Children with hay fever suffer from watery, itchy eyes and severe sneezing fits accompanied by a runny nose. These symptoms limit the quality of life for these young patients.
Below you will find more information about hay fever in children, as well as specialists who treat this condition.
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction of the immune system to harmless environmental substances. The body mistakenly classifies these substances as “enemies,” and the immune system fights them off.
Even the smallest amounts of certain plant pollens trigger inflammation of the airways, particularly the mucous membranes. This leads to the typical symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms usually occur seasonally, specifically during the flowering season of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The so-called early-bloomers (poplars, birches, or alders) are the most common triggers of hay fever.
About one in every 11 children in Germany suffers from hay fever. The trend is on the rise. Some children also suffer from asthma or inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. In most patients, allergic rhinitis develops as early as childhood. In most cases, at least one of their parents also has an allergy.
Sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and red, itchy eyes are among the typical symptoms. A thin, watery discharge often flows from the nose. This nasal discharge can lead to eczema on the skin around the nostrils.
Symptoms usually appear during or immediately after contact with the triggering pollen. The antibodies release inflammatory substances, causing the mucous membranes to swell with every contact with the allergens.
Other symptoms include:
A severe pollen allergy has a negative impact on well-being. Those affected suffer from impaired concentration and are unable to pay sufficient attention in school.
Patients with hay fever often cannot tolerate certain foods. Cross-allergies develop.
Symptoms usually appear in the spring. They typically begin when the tree or shrub causing the allergy starts to bloom. For most people affected, symptoms peak in May and June—the time when pollen levels are highest.
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Hay fever is a widespread allergy among children @ Kzenon /AdobeStock
Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in its development.
Breastfeeding, however, provides a certain degree of protection against allergies. For this reason, doctors recommend that expectant mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least four months. Only after that should they slowly introduce solid foods.
In cases of severe allergic symptoms, it is essential to have the condition medically evaluated. The appropriate specialists are doctors with a subspecialty in allergology. These may include pediatricians, dermatologists, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, internists, and pulmonologists who have completed additional training in allergology.
A diagnosis can be made based on the typical symptoms:
Those affected can alleviate their symptoms using various methods. In many cases, medications are helpful.
People with allergies can treat hay fever locally with nasal sprays or systemically with tablets. Check the dosage carefully for children, as unwanted side effects may occur.
For severe symptoms, they reliably and quickly block allergy symptoms. They are administered in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, or eye drops. The active ingredient causes drowsiness, so it affects the ability to concentrate.
For children under twelve years of age, you may only use very specific active ingredients. Cortisone has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Potential side effects include headaches and nosebleeds.
They soothe the swollen nasal mucosa. They are primarily used for a stuffy nose. Those affected should use nasal sprays for no more than one week. Saline nasal sprays can complement medication. They cleanse and soothe the irritated mucous membranes.
Desensitization helps “acclimate” the body to the allergen, thereby preventing an allergic reaction. Doctors administer the highly diluted allergen to the patient over an extended period, gradually increasing the dosage. If the therapy is successful, the body “tolerates” the substance and the symptoms disappear permanently.
Desensitization has shown good results. The treatment lasts over three years and is successful in about 70 to 80 percent of children with allergies.
In general, pollen allergy cannot be completely cured. However, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms.
If your child has already developed an allergy, the most important preventive measure is to avoid pollen.
Children and parents can reduce pollen exposure by taking the following steps:
The pollen season varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. When it rains, there are hardly any allergens in the air. Warm and dry weather, on the other hand, promotes the spread of pollen. The regional weather report provides information on current pollen levels.
Depending on the type of pollen allergy, affected children should avoid certain foods:
Hay fever in children can significantly impair the quality of life for young patients.
It can be effectively treated with medication. However, these medications have side effects such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Desensitization therapy may help the allergy subside.
Following appropriate lifestyle guidelines and avoiding certain foods can help keep symptoms under control.
