Allergies

Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system reacts after inhalation or contact with a substance, consuming a specific type of food or beverage, or from medications. Common environmental allergens that can cause allergic reactions include dust mites, pet dander, insect stings, mold, pollen, and more. Pollen is one of the most common allergens that trigger allergies. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees, grasses, and weeds, which produce tiny, light, dry pollen grains that are distributed in the wind. Airborne pollen gets trapped inside the nasal and oral passages and triggers a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis called pollen allergy, otherwise known as hay fever.

How can I tell if my child has allergies or a common cold?

What types of plants produce the most allergy-causing pollen?

What time of day is pollen count highest?

What are the most common food allergens to test for?

SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT

If your child is suffering from classic hay fever symptoms, please call to make an appointment.

Various treatment options your provider may suggest include:

Oral anti-histamine (Claritin® (Loratadine), Zyrtec® (Cetirzine), Allegra®, or Benadryl®)
Nasal anti-histamines (Patanase®)
Nasal corticosteroids (Flonase®, Nasonex®, etc.)
Leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair)

PREVENTION

Keep your home as dry as you can. Humid homes tend to accumulate dust mites and mold.
Don’t use a humidifier unless you carefully follow the cleaning instructions. If the air in your home seems too dry, over-the-counter saline nasal spray can help to keep your child’s sinuses moist.
If your basement is damp or moldy, run a dehumidifier and empty it frequently.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrester) air filters can help to absorb most particles floating in the air.
Wood burning stoves and fireplaces fill the air with small particles that can irritate the lungs. We do not recommend using these devices, unless you can adequately ensure good air circulation.
Create a barrier between your child and any dust mites. Dust mite covers completely enclose the pillow and mattress, trapping the microscopic mites in the bedding where they can no longer trigger an allergic reaction. These covers can be purchased at any bed linen store or general discount store. Use hypo-allergic pillows, and blankets/comforters, no feather or wool.
Bedding and stuffed animals should be washed in hot water (at least 130 degrees) once a week.
Ideally, pets should be kept out of carpeted rooms. If pets are allowed in the carpeted areas of the home, try to keep them off of beds and upholstered furniture. Pet dander is difficult to remove from carpeting and furniture. Wash your pet at least every other week to minimize dander. Vacuum carpeted areas regularly.
Keep all food sealed tightly, including pet food.
Empty the trash frequently and use traps if you suspect you might have cockroaches or other insects in the home.
Keep your child indoors when the pollen count is at its highest levels in the early morning and late evening.
Keep the windows closed in your home and car, using air conditioners when possible. Air conditioning recirculates indoor air, instead of outside air which carries pollen.
Do not hang your laundry outside to dry. Pollen collects on the clothing/sheets and increases pollen exposure inside your home.
If your child spends time playing outside, wash their hair before they go to sleep and change their clothing. Pollen settles on the scalp/hair and may collect on pillowcases making them more susceptible to an allergic reaction.

Those with uncontrollable allergy symptoms may be referred to an allergist, or another healthcare professional who can detect your child’s reaction to various allergens. Severe reactions are rare, but if you suspect your child is having a severe allergic reaction, use an adrenaline auto-injector pen (if available) and call 911 immediately.

Call 911 if your child has any of the following symptoms:

Trouble breathing, wheezing
Pale face, blue lips or earlobes
Rapid swelling of the tongue or throat
Feeling faint or lightheaded
Clammy, cool skin, or profuse sweating
Vomiting
Nausea

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Allergies and colds both cause symptoms of congestion, sneezing, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, and watery eyes. However, allergies cause symptoms that occur all at once, while colds often cause symptoms one at a time: first sneezing, then a runny nose, and then congestion. Colds or “upper respiratory infections” are caused by viruses and can often have fever as well. Cold symptoms typically last up to 10 days, while allergy symptoms persist as long as your child is exposed to the allergy-causing substance. Allergy symptoms may subside as soon as your child is no longer exposed to the allergen.

Pollen is one of the most common allergic reactions that both adults and children suffer from. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees, grasses, and weeds which produce tiny, light, dry pollen grains that are distributed in the wind. Airborne pollen gets trapped inside the nasal and pharynx passages and triggers a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis called pollen allergy, otherwise known as hay fever

Keep your child indoors when the pollen count is at its highest levels which are between 5am and 10am. Limiting your child’s outside exposure during those times can be extremely helpful for minimizing allergy symptoms. Additionally, limit your child’s exposure on warm, dry mornings as these are generally the high pollen count days. If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, make sure your child changes their clothing and showers or bathes if they have been outside for a prolonged period of time.
Visit www.pollen.com and check out the Allergy Forecast for a daily pollen count in your area.

According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, milk, shellfish, soy, and wheat make up 90% of all food allergies. If you suspect your child has a potential food allergy, then avoid giving them that food and discuss with your doctor.