Seasonal Allergies
Here in the Midwest, the arrival of spring coincides with the appearance of runny noses and itchy, watery eyes for many children and adults. Seasonal allergies can really put a damper on enjoying all that spring in KC has to offer. But there are plenty of ways to ease symptoms and still enjoy your favorite outdoor activities!
Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms
Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to happen around the same time each year. Symptoms typically last more than two weeks without other signs of illness. Pollen is the top allergen (irritant) associated with seasonal spring allergies.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy sensation in eyes, nose, throat or ears
- Frequent sneezing
- Sniffling
- Frequent swallowing (postnasal drip)
Ways to manage seasonal allergies
Most seasonal allergy symptoms can be managed at home. Treatment includes medications to help manage symptoms and ways to avoid or minimize pollen exposure.
Medications
The most commonly used medications to combat seasonal allergies are oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. Always carefully read the label for dosing information and consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines target the most common seasonal allergy symptoms and are available over the counter for ages 2 and up.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) can be given any time of day and work best when taken daily for the duration of allergy season.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an older-generation antihistamine; drowsiness is a significant side effect. Therefore, it is not the first choice medication for daily use because of its side effects.
Nasal sprays: A nasal spray might be a good choice if runny or stuffy nose is your main symptom. Fluticasone (Flonase) is available for ages 4 and up. This nasal steroid spray decreases inflammation in your nose, which in turn makes it easier to breathe.
Eye drops: Many products are available to help with itchy, watery eyes. Artificial tears can be helpful and do not contain any active medication. Look for a product that will lubricate and soothe allergy symptoms; the box will tell you the minimum age for the product.
Decrease pollen exposure
Environment management can also help you mitigate seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are a few tips!
- Check the forecast. Monitor pollen levels in the area and limit time outside on days when it is high.
- Wash pollen away. When your children come inside after outdoor play, have them change clothes and wash their hands to remove any pollen that may be on them. Dry your laundry inside the house to keep pollen from floating by and sticking.
- Run the air conditioner. Turn on the air conditioner and keep windows closed to decrease pollen levels inside both your home and car.
- Utilize air purifiers. Consider putting an air purifier with HEPA filters in the rooms you use most often. Air purifiers remove pollen and other contaminants from the air, which can help decrease symptoms.
Seasonal allergies don’t need to ruin your plans. Get out there and enjoy the return of warmer weather!
References:
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Seasonal Allergies in Children.”
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “Seasonal Allergies: Keeping Symptoms in Check.”
Joleen Sams is a family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee. Her two beautiful children are in grade school, and most of the time you'll find her running around the metro for their activities. Joleen helps families thrive by providing easy-to-understand, fact-based health information.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.