article by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy)

A note on Asthma

There is a well-known correlation between allergies and asthma (about 80% of children with asthma also have seasonal allergies). Often, children will have more frequent flare ups of their asthma symptoms during allergy seasons. It is an important part of asthma prevention, therefore, to identify seasonal allergy symptoms and treat them as early as possible. 

Final thoughts

Like many illnesses, seasonal allergies can range from a mildly annoying runny nose to a severe reaction that causes absences from school and work and interventions with several different medications. There are many avenues of treatment and it is important to work with your child’s Pediatrician and Allergist (if needed) to determine the proper course. Allergies are common but they do not have to be debilitating if taken care of appropriately. 

This post was originally published in April 2022.

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