Does My Child Have Seasonal Allergies?

Because children and germs often go together like Netflix and lost weekends, distinguishing between a common cold or a case of seasonal allergies can sometimes be tricky for parents. With allergy symptoms often overlapping with those of a cold or flu, parents can mistake allergies for a regular case of the sniffles. For mild cases with symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion or light coughing, regular over the counter medications like pediatric antihistamines and decongestants will often do the trick.

When symptoms persist or do not respond to over the counter medications, it may be a sign of more severe seasonal allergies. The pediatricians at Mundelein Pediatrics in Grayslake, IL recommend that parents discuss their child's symptoms with their pediatrician to determine if they are suffering from allergies.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms vary in duration and intensity from person to person. The most common cause of seasonal allergies is pollen. The most common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Itchy, red, puffy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Itchy throat
• Wheezing
• Dry, flaky, itchy skin
• Stomach ache
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Irritability

Some children may experience just one or two symptoms, others can experience multiple symptoms at once. Milder cases may not require medication or treatment at all, while others can be severe enough to impact schoolwork, play and extracurricular activities. This is much like with a bad cold or case of the flu, but for longer periods of time (bouts with seasonal allergies can last up to several months). If the symptoms persist for a longer than normal period of time, or become severe enough to resemble other conditions like asthma, consult with a pediatrician to determine whether stronger prescription medication is necessary.

Treatment for Pediatric Seasonal Allergies in Grayslake

For more information on managing the symptoms of your child's seasonal allergies, contact Mundelein Pediatrics at (847)548-7337 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician in Grayslake today!