Understanding Allergies
What is it? Allergies happen when your child's immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Very common in kids—affecting 27% of children.
Common Types:
- Seasonal allergies (pollen from trees, grass, weeds)
- Pet allergies (dander from cats, dogs)
- Indoor allergies (dust mites, mold)
Symptoms to Monitor
Typical Signs:
- Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Cough or throat clearing
- Clear mucus (no fever)
Watch for These Too:
- Sleep disturbance
- Itchy or full ears
- Hoarse voice
- Fatigue or irritability
Treatment Plan
First-Line Treatments:
- Nasal saline rinses - Use daily
- Intranasal steroids (Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort) - For persistent symptoms
- Oral antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) - For milder cases or young kids
- Allergy eye drops (Zaditor, Pataday) - For itchy, watery eyes
Environmental Management:
- Close windows on high pollen days
- Wash hands, face, change clothes after outdoor play
- Vacuum, mop, dust weekly; change bedding weekly
- Consider HEPA air purifier
- Keep pets out of sleeping areas (if pet allergies)
When to Manage at Home
✅ Safe to treat at home when:
- Mild to moderate symptoms
- Clear mucus, no fever
- Child is eating, drinking, sleeping reasonably well
- Symptoms improve with treatment
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Reach out if:
- Symptoms aren't improving after 2-3 days of treatment
- Sleep is significantly disrupted
- Child seems unusually uncomfortable
- You need dosing guidance for medications
- Questions about your treatment plan
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
🩺 Call your pediatrician for:
- Symptoms lasting weeks without improvement
- Need for allergy testing
- Recurring infections (ear, sinus)
- Asthma symptoms alongside allergies
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek emergency care immediately if:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives with breathing problems
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
These are signs of a serious allergic reaction that needs immediate medical attention.
Remember
- Allergies are not contagious - your child can attend school/daycare
- Seasonal allergies are rare in children under 2 years old
- Treatment works best with consistent use
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our 24/7 on-demand Medical team.
