Seasonal Toddlers and Babies Allergies : Everything You Need To Know

Dr.Sameer Punia, 4 mins read

Is your child's runny nose not letting up for weeks? Or is she rubbing her watery, red, itchy eyes and sneezing continuously? You may think it is cold. But these could also be symptoms of seasonal allergies. 

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies or seasonal allergic rhinitis usually affect every age group, especially babies and toddlers. It usually occurs when grasses, weeds, and trees release pollen grains into the air to fertilize other plants.

Those who are allergic to pollen grains are more prone to seasonal allergies. That's because their immune system treats pollen grains as invaders and releases certain chemicals, including histamine, to fight against them into the bloodstream, which in turn, results in allergic symptoms.

Although it's rare for a year-old kid to inhale allergens, babies can get seasonal allergies after the age of 2. Apart from pollen grains, dust, mold, and pet dander can also cause allergies.

Different Seasons of Seasonal Allergies

• February to March (Spring Allergies): Tree pollens could be blamed for this. 
• April to June (Summer Allergies): During this time of year, seasonal allergies usually occur due to grass pollens.
• September end to November (Fall Allergies): The biggest culprit of fall allergies is weed pollens.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Ear and sinus infection
• Trouble sleeping
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Irritability
• Headache

Cold vs Seasonal Allergy in Babies and Toddlers

It's tough to differentiate them as both have almost similar symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache, and congestion. So, here are a few questions, based on that, you can know whether your child has a cold or seasonal allergy:

Q1. How do your child's eyes look?

1. Itchy eyes and/or watery
2. Normal

Q2. What's the color and consistency of your kid's mucus?

1. Thick, cloudy, and discolored
2. Watery and clear

Q3. Does the child have a fever?

1. Yes
2. No

Q4. How would you describe your kid’s cough?

1. Wet
2. Dry

If most of your answers were "2," your child may have a seasonal allergy. If most of your answers were "1," your kid might be dealing with a cold or other respiratory infection.

Diagnosis of Seasonal Allergy

If the results of the above questions’ answers suggest that your child has a seasonal allergy, seek a doctor's help. Get skin testing Done. During this test, the team will put a tiny bit of liquid containing an allergen into the skin of your forearm by making a prick on the skin. Afterward, the doctor observes the area for at least 15 minutes to check whether a red, raised bump, called a wheal, forms. If a wheal forms, it might be an allergy. The doctor will measure the area of the wheel and the redness around it.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergy

The treatment varies from person to person. That's because the degree of symptoms is different for every individual. Some get relief just by keeping themselves away from allergens exposure.

Know which season is causing an allergy in your child. Once you evaluate that, close windows in that season, and stop going outside with your child without donning a mask. Whenever your child comes from outside, wash their hands and change their clothes.

Use a high-efficiency, portable HEPA air filter that can remove most dust, pollen grains, bacteria, mold, and airborne particles from the air. Also, keep your indoor air dry with the use of a dehumidifier. And often clean the floor with an efficient vacuum cleaner.

If you still experience the symptoms, consult with your doctor. He will give you nasal, oral, or ocular (eye) based antihistamines as per your child's symptoms. In case this option also doesn't help you, immediately visit an allergist. He may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can You Give a 2 Years Old For Seasonal Allergies?

To help your child focus on school instead of a runny nose and sneezing, you should act upon it and consult with a doctor. It's always recommended not to give your kid any over-the-counter medication without a pediatrician's prescription. He will examine your child's condition and may prescribe saline sprays, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines. 

What's the Fastest Way to Fix Seasonal Allergies?

• Oral decongestants
• Saline nasal spray
• Corticosteroid nasal spray
• Oral antihistamine

What are the Natural Remedies to Treat Seasonal Allergies?

There is a range of natural treatments available for seasonal allergies. You can use extracts of butterbur (exhibits antihistamine properties) and spirulina (blue-green algae, a rich source of vitamins E, C, and B6), and essential minerals important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

How Long Does It Take Allergies to Calm Down?

Some allergies dissipate after a few hours and days. But if the exposure to the allergens continues, the allergy can persist for a couple of weeks and months. Even with adequate treatment, sometimes allergies take two to four weeks to subside. 

Also, Read: Know About Your Allergy & Immunity