Entering the outside world with a child who has seasonal allergies can feel like venturing into an untamed jungle. The sneezes come out of nowhere like swarms of insects. The itchy eyes are as relentless as thick jungle vines. Avoiding pollen seems as impossible as dodging rain in a monsoon. It can feel like a jungle out there, especially during the spring months. But, you can navigate your child’s seasonal allergies with the right knowledge and tools. This survival guide will equip you with tips to tame the seasonal allergy jungle and embrace the outdoors.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies in kids

Children with seasonal allergies often experience the following symptoms:¹

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Coughing
Difficulty breathing

These symptoms can disrupt their day-to-day adventures, leaving them irritable and uncomfortable. Allergic reactions may also impact their sleep quality, concentration in school and overall well-being.² Recognizing and diagnosing the cause of these symptoms is crucial for jungle survival and of course, overall health.

What helps kids with seasonal allergies?

Let’s start building our seasonal allergies survival kit! From allergen avoidance to natural remedies, a combination of strategies and treatments can help plot the path toward seasonal allergy symptom relief in children. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of seasonal allergies. They are true allies in this expedition!

Avoidance of allergens and reducing pollen exposure

Minimizing exposure to common allergens is key in managing seasonal allergies. A few tactics³ include:

Staying indoors during high pollen counts, typically in the early morning and on windy days (especially for spring allergies)
Using air conditioning instead of opening windows helps keep indoor air clean
Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier
Encourage children to shower and change clothes after outdoor activities

Medication options

Some medications can come to the rescue and help children with seasonal allergies manage their symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal sprays can reduce sneezing, itching and a runny nose.⁴

Consult your healthcare provider to plan the best treatment options for your little explorer.

Why aren’t allergy medications working? Read on to find out.

Natural remedies for seasonal allergies in children

A few natural home remedies can help soothe your child’s allergy symptoms after a long day in the wild. Saline nasal rinses help clear nasal passages,³ warm compresses may ease pressure discomfort and a cold washcloth can soothe itchy eyes.⁵

Household changes

Making specific changes back at home base can help minimize pollen that may have snuck in. Here are a few:⁵

Wash sheets and pillowcases at least once a week
Regular vacuuming reduces pollen that may have been tracked inside
Fabric couch pillows love to harbor allergens so try leather or vinyl and regularly clean them
Use an air filtration device that works against pollen

Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene is always a smart strategy, even for managing seasonal allergy symptoms. Regular hand washing helps kids remove pollen and other allergens from their skin. Have your adventurers take their gear off after coming indoors to prevent the spread of allergens throughout your home and a good shower will wash pollen away from hair and the body.⁵

Use air purifiers

Air purifiers can significantly reduce indoor allergens, creating a healthier environment for children with seasonal allergies. Choose a purifier with a HEPA filter to capture pollen, dust, and other particles.⁶ Place the purifier in your child's bedroom or common living areas. Don’t forget to regularly change filters and keep doors and windows closed to enhance the purifier's effectiveness.

When to seek emergency help

If your child experiences severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or anaphylaxis, seek emergency help immediately. Additionally, if symptoms persist or worsen despite standard treatments, medical attention is necessary. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure your child's safety. For ongoing management, consider getting your child tested for allergies to tailor their treatment plan.

Learn more about how to get an allergy test and allergy testing options.

Related Content

Want to learn more about allergies? Explore a range of topics.

Can Allergies Go Away?

Explore how and why allergies can go away over time, examine which allergies children are likely to outgrow, and learn why repeat testing is important.

Sofia's #ThatKid Story: Living with Multiple Allergies and Becoming an Advocate

Sometimes it isn’t easy being the kid who seems to be allergic to everything. Sofia discovered a silver lining and wants to share the importance of advocating for yourself when it comes to food allergies.

30 Tips for Traveling with Allergies

Traveling is a break from your normal (and allergy-safe) routine. Score 30 allergy-friendly travel strategies to ensure your allergies don’t trip you up while traveling.

Is Christmas tree allergy making you sick?

