April 2026
Welcome Spring… and Spring allergies! For many kids, seasonal allergies can be
unpleasant and difficult to manage. If this is your child, they are not alone. An estimated
7.1 million kids in the United States report environmental allergies.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur when airborne irritants, or allergens, enter the eyes, nose and
throat, setting off an allergic reaction. In the spring, flower and tree pollen are common
culprits. Grass pollen starts in late spring and peaks in the summer months.
Signs your child may have seasonal allergies
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and
nose, sore throat, cough, and dark circles under the eyes.
Seasonal allergies can be more than just a mild annoyance. Some of the consequences of
allergies in children include:
● Fatigue and poor concentration in school due to lack of sleep
● An increase in ear and sinus infections
● Asthma exacerbations
● Behavioral issues from discomfort and lack of sleep
How can you minimize exposure to seasonal allergy triggers?
Even when pollen seems to be blanketing everything in its path, there are steps you can
take to prevent allergies from acting up:
● Have your child wash their hands and face as soon as they come in from playing
outside so they don’t rub pollen in their eyes and nose.
● Dry laundry in the dryer. Since pollen can coat clothing, avoid hanging laundry
outside to dry.
● Have your child take their bath at bedtime. This will help with nighttime allergy
problems.
● Keep windows in your home and car closed and use air conditioning to filter the
air. Make sure the air conditioner is on re-circulating mode.
How do you treat seasonal allergies?
In combination with taking steps to limit your child’s exposure to allergy triggers, there
are many safe, effective allergy medicines that target specific symptoms your child is
struggling with the most. Most allergy medications are now over-the-counter and
generally fall into the categories of oral antihistamines, nose sprays and eye drops.
Below are some key things to know about each type. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician
or nurse practitioner about the best options for your child.
Nasal saline sprays
A simple nasal saline spray will flush out allergens and relieve nasal congestion from
allergies. Your child’s pediatric provider may recommend a medicated nasal spray.
Often, steroid nasal sprays are recommended because of their known effectiveness and
safety record.
Oral antihistamines
Oral antihistamines vary by how long they last, how well they help itchiness, and their
side effects. During an allergic reaction, antihistamines block one of the agents
responsible for producing swelling and secretions in your child’s body, called histamine.
The “best” choice is the one that alleviates your child’s symptoms. A few things to watch
for:
● Older, “first generation” antihistamines that have been on the market for a long
time can make kids sleepy and don’t last very long. Occasionally, kids become
“hyper” and are unable to sleep after taking these types of medicines.
● Newer, “second generation” antihistamines cause less sleepiness in your child,
last longer, and are dosed once per day.
What about nasal or oral decongestants?
Generally nasal decongestants and oral decongestants are avoided because of side
effects. Nasal sprays containing decongestants can cause a rebound runny nose called
rhinitis medicamentosa and oral decongestants can cause side effects including high
blood pressure, insomnia and irritability.
Topical treatments for itchy, swollen, watery eyes
For itchy, swollen eyes, oral medication does not tend to work as effectively as topical
eye drops. Allergy eye drops generally contain topical antihistamines. Avoid the use of
any product that contains a vasoconstrictor (look on the label or ask your pharmacist)
for more than two to three days to avoid rebound redness.
(https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/seasonal-allergies-keeping-symptoms-check)
Reminder:
If your student is in Kindergarten or 3rd Grade
Please submit your student’s dental exam as soon as possible. Exams are due by the end of the school year.
If your student is in Kindergarten or 6th Grade
Please submit your student’s physical exam as soon as possible. Exams are due by the
end of the school year.
Links:
Dental Exam-Private
Physical Exam Form-MD office
Please call or email Mrs. Meyers with any questions!
