Newsletter

As spring begins, so does the pollen season. By early April, tree pollen from oak, maple, and birch is already in full swing, and many families begin to notice the usual symptoms: itchy eyes, runny noses, and frequent sneezing. You may also spot the “allergic salute,” a very real and common habit where kids push their noses upward with the palm of their hand.

To help you stay ahead of symptoms, we put together a quick guide with the help of Dr. Khalid Anam of our Montclair and Hoboken offices in New Jersey. From managing seasonal allergies, to reducing pollen exposure at home, and knowing when to check in with your pediatrician, we hope this guide will help you navigate the season with ease.

Start before the surge
If your child has a history of seasonal allergies, begin a daily non-drowsy antihistamine like loratadine or cetirizine about two weeks before peak pollen, typically mid-March. Preventing inflammation early is much more effective than trying to catch up once symptoms are in full swing.

Follow the “wash-off” rule
Pollen sticks to skin, hair, and clothing. Have kids wash their hands and face after playing outside. A bath or quick hair wash before bed can make a big difference and keeps pollen out of their bedding.

Manage your home environment
Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, especially in the early morning when counts are highest. Use air conditioning on the recirculate setting and consider high-efficiency filters to reduce indoor allergens.

Know the difference between a cold and allergies
Allergies cause itch. Look for itchy eyes, nose, or throat, clear runny mucus, and lots of sneezing. Allergies do not cause fever. Colds are more likely to include fever, body aches, and thicker mucus.

Using allergy medication
Medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops are most effective when started early in the season and used consistently. Parents should discuss these therapies with their pediatrician to ensure proper usage and find the best treatment plan for their child.

Use nasal sprays the right way
Have your child lean slightly forward and aim the spray outward toward the ear, not straight up the nose. This helps avoid irritation and improves how well the medication works.

Helping Kids with Nasal Sprays and Rinses
Nasal saline rinses can help wash out pollen and soothe irritation inside the nose. A few simple tricks can make this easier for kids:
• Make it a game. Let them choose which side to start with or hold the bottle
• Encourage a gentle sniff, not a strong inhale, to avoid discomfort
• Keep the process quick and low pressure

Common Questions from Parents

At what age do symptoms usually start?
Seasonal allergies are uncommon in babies and toddlers. It typically takes a few years of exposure to develop sensitivity. Most children begin showing symptoms in preschool or early school-age years.

Do natural remedies like local honey work?
Honey can help soothe a cough in children over one year old, but there is no strong evidence that it treats seasonal allergies. Most spring allergies are caused by airborne tree and grass pollen, not the types found in honey.

Do air purifiers or AC filters help?
Yes. High-efficiency particulate air filters can reduce indoor allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander and can be especially helpful during peak season.

Is it better to start allergy medicine early?
Yes. Starting medication before symptoms peak helps prevent inflammation and often leads to better overall control.

Can allergies affect sleep and school performance?
They can. Ongoing congestion and itchiness can disrupt sleep, which may lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing during the day.

When to See a Specialist
• Most seasonal allergies can be managed with over-the-counter medications and simple environmental changes. It may be time to consult an allergy specialist if:
• Symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting daily life
• Medications are not providing enough relief
• There are signs of wheezing or possible asthma
• You are interested in long-term options like immunotherapy, including allergy shots or tablets

If you ever feel unsure about your child’s symptoms or how best to manage them, it is always reasonable to check in with your pediatrician. We are here to help you get through allergy season with fewer tissues and better sleep.