Christmas trees could be a reason for sneezin’. Learn about Christmas tree allergy, which may involve allergies to mold, pollen, dust mites, and/or sap.

Kortney’s Story: Lifelong Allergies and Taking Control

Kortney was diagnosed with allergies, asthma, and eczema as a child. She shares the lessons she’s learned over the years that have helped her take control of her symptoms and conditions.

Beyond Celiac: Five Gluten-Related Disorders

Celiac disease isn’t the only gluten-related disorder. Score insights on five gluten- or wheat-related conditions and possible steps to secure a diagnosis.

Crystal and Alexis' #ThatKid Story: Food Allergy Bullying

Food allergies are nothing to joke about. Crystal and Alexis share their story as a part of our #ThatKid initiative to promote allergy awareness.

Five Things You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for those with allergies, and what allergy-related symptoms might occur? Get answers in this five-point Q&A.

We Are All #ThatKid

To amplify the voices of people whose daily lives are affected by allergies and invisible disease, we created the #ThatKid initiative. Our hope is to bring awareness to these important conditions through powerful, real-life stories, shared by people just like you.

Food allergies are not a joke.

We are all #ThatKid. To amplify the voices of people whose daily lives are affected by allergies and invisible disease, we created the #ThatKid initiative. Our hope is to bring awareness to these important conditions through powerful, real-life stories, shared by people just like you.

Gennie's #ThatKid Story: On Being Yourself

Meet Gennie: crafter, artist, and doll-clothes designer extraordinaire. Having food allergies and asthma can be challenging at times, but Gennie wants people to know that she’s just like any other kid.

A Quick Guide to Allergen Component Testing

What's the difference between whole allergen testing and allergen component testing? Discover the answer via a four-part Q&A.

6 Facts About Asthma

Learn key facts about asthma, its symptoms, triggers, and management strategies. Explore ways to manage this condition confidently with Allergy Insider.

Thomas’ #That Kid Story: Advocacy Can Save Lives

Thomas Silvera’s life changed the day he lost his son Elijah to an anaphylactic reaction. He explains what the #ThatKid hashtag means to him and encourages other to join him in his efforts to spread allergy awareness.

How to Host an Allergy-Friendly Holiday Gathering

Food allergies don’t need to crush your holiday spirit. Explore information and strategies to host a safe and festive holiday gathering.

Maria’s Story: Food Allergies and Parent Advocacy

As a parent of two children with food allergies, Maria is familiar with the anxiety that surrounds food allergies. Watch Maria's story to see how she learned to become an advocate for her children in order to keep them safe and ensure they receive the best medical care.

Allergies and U: Allergy Strategies for the College Bound

For those with allergies, heading off to college is a whole new and perhaps uncertain world. Get graduate-level advice to help score a PhD in real world allergy preparedness.

Brian’s Story: Anaphylaxis and a Lifelong Mission

Brian lost his son BJ to an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. He talks about that experience and his decision to make educating others about food allergies his life mission. He hopes no one else has to go through what his family did.

Alcohol intolerance and allergies: Symptoms & causes

Alcohol intolerance is a physical reaction that can happen immediately or shortly after drinking alcohol. It’s not an allergy in the typical sense, but it can feel like one.

What the Saharan Dust Storm Means for Allergy Sufferers

Saharan dust and household dust comprise diverse components. Discover the key differences between these dusts and how each version can affect you.

Social distancing is a best practice. What does it mean for allergies?

Thanks to COVID-19, we're spending more time at home and outdoors, both of which can be allergen rich. Learn four tips to mitigate allergic responses in our new normal.

Is Seeing Your Doctor Safer Than Going Grocery Shopping?

Christina Canoday M.D. answers eight patient questions about office visits during the pandemic.

What is an Asthma Action Plan?

Asthma can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be. By identifying risk factors for attacks and establishing an asthma action plan with your healthcare provider, you can help take some of the scary out of asthma.

11 Effective ways to reduce indoor mold allergy symptoms

Discover 11 effective ways to reduce indoor mold allergy symptoms, including tips on moisture control, proper ventilation, and more to improve your indoor air quality.

