How to Help Your Child Manage Spring Allergies | WFMC Health

Spring is a beautiful time of year. Warmer weather is arriving, flowers are blooming, and longer days are upon us.

But for children with seasonal allergies, spring can also bring sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. If your child struggles with spring allergies, they’re not alone—millions of kids (and adults!) experience allergy symptoms as pollen levels rise.

Luckily, there are a few ways to reduce allergen exposure and help your child feel better. Let’s talk about spring allergies and how you can help your child manage them.

What Causes Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies—also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)—occur when your child’s immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. These allergens can include:

Tree pollen – Released by trees such as oak, maple, birch, and cedar.
Grass pollen – Common in late spring and early summer.
Mold spores – Thrive in damp areas and can increase with spring rain.

When your child breathes in pollen or other allergens, their immune system sees it as a threat and releases histamines—which cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Kids

Allergy symptoms can look similar to cold symptoms. However, allergy symptoms typically last longer and they don’t come with a fever. Watch for:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Coughing or throat irritation
Dark under-eye circles (also called allergic shiners)
Congestion at night

If your child has asthma, allergies can also trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, or an increase in asthma attacks.

Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

Many parents wonder whether their child has allergies or a cold.

Here are a few ways to tell the two apart:

Symptom	Allergies	Cold
Sneezing	Frequent	Sometimes
Runny nose	Clear, watery discharge	Typically thicker, yellow/green mucus
Itchy eyes	Common	Rare
Cough	Sometimes (from postnasal drip)	Common
Fever	Never	Sometimes
Duration	Weeks to months (seasonal)	7-10 days

If symptoms last more than two weeks and tend to worsen outdoors, allergies are the likely culprit.

Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

The best way to help your child’s allergies is to limit exposure to allergens.

1. Check Pollen Counts

Pollen levels vary depending on weather and time of day. You can check local pollen forecasts on websites like The Weather Channel or Pollen.com.

Try to limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
Have your child play outside later in the day when pollen levels are typically lower.

2. Keep Windows Closed

It might be tempting to let fresh air inside as the weather warms, but open windows can allow pollen to enter your home. Instead:

Use air conditioning to keep indoor air clean and cool.
Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens.
Keep car windows up when driving.

3. Wash Off Pollen After Being Outside

Since pollen can stick to hair, skin, and clothes, it’s a good idea to have your child wash their hands and face after playing outside. You might also consider changing their clothes when they come indoors and having them shower before bed to prevent pollen from transferring to their bedding.

4. Reduce Indoor Allergens

While pollen is the main culprit of spring allergies, indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander can make symptoms worse. To minimize exposure:

Vacuum regularly.
Wash bedding in hot water weekly to remove allergens.
Keep pets out of your child’s bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor mold growth.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air.

Treatment Options for Spring Allergies

If your child’s symptoms persist despite reducing allergens, it might be time for additional treatment. Talk to your child’s doctor about your options, which can include the following:

1. Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose in children over the age of two. Non-drowsy options are recommended for kids.

2. Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and congestion, but they should not be used longer than the recommended period on the label. There are different types of nasal sprays which have different uses and instructions, including steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays, decongestants, and saline sprays. Talk with your child’s doctor before using any nasal sprays.

3. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

For kids with severe allergies, allergy shots can help desensitize their immune system over time. This is a long-term immunotherapy treatment that requires regular injections, but it can reduce allergy symptoms in the long run.

When to See a Doctor

Most seasonal allergies can be managed at home, but you should see a doctor for the following reasons:

Your child’s allergy symptoms interfere with daily life.
They have trouble breathing, wheezing, or frequent asthma flare-ups.
Over-the-counter medications don’t seem to help.
You suspect a more serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the lips or difficulty swallowing).

Spring allergies can be frustrating for your child, but with the right strategies, your child can enjoy the season with fewer symptoms. Limiting allergen exposure, using medication when needed, and practicing good hygiene can help them feel more comfortable and ready for spring and summer fun.

If your child’s allergies seem severe or persistent, talk to their pediatrician or an allergist to find the best treatment plan.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.