How to Determine if Your Child has Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in children give your little ones cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, itchy throat and watery eyes. If your child gets these symptoms every year, it means they are exposed to allergens that you didn't see coming. As seasons change, you need to be prepared to protect your child from seasonal allergies to keep them healthy as much as possible.

For many children, allergies are simply a way of life. Usually, allergies occur in kids beginning at the age 2 years and older.

Physicians don’t know why some children suffer reactions when exposed to allergens such as pollen, ragweed and mold that can cause allergic symptoms, while others experience no problems at all.

Sometimes parents aren’t sure if their child has a cold or allergies. Some say you can tell by looking at the mucus. That’s not really the case. The only way to tell for sure is by seeing your pediatrician. But if your child develops cold-like symptoms at the same time every year (now for instance), he or she probably suffers from seasonal allergies.

Symptoms of allergies

Signs are oftentimes similar to a cold:

• sneezing
• itchy nose and/or throat
• nasal congestion
• clear, runny nose and
• coughing

The symptoms run its course over a matter of days. With an allergy, the symptoms last as long as the child is exposed to allergens. Parents should be especially careful that their child doesn’t develop wheezing and/or shortness of breath. That may mean your child’s allergies have progressed into asthma.

It’s possible to relieve allergy symptoms by eliminating or reducing a child’s exposure to allergens. A key, as you hear so often with colds and flu, is for your child to wash his or her hands often. Also, children should change clothing and shower after playing outside.

Educating your child early about what causes allergic reactions and allergy symptoms is a crucial step in helping your child reduce or prevent allergic reactions.

Treatments for seasonal allergies

Sometimes no matter how much you try to prevent allergy symptoms in your child, they still occur. Fortunately, various treatments are available to help your child when an allergic reaction happens, including:

Over-the-counter medications. Some decongestants, antihistamines and nasal sprays can be purchased without a prescription. But even if you are thinking about picking up something from the drug store, please do not do so without contacting your pediatrician.

Prescription medications. Those with more severe allergies might need stronger versions of over-the-counter medications prescribed by their pediatrician.

Immunotherapy. Also known as allergy shots, these injections of allergens into the body help patients build tolerance to help relieve symptoms.

Pediatrician in Abu Dhabi

Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre will help you protect your child from seasonal allergies. Talk to our pediatrician in Abu Dhabi to learn the best treatment options that will keep allergies at bay.