Spring in Connecticut brings sunshine, warmth, and a chance to finally enjoy some fresh air.
However, at New Canaan Pediatrics, we know those seasonal changes also change the composition of the air we breathe. As plants bloom into life, the air fills up with allergens like tree and plant pollen and molds. As we open our doors and windows after a long winter, dust and other particles freshly circulate in our environment. Those contaminants cause allergic reactions in more than 25% of children.
Your New Canaan Pediatrics provider defines seasonal allergies as “allergic rhinitis,” when the immune system produces histamines as a response to an unrecognized chemical or allergen. The reaction might cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, a runny nose, and coughing or wheezing.
Many of these symptoms are also common in children with colds. You can distinguish seasonal allergies from a cold by watching for fevers—typical of colds but uncommon in allergies—and monitoring nasal discharge, which is typically clear for seasonal allergy sufferers and opaque in colds. In very young children who can’t verbalize their symptoms, you might notice swollen eyes and nose rubbing when suffering from allergies.
Your New Canaan Pediatrics provider also distinguishes seasonal allergy cases by severity. Children who experience allergy symptoms that can be easily managed are considered to have mild seasonal allergies. Moderate allergies are more disruptive for the child and require more consistent and varied treatments. In the most severe cases, symptoms are regularly present and require medical management to improve quality of life. Not surprisingly, the strategy for treating seasonal allergies in children depends on the severity of the allergy.
The first recommendation is to identify and limit or eliminate allergens. Dust, dust mites, pet hair, and pest waste account for a significant number of allergic rhinitis cases, so a thorough cleaning can sometimes make a big difference. Wash pillows, vacuum sofas, carpets and upholstered furniture, and clean window treatments. In addition to cleaning allergens out, experts recommend doing all you can to keep allergens away from your child. Keep windows closed during seasonal changes or on windy and sunny days. Use air conditioners or purifiers to clean the air in your home, and change filters regularly. Keep your child indoors on pollen alert days, and make sure they take a shower and wash their hair immediately after coming in from playing outside. Wash all clothes and jackets worn outdoors. Change sheets and pillowcase often.
In cases where avoiding the allergen is impractical or where avoidance is unsuccessful, over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief of symptoms. Discuss any OTC medication options with your New Canaan Pediatrics provider, particularly when you are considering allergy medications. Side effects can include drowsiness, excitability, constipation, low blood pressure, dizziness or vomiting, so talk to your pediatrician to ensure you’re giving your child the correct dosage of the most appropriate medication for their overall health, height, weight and age.
For moderate cases, we may pair antihistamines with steroidal nasal sprays. In severe cases, your New Canaan Pediatrics provider may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist to discuss immunotherapy if allergies are significantly disrupting your child’s life. This therapy can be administered as injections or as oral tablets.
Don’t wait until your child is simply miserable to make an appointment with us. If your child experienced allergies last season, if you suspected they did, or if you notice early signs this spring, call us immediately for an evaluation. The sooner we can implement allergen avoidance tactics and begin any necessary medications, the better your child will feel throughout the season.