Physician informs families on how to prevent seasonal allergies in children

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Fall is less than a month away, and families are preparing to be proactive on allergies for children.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children are diagnosed with environmental allergies.

Dr. Kathryn Bybee with Med Center Health said allergies are prominent during the fall and other seasons.

“It’s really common this time of year for us to see seasonal allergies start to pop up. The most common symptoms that we see are watery itchy eyes and a runny nose,” Bybee said.

In the Bluegrass State where farming and moisture is common, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, warmer temperatures present a longer exposure to pollen.

“We see a lot of seasonal allergies this time of the year particularly here in Kentucky where the pollen counts can get pretty high,” she said.

Bybee said preventing the spread of allergens in your house could play a key role in your child’s health.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said that keeping windows closed during high pollen count seasons, removing your shoes after walking outside and storing your dirty laundry in less traveled spaces are also steps to prevent pollen from entering your home, especially after the kids enjoy outside.

“The first line of defense is making sure you reduce allergen reduction. The allergens like the pollen that causes these types of symptoms. So, make sure when you’re coming from outside to inside, you’re washing your hands or washing your face,” Bybee said.

Sneezing, postnasal drip, itchy skin, asthma attacks and irritated eyes are all common allergy symptoms that could be prevented or managed with the proper medication, in both adults and children.

“A lot of parents get it confused with cold symptoms though,” she said.

In children, allergy medications differ and with school back in session, watching what your child takes is important. 

“I really don’t like Benadryl for kids because it does have a drowsy effect to it. It’s more of our second line medications, second generation antihistamines like Zyrtec or Allegra. Those are typically less drowsy,” she said.

She recommends visiting your primary care doctor to find out what treatments can help your child’s allergies.