Baby Allergies Eyes / Baby Allergies Rash
The symptoms of a seasonal allergy vary from one person to another. Still, there are some common signs you can look for to identify such a problem.
- If your baby has a seasonal allergy, you should expect to see signs such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and even eczema or rashes.
- Depends on the type of allergy your baby has, you will notice different symptoms, and the most common ones are nasal allergies.
Signs Of Allergies In Toddlers
Allergy symptoms usually come on suddenly and usually last for as long as a child is exposed to the allergen. Symptoms can include:
- Congestion
- Runny nose with clear drainage
- Sneezing
“At first, it can be difficult for parents to tell the difference between allergies or an infection such as a cold,” said Jameel T. Clark, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Dixie. “One telltale sign it may be allergies is if your child is rubbing their nose and eyes. They may develop a line on their nose from rubbing the nose.”
How Do You Treat Allergies In Babies And Toddlers
One of the simplest ways to treat toddler and baby seasonal allergies is to avoid the culprits as much as possible.
“For seasonal allergies caused by pollen, we recommend keeping the windows and doors to the home closed to prevent pollen from getting into the house,” says Chen. “Also, changing your child’s clothes after returning from the outdoors and bathing in the evenings to remove allergens from the body and hair can be helpful, as well as using a high efficiency air purifier .”
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The Difference Between Seasonal Allergies And A Cold
If the symptoms sound just like a , you’re right. It can be challenging to tell the difference between a cold and a seasonal allergy. recommends observing when the symptoms occur. If your child’s nose starts running at the same time every year, for example, around March or later, and often without a fever, a seasonal allergy could be the cause.
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In addition, if it always seems to occur without many of the typical symptoms of colds that do not occur with allergies, such as muscle aches, it’s most likely a cold. The other factor to examine is length of time the symptoms last. A cold might go away in a week or two, but allergies will typically last longer.
Can Babies Have Season Allergies
While rare in their first year, infants can indeed develop seasonal allergies. Babies a year and older and toddlers are more commonly affected by baby seasonal allergies. It can be difficult to tell when a baby is suffering from seasonal allergies because, unlike an adult or even an older child, your baby can’t tell you how they’re feeling. It’s up to you to watch out for baby allergies and signs your infant has seasonal allergies.
Internal changes
Internal changes due to baby allergies refer to your child’s emotional and mood changes. A child suffering from infant seasonal allergies is more likely to be irritable. They also may be less alert than normal. You know your baby better than anyone and are the best source for knowing when your baby is acting strange. Your baby might be extra tired and lethargic while having trouble staying asleep when put down. It’s also essential to pay attention to when your baby experiences symptoms. If your baby sneezes and gets red, itchy eyes when you take them for a walk or wakes up with these symptoms, you can better pinpoint the allergen of issue. For example, pollen is typically the culprit for babies who experience symptoms after time outdoors, and dust is a common allergen causing babies to wake up with allergy symptoms. If you notice that seasonal allergies have begun to affect your baby’s skin by making it red, dry and flaky, we recommend our oogiebear , which can help nourish their sensitive skin.
External changes
Treating Common Colds In Children
- Use saline solution in the nose to loosen congestion and help children blow their noses. Or, suck out the congestion with a bulb syringe.
- Try certain home remedies to help relieve your child’s symptoms. For children over age 1 year, a spoonful of honey by mouth may help soothe a sore throat.
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as prescribed by your doctor, to treat aches, pain and fever.
- For children over age 2 years, you can use mentholated ointments on top of the chest to soothe and calm coughs, especially nighttime coughs.
- For children over age 6 years, you can use a topical decongestant such as nasal spray to help relieve nasal congestion. If used, use at night for no more than 3 days in a row.
- Learn when to consult your physician if your young baby has common cold symptoms.
Keep in mind that oral cough and cold medications are not recommended for children under the age of 6 years. “Typically, I try to avoid oral cough and cold medications for children of any age,” says Dr. Lee. “They are not effective and can have potential side effects, such as elevated blood pressure.”
If your child’s cold and allergy symptoms last more than two weeks, consult your doctor. If you are concerned your child’s symptoms are COVID-19, you should also contact your child’s pediatrician. Learn more about allergies vs. COVID-19.
Allergy Shots And Sublingual Immunotherapy
Otherwise known as immunotherapy, allergy shots are sometimes recommended in older kids to help treat allergies to pollen, dust and outdoor mold when medications just aren’t helping control their symptoms or they have side effects from them.