How do chemicals and pollution affect respiratory health?

Curious how every day cleaning chemicals and pollution affect your breathing? Discover their impact on respiratory health, including asthma and non-allergic rhinitis. Get tips to protect your lungs and improve air quality today!

Natural Disasters & Allergies: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Health

How to Deal with Allergies

Need help dealing with your allergies? Dr. Lakiea Wright offers four fabulous tips. Also discover 19 tactics to reduce environmental-allergen exposure.

Cross-Reactivity Allergy

Allergy cross-reactivity occurs when the body identifies allergens as being similar. Learn more about cross-reactivity, including allergy testing options.

Is it the flu, novel coronavirus, or allergies?

Explore which symptoms are commonly associated with each condition, and learn how to reduce environmental-allergen exposure and limit the spread of germs.

How to Introduce Food Allergens to Children

Contrary to earlier advice, new guidelines recommend introducing children to allergenic foods in their first four to six months of life. Learn why, when, and how to introduce kids to these foods and what symptoms to watch for during the process.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Allergies More Effectively

Want to make the most of your allergy-related healthcare appointment? Use this handy four-step guide to assemble the right information and prepare a thorough list of questions.

How to help a child with seasonal allergies

Learn how to help a child with seasonal allergies by identifying symptoms and exploring effective treatments, natural remedies, and household changes.

Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Symptoms and Causes

What is pink eye? And what's the difference between allergic versus nonallergic conjunctivitis? Explore these answers and more.

Pet Allergy Symptoms: Can you still keep your furry friends?

The simplest answer is "maybe." For a deeper dive, explore insights about your symptom threshold along with pet-allergy symptoms, causes, and exposure management.

What Science Says About Diagnosing Food Allergies

Take a closer look at allergy diagnostics. Learn when testing is appropriate, what a positive allergy test might mean, and what additional testing options are available.

Living with Food Allergies and Anxiety

Lisa B. Rosenberg, a licensed child and family therapist, discusses food allergy anxiety and offers management suggestions to relieve your stress today.

Blood Allergy Tests Explained: FAQs

Learn how blood testing for allergies can help identify sensitivities, how to read IgE test results, how long it takes to get your allergy blood test results and more FAQs.

Don't put your healthcare on hold

Today's economic climate has everyone scrutinizing expenditures. See why putting your healthcare on hold might not be the best decision.

Milk allergies in babies: Symptoms & causes

Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned caregiver, understanding milk allergy is important to ensure your baby’s health. This article will cover everything from symptoms and causes to testing options.

What are hives?

Take a closer look at hives, including types, causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Can you have allergies in the winter?

The short answer is "yes." For the long answer, check out this mini primer on year-round allergies, including symptoms, causes, and exposure-reduction tactics.

How to Grocery Shop and Cook After a Food Allergy Diagnosis

Discover 10 food-allergy shopping and cooking tips, including takeaways regarding labels, unprocessed food, grocery-trip planning, and more.

How to be Your Own Healthcare Advocate

If you are frustrated because you feel like your provider is dismissing your concerns or making you feel like you are overreacting here are some steps you can take to be an empowered patient and get a specific IgE blood test!

Everything to Know About Pollen Count

Learn about pollen counts, how they're measured, and how tracking them can help you manage seasonal allergies. Discover how long the pollen season lasts.

Food Allergy Versus Food Intolerance

Food allergy and food intolerance are not the same. Take a closer look at both conditions and explore why diagnosing food-related discomfort is critical.

10 New and Surprising Facts About Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-Gal Syndrome, aka red meat allergy, actually begins with a bite from a tick, and symptoms typically don’t occur for three to six hours after eating red meat. Weird right? Discover more about this wacky but serious syndrome.

Sesame Allergy Testing: What You Need to Know

For those diagnosed with an allergy to sesame, recent changes in federal legislation might seem like a light at the end a long and confusing food allergies tunnel.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms and Signs

Even if you don't have an autoimmune or allergic reaction to gluten or other wheat proteins, you can still elicit celiac-disease-like symptoms. Learn more about non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

How to Make the Most of Your Appointment with a Healthcare Provider

An effective asthma-related healthcare appointment starts before you enter your provider's office. Arm yourself with key insights about asthma and allergies prior to your visit.

