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Children's Allergies

It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a child's cold and hay fever because many of the symptoms are the same. If your child experiences itchy, watery eyes and runny nose without other symptoms of cold or infection such as fever, he or she probably has a nasal allergy. For information on children's cold, click here.

The most common allergens (environmental irritants) that can trigger allergies are:

Pollen
Dust
Mold
Pets

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your child with allergies is to help him or her avoid allergens.

Call your child's doctor when hay fever or upper respiratory allergies interfere with:

Sleeping
School
Enjoying free time

Children's Allergies

Preventing Children's Allergy Symptoms

Knowing what triggers your child's allergies can help you help them avoid allergic symptoms. Here are some tips to avoid common triggers:

Vacuum frequently, especially your child's bedroom.
Avoid exposing your child to cigarette or cigar smoke.
Keep windows closed at night; air conditioning cleans, cools and dries the air.
Be prepared. Don't leave home without your child's allergy medicine.
Minimize your child's early morning activity; pollen counts are highest between 5a.m. and 10a.m.
Keep your child indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high.
Help your child avoid freshly cut grass; mowing stirs up pollen and molds.
Avoid hanging your child's laundry out to dry; it tends to collect pollen from the air.