Allergy
Managing children’s allergies can be challenging. Help parents understand the source and timing of allergens, and give them easy-to-follow tips for keeping their kids comfortable.
Parent counseling tips
Common allergens
Outdoor: | Indoor: |
|---|---|
Tree pollen | Dust mites |
Grass pollen | Pet dander |
Weed pollen | Mold and mildew |
Free resource
Allergy Tool for Caregivers
Allergy triggers by month
Help parents understand how the time of year can affect allergies, which can make it easier to manage their children’s symptoms.
Free Resource
My Allergy Guide
Tips to relieve symptoms
Avoid pollen: Keep windows closed during allergy season; wash kids’ faces and hands after they play outside
Reduce dust: Wash toys, stuffed animals, and bedding weekly, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
Minimize mold: Keep bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas clean
Manage dander: Keep pets out of bedrooms and groom them regularly
Communicate: Tell teachers, school nurses, and other caregivers about your child’s llergies and medications
Try medication: OTC allergy medicines, such as ZYRTEC® or BENADRYL®, can help relieve allergy symptoms
Free resource
Allergy Tool for Caregivers
Free Resource
Is it a Cold, the Flu, or Allergies?
Free Resource
My Allergy Guide
Types of allergy medicines
Antihistamines: Block the effects of histamines, the chemicals that cause sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat
Decongestants: Shrink swollen blood vessels and help relieve stuffy nose, sinus congestion, and pressure
Glucocorticoids: Reduce inflammation caused by histamines and can help control nasal and ocular allergy symptoms
Other: Nasal saline, lubricant eye drops, allergy shots, or leukotriene blocker
Good to know
2020 study shows worsening pollen seasons
If it seems like more and more patients are complaining about seasonal allergies, a recent study by the University of Utah School of Biological Sciences suggests one explanation: Climate change is causing allergy seasons to last longer, and is partly responsible for higher overall pollen counts.
The study team’s research shows that compared with 1990, today’s pollen seasons start 20 days earlier, last 8 days longer, and features 21% more pollen. The study’s authors expect these trends to continue, with worsening impacts on respiratory health in coming decades.¹
Read the article
Featured resources
Pediatric ZYRTEC® and BENADRYL® Dosage
Dosage charts for Children’s ZYRTEC® and Children’s BENADRYL®.
My Allergy Guide
Help patients identify, manage, and prevent allergy symptoms.
REFERENCE:
1. Anderegg WRL, Abatzoglou JT, Anderegg LDL, Bielory L, Kinney PL, Ziska L. Anthropogenic climate change is worsening North American pollen seasons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(7):e2013284118.