Spring has officially arrived in Western New York—yes, even with a little snow still in the mix! That also means spring allergy season is kicking off, and many of us are already feeling it—especially in our eyes.
An allergy “season” refers to the period when certain trees, grasses, and weeds are pollinating, and it typically lasts around 6–8 weeks. You can monitor the pollen count in our area by visiting www.pollen.com.
Common Spring Allergy Symptoms in Children:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Cough
- Wheezing
How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms at Home:
- Keep windows closed in your home to prevent pollen from entering.
- Shower and wash hair at night to remove pollen collected during the day—this prevents it from transferring to your child’s pillow while sleeping.
- Consider appropriate allergy medications as needed.
Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications:
Antihistamines
Used to relieve itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. These can be taken only on days when symptoms are present:
- Non-sedating (ideal for daytime use):
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
- Allegra
- Xyzal
- Sedating (best at night):
- Benadryl
- Nasal spray option: Astepro
Intranasal Steroids
These sprays are most effective when started at the beginning of allergy season and used daily.
Examples include:
- Fluticasone (Flonase)
- Mometasone (Nasonex)
Recent studies show that intranasal steroid sprays are more effective at preventing allergy symptoms than oral antihistamines. They are especially helpful in reducing inflammation and providing targeted relief without the systemic side effects of oral medications.
What the Latest Research Says:
- Intranasal steroids and antihistamines are recommended as first-line treatments for allergic rhinitis.
- Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, and Xyzal are less effective than nasal sprays for controlling seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Montelukast (Singulair) was found to be the least effective treatment in recent comparisons.
Why Nasal Sprays Are Preferred:
- Targeted Relief: They work directly in the nasal passages.
- Fewer Side Effects: Unlike oral medications, they don’t affect the rest of the body.
- Better Prevention: Steroid sprays reduce inflammation and congestion, stopping symptoms before they start.
Bottom Line for Parents:
Approach spring allergy care in a stepwise manner:
- Close windows and shower nightly to minimize pollen exposure.
- Start a daily nasal steroid spray, like Flonase Sensimist—it’s gentle and well-tolerated by children.
- For itchy eyes, try allergy eye drops like Zaditor or Pataday.
- On days when the pollen count is very high, it’s okay to stay indoors—break out the board games and keep it cozy!
Have questions or need guidance for managing your child’s seasonal allergies?
Give us a call at 585-568-8330. We’re here to help your family breathe easier this spring!