Food sensitivity test vs. food allergy test

If you’re one of the many people out there who has noticed that they have stomach issues or other adverse reactions after eating select foods, you may have also wondered, “Do I have a food intolerance or is it something else?”

A Parent's Guide to Managing Allergies and Asthma During COVID-19

Allergy Insider offers five COVID-conscious suggestions to help manage childhood allergies and asthma, along with tips to prepare for an effective telehealth appointment.

HEENT: Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat Allergy Symptoms

Learn about allergies that impact the head, ears, eyes, nose & throat to determine if a HEENT exam is right for you. Discover more with Allergy Insider.

Can Allergies Cause Ear Infections?

Ear infections, also called otitis media, commonly are caused by allergies. Learn more about ear infections, including more causes, symptoms, and testing.

Are you an #EmpoweredPatient?

In partnership with Zestfull, we are combining our evidence-based scientific roots with the real-life experiences of the Zestfull community to explore what it means to find empowerment through allergy testing. To know is the win.

How to Prepare for a Food Allergy Emergency

The best way to ensure a positive outcome from a food-allergy emergency is to prepare for one. Learn how to recognize anaphylaxis, prevent reactions, and more.

Allergy Testing: Understanding Your Options

Blood test. Skin-prick. Food allergy challenge. Learn the pros and cons of each allergy-testing option.

Anaphylaxis: Common Symptoms and Signs

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis and some of the most common triggers? Explore this anaphylaxis primer, which includes a short video.

Stand for food allergy inclusivity on Halloween with the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Explore the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative to make trick-or-treat festivities more inclusive for children living with food allergies and intolerances.

Celiac Disease Symptoms and Causes

Explore this celiac disease primer to discover basics insights, including common symptoms, potential sources of gluten, and diagnostic options.

Five Spring Allergy Myths and What They Mean for You

Allergy Insider debunks five common seasonal-allergy myths and explores related topics including the symptom threshold, nonallergic triggers, testing, and more.

How to Read a Food Label: Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Explore the eight major food allergens and how they might be listed on food labels via this graphic illustration.

What is eczema?

Did you know some allergies can cause your eczema to flare up or get worse? Check out this primer for more eczema insights.

The Science Behind Allergy Diagnostics

Ready to geek out? Learn about IgE, allergic sensitization, allergen components, and more.

Reaching the End Zone: A Food Allergy Success Story

Did a peanut allergy diagnosis prevent a young man from achieving his dream of playing college football? Almost... but then his empowered mother decided to tackle that challenge head on. Watch the full video to see this inspirational story.

How to Become a Food Allergy and Asthma Advocate

Want to advocate for your child and his or her food allergies? Explore the five-point advocacy "starter kit" from Thomas Silvera at the Elijah-Alavi Foundation.

Multiple Allergies and the Symptom Threshold

Discover how allergy symptoms can be triggered when exposed to multiple allergens simultaneously. Learn about the concept of "symptom threshold" and its impact on allergy sufferers.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Symptoms & treatment

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction that happens when your immune system overreacts to outdoor or indoor allergens like pollen, dust mites or pet dander

Egg Allergy and Baked Goods: Can I eat them?

Explore the wacky world of allergen proteins and learn why some people with an egg allergy can eat baked eggs and others must avoid them.

Food Allergy Insights

Take a deep dive into food allergy fundamentals via a compilation of content covering diagnosis, management, and emergencies.

Seasonal Allergy Essentials

Browse a collection of seasonal allergy insights. Learn about pollen sources, pollen allergy symptoms, and seasonal allergy management solutions.

Asthma and Allergies

What is asthma, and how do allergies impact it? Explore a collection of content about asthma symptoms and management, including key insights about allergy implications.

COVID Insights and Allergy Implications

What do allergy sufferers need to know about COVID? Learn allergy-centric insights related to vaccines, COVID versus allergy symptoms, and more.