For three to five years, children are given shots of an allergen in gradually stronger doses, at first every couple of weeks then eventually every few months.
The goal is to help the immune system get used to the allergen bit by bit over time, so that eventually your child won’t experience allergy symptoms at all or they will be much more tolerable.
A newer form of this type of treatment without injections is available: a liquid mixture or tablet customized for a child’s allergies called sublingual immunotherapy . The drops, which are placed under the tongue, can be given at home with instructions from the allergist.
Remember that seasonal allergies are fairly rare in babies under a year old, and most children will have between eight and 10 colds in their first two years of life. So check with your pediatrician to determine whether those sneezes and sniffles are truly triggered by allergies or whether the common cold is the culprit.
- What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
- What to Expect the Second Year, Heidi Murkoff.
Choosing The Best Air Purifier
If you’re looking to try out an air purifier as an allergy treatment and prevention method, look for one that has a HEPA filter, is suited for your room size, and is used and cleaned properly according to the model. When it comes to choosing an effective air purifier, there are a few things to look out for.
“We recommend air purifiers with a HEPA filter; HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air,” says Dr. Meng. “Stand-alone air purifiers are designed for a single room, so you should use it with the door closed and check that your air filter can accommodate the size of the room. And since air purifiers can be expensive, if you only have one air purifier, we recommend putting it in the bedroom since you spend a consolidated amount of time there while sleeping.”
Besides a portable air purifier, there are also ways you can install air purifiers into your home’s ventilation system. “If you have a central ventilation and/or heating/cooling system, you can also buy an air filter for this system,” says Dr. Meng. “Look for the MERV rating of the filter. Ideally, the MERV rating should be at least 11, and higher values are better. And make sure you clean or replace these filters regularly.” According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, filters should be replaced every three months.
Baby Allergies: Signs Your Infant Has Seasonal Allergies
As spring approaches, it’s easy to get excited about warm weather, crisp air, and increased outdoor time. But we all know, along with flowers and fun comes infant seasonal allergies. Many people suffer from dreaded seasonal allergies, but many new parents aren’t aware that their infants could also be experiencing allergens in the spring air.
Testing Baby For Seasonal Allergies
It’s unusual for a baby to be tested for pollen allergies, but an allergist can help decide if a blood test or a skin prick test is necessary. A blood test involves withdrawing blood and measuring antibody levels toward certain allergens to see if the levels are high.
A skin prick test involves a needle or probe coated with a drop of solution containing a certain allergen. The needle is then used to gently prick a baby’s arm or back so the substance can enter under the skin’s surface. The allergist will then wait to observe if there is a reaction to the allergen, such as the appearance of a hive or rash. “The skin prick tests can determine whether the problem is allergens, caused by pollen, or indoor allergens, caused by pet dander, dust mites, and cockroaches,” says David Stukus, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
- RELATED:How to Treat Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms In Toddlers And Children
Symptoms of seasonal allergies in children can include any combination of the following:
- Scratchy throat
- Red, irritated eyes
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
If your child is struggling to take a full breath, develops a rash, swelling, or fever, seek medical help immediately. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
“Symptoms of seasonal allergies can affect various organ systems,” explains Salma Elfaki, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician at Lake Nona Pediatric Center. “Some children can have runny nose, cough, itchy nose. Some patients can also develop itchiness and redness and watery discharge from eyes.”
These are fairly common symptoms of allergies, but some children will have a more acute reaction. “More severe allergies can cause wheezing and worsening of asthma,” Dr. Elfaki says. “Some children can also develop skin reactions such as eczema or break out in hives which can be mild or very severe.”
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A Guide To Treating Toddler Seasonal Allergies
Lauren specializes in plant-based living and vegan and vegetarian diets for all ages. She specializes in writing about parenting and a wide variety of health, environmental, and nutrition topics.
When your child has the sniffles, coughs, or watery eyes it is a tell tale sign that they aren’t feeling well. A sick little one is the last thing any parent wants, and figuring out what’s wrong is the first order of business. Milk allergies in babies are common, butthese symptoms in particular could be signs of seasonal allergies. Toddler seasonal allergies are quite common and can plague children year after year. It’s important to determine the cause of their symptoms and a method of treatment early on to alleviate your toddler’s discomfort.
To help, we’ve put together this guide to treating toddler seasonal allergies so you can ensure your little one feels their best no matter the season.
