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
We'll check in with you 24 hours after your visit. 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.
