Pollen Allergies

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What is pollen?

A fine powder that comes from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds.
Wind and animals move the powder around in the air we breathe.
Different plants produce pollen at different times of the year.
The amount of pollen in the air also depends on the weather and the time of day.

What is a pollen allergy?

Everyone breathes in pollen that is in the air, but some people can have an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms if exposed.
If you are allergic to pollen, your immune system is sensitive to specific pollens causing your body to have a reaction.
Since there are many different pollens, your child may be allergic to one, but tolerate others without any problem.

What are the symptoms?

When pollen gets into your child’s nose, it can cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis or “hayfever”. These symptoms can include:
- Itchy nose, mouth, or lips.
- Sneezing.
- Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Mucous in the throat, post-nasal drip, or itchy throat.
- Itchy ears.
- Coughing.
- Click here to learn more about allergic rhinitis.
Asthma symptoms:
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Chest tightness.

How are pollen allergies diagnosed?

Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you questions about your child’s symptoms and exposures and perform a physical exam.
Your child might be referred to a physician specializing in allergies who might do additional testing such as skin tests and/or blood tests.

How can I prevent symptoms from pollen allergies?

Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.
- Visit pollen.aaaai.org to monitor pollen counts near you!
- Pollen counts are usually higher on humid and windy days.
Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from coming indoors.
Pollen can deposit on clothing when drying outdoors, so it is best to use your dryer instead.
Clean and replace air conditioner filters often.
Bathe your child before they go to bed.
Limit the time your child spends with outdoor pets. If your pet goes outdoors, do not allow them to sleep in your child’s bed.

How is this treated?

Your child’s healthcare provider might recommend oral medications, nose sprays, or eye drops.
- If your child’s allergies are worse at a certain time of year, they can start taking their allergy medications before that time of year begins.
- Taking the medication ahead of time will help and may prevent the body from developing symptoms when they are exposed to the pollen.
Some children receive immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) with their allergy specialist.

When to call your doctor?

Your child is having fever.
Your child is having difficulty breathing.
Your child is getting worse.
You have other questions or concerns.

This publication was adapted from information from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, and the Allergy/Immunology department at Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego

Reviewed by: AR, D.O, TT D.O. | 11/2023