Children’s health: How to help kids breathe easier with fall allergies

As temperatures cool and leaves begin to fall, many children may start sneezing, coughing or rubbing their itchy eyes. While fall is often associated with colds and other respiratory viruses, seasonal allergies also can be behind those symptoms.

“Fall brings a different set of allergens that can cause problems for children,” said Dr. Sai Nimmagadda, an Allergy & Immunology physician at Lurie Children’s. “Knowing what triggers your child’s symptoms can help families take steps to reduce them.”

Ragweed pollen is one of the most common fall allergens. The plant blooms in late summer and fall, and a single plant can release billions of pollen grains that travel through the air. Mold spores also can become a problem, especially in damp areas and piles of wet leaves.

Other fall triggers include dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings. As families spend more time indoors when the weather gets cooler, children may have more exposure to indoor allergens.

“Parents may notice that their child’s symptoms get worse after spending time outdoors or when they are spending more time inside,” Nimmagadda said. “Paying attention to when symptoms happen can provide important clues about what may be triggering them.”

Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes. Children also may have a cough, itchy throat or ears, frequent throat clearing, headaches or tiredness if symptoms interfere with sleep.

Some children, especially those with asthma, may develop wheezing or shortness of breath when exposed to allergens such as mold or dust mites.

Fall allergies typically begin in late August or early September when ragweed starts releasing pollen. Allergy symptoms often peak in mid-September and can continue through October. Mold can remain a problem until the first frost.

Because fall is also the start of cold and flu season, it can be difficult for parents to tell whether a child has allergies or a virus.

One clue is fever. Allergies do not cause fever, while colds and other viruses often do. Body aches are also more common with viral illnesses. Children with allergies typically have thin, clear mucus, while a cold may cause thicker mucus that can be yellow or green.

“If symptoms last for weeks or seem to happen at the same time every year, allergies are more likely,” Nimmagadda said. “But if your child has a fever, body aches or other signs of illness, talk with your child’s doctor.”

There are several ways parents can help reduce a child’s exposure to fall allergens. After playing outside, children should wash their hands and face and change their clothes to remove pollen. Keeping windows closed can also help keep pollen outside.

Families can reduce indoor allergens by regularly cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture and washing bedding in hot water once a week. Keeping fallen leaves and gutters clean can also help reduce mold.

An air purifier with a HEPA filter may help remove allergens such as pollen, dust and mold spores from indoor air. Parents should talk with their child’s doctor before giving them any new allergy medication.

Children whose symptoms interfere with sleep, school or daily activities, or those who do not improve with over-the-counter treatment, may benefit from seeing an allergist. An allergist can test for specific allergies and recommend treatment, which may include prescription medication or allergy shots.

Parents also should seek emergency care if a child has trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or severe wheezing that does not improve.

“Most seasonal allergies are uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but parents should always take breathing problems seriously,” Nimmagadda said. “If you are unsure about your child’s symptoms or how to treat them, your pediatrician can help determine the next step.”

With a few simple precautions and a better understanding of allergy symptoms, families can help children spend less time sneezing and more time enjoying the fall season.

• Children’s health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.