How to Make a Classroom Allergy and Asthma Friendly

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to asthma and allergies in the classroom so that teachers can be prepared.

Basic Info About Allergies

Expand your allergy knowledge via an assortment of content covering allergy types, symptoms, and related conditions.

Allergy Symptom Management

Learn how to manage your allergy symptoms via this compilation of tips, tools, and resources.

Allergy Testing and Diagnosis

What is allergy testing, and what allergy test options are available? Get the answers, score insights about the importance of testing, and learn about blood testing for allergies.

Asthma and Allergies

What is asthma, and how do allergies impact it? Explore a collection of content about asthma symptoms and management, including key insights about allergy implications.

Adult-Onset Food Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Discover the causes, symptoms, and management of adult-onset food allergies. Learn why you might develop allergies later in life and how to effectively manage them.

Pet Dander Allergy - What causes it and how to find relief?

Discover what causes pet dander allergies how scientific research on pet allergen components is changing the game for people with pet dander allergies.

Causes and symptoms of dust allergy

Can you be allergic to dust? Dust mites are the main culprit behind a dust allergy. Learn more about the causes and symptoms.

Oral Allergy Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes & Testing

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) occurs when pollen-sensitive individuals eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, causing allergic reactions.

Allergies vs. a Cold: Key differences, symptoms & testing

Learn how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold. Compare symptoms, duration, and treatment options from Allergy Insider experts.

Allergic Reactions: Types and Signs to Look For

There’s a common misconception that allergies only happen in the springtime. The reality is that allergic reactions can happen all year round. Let’s unpack this more. Before we dive into allergic reactions and what they look like, let's review some foundational allergy info.

Allergies in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Along with the sunshine, outdoor activities, family time, and farewell to short days, come spring allergies (also known as hay fever). And they hit hard for many, especially children.

Why aren’t allergy medications working? Understanding non-allergic rhinitis

Allergy meds not working as expected? Understand the role of non-allergic rhinitis and how to manage it effectively.

Pollen Allergy – Symptoms, Causes & Testing | Allergy Insider

Learn how to recognize and manage pollen allergies, understand triggers, and find testing options.

Tools for Understanding Allergies

Track allergy symptoms and prepare for a visit with a healthcare provider.

Track your symptoms

Learn about specific allergens, including common symptoms, management, and relief.

Allergen Fact Sheets

Are you a healthcare provider? Get comprehensive information on hundreds of whole allergens and allergen components.

Allergen Encyclopedia

References

Children and allergies: Symptoms & treatment: ACAAI Public Website. ACAAI Patient. (2022, April 13). https://acaai.org/allergies/allergies-101/who-gets-allergies/children/
Wise SK, et. al. International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis - 2023. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2023 Apr;13(4):293-859. doi: 10.1002/alr.23090. Epub 2023 Mar 6. PMID: 36878860.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, February 28). Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343
Goniotakis I, Perikleous E, Fouzas S, Steiropoulos P, Paraskakis E. A Clinical Approach of Allergic Rhinitis in Children. Children (Basel). 2023 Sep 19;10(9):1571. doi: 10.3390/children10091571. PMID: 37761533; PMCID: PMC10528841.MediLexicon International. (2023b, August 22). Treating seasonal allergies in children: Medication and home remedies. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-help-a-child-with-seasonal-allergies#household-changes
Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, September 4). What is a HEPA filter? . EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter

Resources for Medical Professionals

Resources for Medical Professionals

How to help a child with seasonal allergies

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies in kids

What helps kids with seasonal allergies?

Avoidance of allergens and reducing pollen exposure

Medication options

Natural remedies for seasonal allergies in children

Household changes

Practice good hygiene

Use air purifiers

When to seek emergency help

Related Content

Tools for Understanding Allergies

Fact Checked

Allergy Insider content is:

Thank you for visiting Allergy Insider

Thank you for your submission

Allergy Symptom Questionnaire

Stop wondering, start testing

Health insights you can act on

We’re here when you need us