Have runny noses, sneezes, and itchy, watery eyes taken over your children? As we head into spring, the plants are blooming, blossoming, and bringing a lot of pollen our way. As a pediatrician in the ER, I get asked about allergy symptoms in kids and how to prevent and treat these reactions on a daily basis.

I’ve put together my top five most asked questions about seasonal allergy symptoms in kids, how to prevent and treat springtime allergies, and when you may be dealing with more than just allergies (think allergy and asthma care).

#1. Can you explain seasonal allergies and why my child’s allergies are so bad in the springtime?

The reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups in spring is due to the blooming trees, plants, and flowers. Pollen and other products of nature get carried by the wind and end up in our noses, eyes, and lungs.

Our immune system reacts to the foreign elements and releases histamine, which causes swelling and mucus production in the nose, redness and tearing in the eyes, and itching. More seriously, it can cause wheezing, excess mucus production, and swelling in the lungs.

#2. How do I know whether my child’s runny nose is allergies vs. a cold?

Colds and seasonal allergies share a lot of the same symptoms, but there are a few differentiating features that can help you tell the difference.

1. Fever

If your child has a fever, chances are they may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection (the common cold). Many times, a common cold will be associated with a low-grade fever, whereas seasonal allergies never cause a fever.

2. Duration of Symptoms

The symptoms from a common cold typically last 10 to 14 days. If your child is having persistent congestion or a nighttime cough for more than two weeks, it is important to have them evaluated by their pediatrician. Ongoing symptoms may indicate seasonal allergies.

3. Itchiness

The common cold and allergies can both cause symptoms involving the throat and eyes. However, allergies typically cause itchiness, whereas colds can cause watery eyes and sore throats.

4. Speed of Onset

Exposure to allergens can trigger symptoms quickly. With seasonal allergies, your child may be outside playing and suddenly develop a runny nose and watery eyes. The symptoms of a cold tend to occur more gradually. One day your child is complaining of sore throat and fatigue, and over the next few days, they start to develop a runny nose and cough.

5. Time of Year

Although not always reliable, the time of year can be helpful in differentiating between a cold and seasonal allergies. You can get a cold year-round, but most people consider the fall and winter months to be cold season. Spring is the season for allergies.

Again, the reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups in spring is everything in bloom, causing an excess of pollen in the air.

If your child has a continually runny nose, cough, and watery eyes at the beginning of spring season lasting for 3-4 weeks, it is highly likely your child is experiencing a reaction to seasonal allergies.

#3. What can I do at home to combat allergy symptoms in kids?

Spring brings beautiful days and weather and we would all love to open up our windows. But if your child is suffering with seasonal allergies, the best thing to do is keep your windows closed to reduce your child’s exposure to pollen.

Additional steps you can take to reduce exposure to allergy triggers include:

• Make sure your child changes their clothes when they come home from school.
• Bathe your child when they come inside after school or sporting events.
• Do not keep backpacks and sporting bags in bedrooms.
• If your child has long hair, pulling their hair back can decrease the number of triggers to their nose and eyes.
• Wipe down your dog’s paws after going for a walk or outside as they can bring pollen into the house.
• A good air filtration system can help pull some of the pollen out of the indoor air.
• Avoid outdoor activities when the pollen count is a