Seasonal allergies: All the things you need to know

Seasonal allergies are also known as “hay fever” and “seasonal allergic rhinitis”, are symptoms of allergic reactions that can occur at certain times of the year.

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Acne? These symptoms usually occur when outdoor molds (trees shrubs and grasses), release their spores.

People allergic to mold spores or pollen react to these particles (called allergens), as though they are invaders, and release chemicals such as histamine into their bloodstream to fight them. Allergy symptoms are caused by the release of these chemicals.

A child can get seasonal allergies even if they have never been affected. Although seasonal allergies can develop at any age, they are most common in people over the age of 10. They are most noticeable in the second decade of life. Most allergic symptoms disappear by the time they reach adulthood.

Signs and symptoms

A seasonal allergy is when your child gets a “cold” each year. The following symptoms can be caused by allergies:

• Sneezing
• Itchy throat and/or nose
• nasal congestion
• watery nasal discharge
• Cough

Itchy eyes, watery eyes, and/or red eyes are common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Your child may also experience wheezing and a choking sensation.

Diagnosis

It is easy to spot seasonal allergies because they are exposed to seasonal allergens.

If you suspect your child may have an allergy, talk to your pediatrician. The pediatrician will ask questions about your child’s symptoms, and when they occur. Based on this information and the child’s physical exam, he will be able to diagnose the allergy. The pediatrician might refer the child to an allergist who will likely order a skin test and a blood test to confirm the allergy.

Allergists will often order skin tests to determine the source of the allergy.

A child must show symptoms if a skin or blood test is positive for allergy. A child who is allergic to grass pollen or sneezes frequently while playing on the grass may have a grass pollen allergy.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for seasonal allergy, it is possible to reduce symptoms. Reduce or eliminate allergen exposure. Keep windows shut during allergy season. If possible, turn on the air conditioner and stay indoors if pollen counts are high.

After playing outside, ask your child to wash his hands and take a shower. A child suffering from seasonal allergies should not mow the grass. This is because pollen particles and mold spores are increased when the mower passes.

Some medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of allergy if reducing allergen exposure is not possible or feasible. Antihistamines, nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, and decongestants are some of the options. Your pediatrician might recommend regular allergy shots for your child (a treatment called immunotherapy). This can help to reduce allergy symptoms.