Can I Give My Child Allergy Medicines
Over-the-counter treatments such as saline sprays, nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines can work for children, but Dr. Hong recommends that parents talk to their pediatrician about the different medications and proper dosing. It’s also important to be on the lookout for how allergy medications make children feel.
“Monitor whether medications make them sleepy,” Dr. Hong suggests. “Some liquids or pills can cause sleepiness, so you want to make sure that you either dose them at night or choose one that’s a little bit better for your child during the day so they’re not drowsy.
If your child is having allergy symptoms all of the time, Dr. Hong advises being proactive and seeking medical treatment so they can focus on school instead of their runny nose and sneezing all day long.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies In Babies And Toddlers
The earlier that parents spot potential seasonal allergies in their children, the better it will be to get them under control. This means that if you suspect your baby or toddler has seasonal allergies, it’s a good idea to take them to an allergist for evaluation. It’s not uncommon for symptoms of seasonal allergies to appear as though they’re part of a common cold or sinus infection. So, if you’re able to pinpoint your child’s allergies and give them the treatment they need to manage their symptoms, it may mean fewer missed days of school for them .
If your child has the same chronic cold-like symptoms over and over, they last more than a week or two, and they tend to happen around the same time each year, there’s a good chance your little one has seasonal allergies. Here are some of the seasonal allergy symptoms in babies and toddlers to look out for:
- Runny nose
- Coughing, wheezing, and/or difficulty breathing
- Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometimes scaly rashes in the creases of the skin, wrists, and ankles
What Kinds Of Medicine Can Treat Seasonal Allergies In Babies And Toddlers
If you’ve taken your child to the allergist and they’ve been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, the doctor has likely already prescribed or recommended the best course of treatment for them. But if you haven’t gotten around to making a trip to the allergist yet, though strongly suspect your child may have seasonal allergies, you may wonder what kinds of allergy medicines — if any — are safe and effective for babies and toddlers.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, most seasonal allergies in children can be effectively treated by both avoiding their known allergens and taking over-the-counter medicines. And while some allergy medicines are approved for use in children as young as six months old, the FDA cautions that just because a product says that it is safe for children does not mean it is intended for children of all ages. To be on the safe side, always be sure to read the label and see if the OTC medicine is recommended for someone your child’s age.
Many of the popular OTC allergy medications — including long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines including Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra — come in formulations for children. If that’s not enough to handle your child’s stuffiness and drainage, you may want to try an OTC nasal spray, like Children’s Flonase or Children’s Nasacort .
Other Ways To Alleviate Symptoms
Parents can alleviate symptoms naturally as well. When the pollen count is high or the trees start sprouting in the spring, try to minimize the time outside. When your baby or toddler does spend time outside, it can be helpful to clean everything that could contain pollen. Taking shoes off at the door can keep pollen that is picked up by the shoes from getting tracked into the house. Get the baby out of the clothing and wash it to get the pollen off. A can also provide your little one with some relief; it will wash away any pollen on the skin and hair. Pets that go outside should be washed as well to prevent pollen from getting into the house.
Things To Keep In Mind When Trying To Manage Your Childs Allergies
If allergies are getting the best of your child, the following points might help you understand the process and determine the best course of action.
Lesson #1: Know your opponent
Sneezing, nose and throat itchiness, and eye itchiness plus redness usually signal allergies. Like a cold, allergies produce nasal drainage, but it looks clear and watery. With a cold, mucus drainage is thicker and yellow or green.
Lesson #2: Age matters
Kids between 3 and 5 years old can have seasonal allergies. Indoor allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, can affect kids as young as 1 or 2 years old. Adults can outgrow childhood allergies, or they may persist throughout their lifetime.
Lesson #3: Parents pass it on
Kids often inherit allergies from Mom or Dad. The catch: They aren’t always allergic to the same things. You inherit the ability to become allergic, not the specific allergen sensitivity.
Lesson #4: OTC medication overview
Over-the-counter medications manage allergy symptoms well for most children. Long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine, fexofenadine and cetirizine, come in children’s formulations. They work well for sneezing and itching but do not adequately address stuffiness and drainage. Nasacort®, a nasal spray that’s available over the counter, handles all four symptoms well.
Lesson #5: Hone your delivery technique
Even if your child feels better, you can continue to give them allergy medication or nasal spray throughout pollen season.
I Think I Have An Allergy But I’m Not Sure
Generally, if you experience any combination of the typical symptoms — watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, etc. — you can safely conclude that you’re allergic to something.
