The Basics of Child Hay Fever

Child Hay Fever—What Is It?

In medical terms hay fever is known as allergic rhinitis which represents not only pollen allergies but also other nasal allergies such as dust mite/ mold allergies.  However, in general people refer Hay fever mostly to seasonal allergies or pollen allergies.

Hay fever is caused by allergens which are allergy causing substances. Pollen from plants is allergens and when they are inhaled the child might get hay fever.  Basically, the allergens are not considered harmful by most of the bodies of the human being. The bodies of others who are affected by allergic reactions consider the allergens as dangerous invaders; such bodies produce antibodies to counter the allergens which in fact are allergic reactions. These reactions are nasal allergy symptoms which are commonly associated with hay fever.

Child Hay Fever—What Does It Look Like?

A number of allergy symptoms appearing singly or in combination is known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. These symptoms can be classified as mild, moderate and severe. Under normal circumstances hay fever is not a life-threatening reaction.  The common symptoms of child hay fever are:

	Stuffy nose and nasal congestion
	Chest congestion
	Runny nose
	Watery eyes
	Sneezing
	Itchy eyes and nose
	Itching in mouth especially at the roof of mouth and throat
	"Allergic Shiners" which are dark circles under the eyes and may be swollen
	Cough
	Post-nasal drip
	Pressure or pain in the face/sinus region

Child hay fever symptoms are likely to be aggravated by irritants such as tobacco smoke, inhaled fumes and perfumes. The negative effects of child hay fever symptoms are bad mood, irritability, behavior problems, reduced energy levels, fatigue and sleeplessness. The symptoms affect the child immediately after its exposure to allergens and it lasts as long as the exposure lasts.

Child Hay Fever—When Does It Happen?

The origin for pollen is plants of various types e.g. trees, weeds, grasses, vegetables and flowers. They are meant for reproduction of the plants; the plants release pollens into the air so that they move around to other plants for reproduction of their species.

Child hay fever occurs during times of the year when allergenic plants and trees are pollinating in the above seasons. The pollens in the air come inside the house through open windows or doors or carried by clothing of individuals. In case the pollen counts are high the child exposed to it gets hay fever.

The pollens from the plants are not released throughout the year by the plants; they are released at different times of the year by different types of plants. Generally they are generated in the season mid-spring to mid-fall. Wherever the plants live throughout the year they release the pollen in warmer climates.

The releasing period of pollens by the plant and trees varies depending on the climate and location. In south where it is warm throughout the year hay fever can occur throughout the year. However, in north hay fever occurs from spring to early fall. In august and late summer the ragweed pollens proliferate and this is considered as true hay fever season traditionally.

Child Hay Fever—How Do I Stop It?

In order to stop or prevent child hay fever reactions one has to follow proper management of allergens and medication/ relief measures.

In majority of the cases OTC versions of antihistamines and decongestants are good enough as the most effective allergy medications; these medicines manage child hay fever symptoms well. 

Keeping an allergen proof home by cleaning frequently, damp-dusting and closing of doors/ windows will ensure a low and tolerable pollen exposure level; this prevents an attack of child hay fever.

Getting daily information on the pollen counts from newspapers and websites help in managing the child’s pollen allergies; this will indicate the intensity of pollens in the atmosphere on relative terms such as low, moderate or high. Children should avoid playing outdoor games on high pollen count days or alternately wear a mask while playing to minimize pollen inhalation

One can manage child hay fever symptoms by taking the precautions given above. In case the reactions go out of control, it is likely that it will lead to other medical problems such as asthma. If the hay fever symptoms continue for more number of days it is advisable that you consult the child's primary physician for administering better treatments such as prescription medicines, asthma medications or immunotherapy.