If you don’t know what that something is and you want to find out, your primary care doctor can refer you to an allergist. Allergists conduct skin or blood tests to determine what substances you’re allergic to.
The thing is, most people exhibit the same symptoms regardless of the allergen, because allergic rhinitis is a condition with symptoms independent of triggers. So if your allergies aren’t severe, then you’re probably OK to take an over-the-counter allergy pill and not worry about it. If your allergies are severe, though, you might benefit from an allergy test so you can actively avoid your triggers.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Keep The Outdoors Out
After spending time outdoors when pollen is peaking, be sure to remove your shoes so you don’t track pollen around the house, throw clothes in the wash, and bathe your little ones as soon as possible to rid pollen from their hair. If your pets have been outside as well, be sure to give them a bath and limit pet contact with your kids when you can.
Other Allergies In Children
1. Pet allergy
Pet dander , urine, and saliva could be potential allergens . The symptoms of pet allergy may include a skin rash, runny nose or sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, and itchy or red eyes.
The treatment varies based on the severity of the symptoms. The mild ones may go away by washing hands with soap and water. Vacuuming and keeping the house clean can help get rid of the pet dander. However, the severe symptoms may be treated by allergy shots . The child should preferably avoid the pet to prevent allergies in the long run.
2. Medicine allergy
Certain medications could cause mild to severe allergic reactions in children. The symptoms may include pimples or redness from different kinds of steroids, purple or red rashes from antibiotics , purple area due to certain blood-thinners, and due to sulfa, penicillin, or some antibiotics . Allergic reactions are very common with antibiotics mainly penicillin groups. Always note what drugs your child is allergic too and avoid it next time.
Based on the severity of the symptom, drug allergies in children may be treated with epinephrine, antihistamines, or corticosteroids as prescribed by the doctor. If the medication is temporary, then the symptoms go away on suspending the dosage. Parents can also discuss with their child’s doctor about alternative medicines that are unlikely to trigger an allergy.
If Antihistamines Work It’s Probably An Allergy
For children over age 1 year, you can use an antihistamine to help determine whether they have colds or allergies. “Try a non-sedating antihistamine. If your child gets no relief within the next day or two, it’s probably a cold virus,” explains Dr. Lee. “However, if symptoms clear up quickly with the antihistamine, your child probably suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms.”
Horizontal Nasal Line Indicates Possible Allergy
When children rub their nostrils up and down and wiggle their nose side to side, the movement creates a wrinkle or crease on top of their nose. Often, the line or crease is white or reddish in color. “If a child has been dealing with an itchy, sneezy, runny nose for weeks, and we see a horizontal line on the nose, we suspect allergies,” explains Dr. Lee. “That crease is pretty much exclusive to allergy sufferers who rub their nose.”
What To Do For A Baby With Seasonal Allergies
If the blood test or skin prick test determines your baby does have allergies, the doctor might prescribe medication or suggest a treatment plan. Otherwise, you can take certain measures to prevent your baby from coming in contact with pollen.
Avoid going outdoors at peak pollen times, usually the middle of the day; instead, head outdoors in the early morning or late evening, and try not to go outdoors during windy days. If you do need to run errands with Baby during peak times, be sure to wash your hands and your baby’s hands after you come back inside to remove any pollen, or bathe your baby to wash away traces of pollen. Keep windows closed and air conditioners on in the warmer months.
Limit dust and pet dander at home by laundering sheets and towels in hot water, and avoid line-drying clothes, as pollen can stick to them. Vacuum floors and carpets at least once a week, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which removes some allergens. These simple changes to your routine can help you and your baby enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.
Tips To Relieve Seasonal Allergy Symptoms In Babies And Toddlers
Allergy symptoms are no fun for kids, and if left untreated, they can lead to sinus and ear infections. See an allergist, who can figure out the triggers causing your little one’s symptoms and recommend effective and safe treatments.
In the meantime, the best way to relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose and coughing in babies and toddlers is to try to avoid allergens whenever possible.
Here are a few tips to prevent and relieve seasonal allergy symptoms:
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You child’s allergy symptoms may be much like cold symptoms: Runny nose, clear drainage, sneezing, itchy eyes or throat. If it’s a cold, your child may feel sick and not have much energy. But with allergies, he or she may feel fine except for the itchy eyes and runny nose.
What Can Make Allergies Worse
- Cigarette smoke
- Smoke from wood stoves or fireplaces
- Perfume
- Greenish or yellowish drainage from the nose
How can I tell if my child has seasonal allergies?
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