Hay fever and children: Understanding and managing seasonal allergies for your little one

2nd May 2024

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common issue that affects many people, especially in the UK. One in three people live with allergies and hay fever, roughly 21 million people in total. This number includes a significant number of children, with 10-15% affected.

Unlike adults, children may not always be able to articulate their discomfort or understand why they feel unwell, making diagnosis and management of hay fever in children uniquely challenging. 

Recognising and treating hay fever in children is crucial, not only for their immediate comfort but also to prevent longer-term issues such as poor sleep quality and disrupted daily activities. This can be especially difficult for you to diagnose when it’s not something you experience yourself.

How hay fever affects children differently from adults

Children are often more sensitive to hay fever than adults due to their still-developing immune systems and smaller nasal passages. The typical symptoms—sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes—can significantly affect their mood, behaviour, and ability to concentrate in school. Additionally, children may be at a higher risk for developing related conditions like asthma or chronic sinusitis if their hay fever is not managed effectively.

Diagnosis challenges

One of the primary challenges in diagnosing hay fever in children is differentiating it from other childhood illnesses like the common cold. Allergy symptoms tend to be longer lasting and occur seasonally, a key difference from colds, which usually resolve within a week or two. Children may also develop allergies to different substances over time, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without professional testing.

Tips for parents managing their child’s hay fever

If you suspect hay fever, there are ways you can help your little one have a more comfortable spring. Our top four tips for managing your child’schild’s hay fever are:

1. Limit exposure

Keep windows closed during high-pollen days, and have your child shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen.

1. Create a pollen-free environment.

Use air purifiers in the home and avoid hanging laundry outside to dry during pollen season.

1. Monitor pollen counts

Stay informed about daily pollen levels using reliable sources or apps and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

1. Educate and empower

Teach your child about their condition in an age-appropriate way, helping them to recognise symptoms and communicate their feelings.

What to do if you suspect your child has hay fever 

If you’re unsure whether your child is experiencing hay fever or something else, it’s best to err on the side of caution and investigate the cause of the symptoms.

Pollen allergies can be disruptive to your child’s life, but with the correct diagnosis and management plan, they can be kept under control. Our experts specialise in identifying and treating pediatric allergies. By conducting thorough testing for pollen and other allergens, we can help you understand exactly what triggers your child’s symptoms and how to tackle them effectively. Why not register as a new patient or take one of our home allergy tests? Together, we can tailor a hay fever management plan that suits your child and lets them enjoy spring to the fullest.

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Autumn is coming: What allergies does it bring with it?

30th September 2023

Autumn is coming: What allergies does it bring with it?

As we bid farewell to another “summer” and welcome the cool embrace of autumn, it’s time to prepare for a different kind of seasonal shift: the rise of autumn allergies. 

As the leaves change from green to golden amber – while they look charming – they bring a host of allergens that can trigger symptoms you’re unlikely to see across the rest of the year. 

Autumn weeds produce new pollen types. Mould spores grow from fallen, rotting leaves, soil, compost heaps, and dead plants. And indoor allergens are on the rise. 

Let’s explore these together. 

Autumnal pollen

As the seasons take a turn, so do the flowering weeds. Common to autumn, you’ll likely find common dock weed, ragweed, mugwort, nettles, sorrel and plantain. Ragweed, in particular, is a notorious nuisance. It grows fast and produces exceptionally high pollen levels from the end of August to November (or until the first frost). If you’re experiencing a ragweed allergy, you might be experiencing fever symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Additionally, mugwort pollen makes for quite the autumn allergy cocktail. 

The rise of the mould spores

Falling leaves can be magical in the autumn months. But not for those with an allergy to mould spores. These spores thrive in damp, decaying matter; of which, autumn is the perfect breeding ground. Fallen leaves, especially when wet, become hotspots for mould growth. These tiny spores can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms when inhaled. Dampness is a boon for mould spores, making it essential to take precautions to minimise exposure if you have a mould spore allergy. 

Indoor allergens take centre stage 

 As days get darker and damper, we tend to hibernate and spend more time indoors. By doing so, we create a different sort of allergen hotbed. Being inside increases dust buildup, leading to mites, pet dander, and indoor moulds. As it gets colder outside and energy prices have no intentions of dropping, we’re more likely to keep windows and doors closed, keeping all the allergens circulating inside, increasing exposure. 

So, how can you manage autumn allergens?

The changing season doesn’t have to mean surrendering to allergies. Here are a few proactive steps you can take:

Know your triggers

Before taking prevention, knowing what is specifically causing discomfort is your first port of call. When you know the issue, you can arm yourself against autumn allergens by minimising your exposure.

Autumn clean

It’s like a spring clean, but after the summer, not before it. Swap out lighter bedding for warmer, allergen-proof bedding. Pull out all your furniture where you can and give a thorough clean and hoover. Autumn means closing windows and doors to keep outside allergens from coming in, but it puts you between a rock and a hard place because that also prevents indoor allergens from getting out. Investing in an air purifier can be a handy middle ground. 

Stay informed

As you would with pollen counts in the summer, keep monitoring pollen counts and mould levels in your area. On days when allergen levels are high, you can make an informed choice on whether or not to stay inside. 

The vibrant hues of autumn leaves are on their way, but so are seasonal allergies. The good news is that you don’t have to lock yourself away until the spring. Let’s take the first steps to uncover any potential seasonal allergens causing discomfort. Our allergy experts can guide you through the process, from testing to advice you need to live a comfortable life. Simply register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever

23rd March 2022

Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever

We recently talked about seasonal allergies and how they seem to be coming earlier and lasting longer. We’re well into March now, so some people will be starting to notice those telltale signs. A runny nose. Itchy eyes. Scratchy throat. Yep, hay fever season is here.

But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here’s our springtime guide for dealing with your hay fever and pollen allergies, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.

Symptoms to look out for

The problem with seasonal allergies happening earlier is that there’s overlap with winter illnesses such as a cold or the flu. Along with something like coronavirus. So some people might not realise it’s actually their hay fever acting up.

We all know the obvious symptoms:

• Runny, stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat or coughing

But there are some you might not realise are related to your allergy:

• Headaches, particularly around the temples (likely a sinus backup)
• Exhaustion
• Earache
• Loss of smell

Headaches, especially, are something we often attribute to something else. Not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep – you get the idea. But you might want to pay attention to the kind of headaches you get. Do they feel like they come from a blockage? Are they more around the front of your head? If so, it could be hay fever and sinus-related.

How to minimise symptoms

There are steps you can take to keep your symptoms at bay. The issue is when pollen reaches you and causes a reaction. So you need to do what you can to keep the pollen away.

If you like to have your windows open, this could be making your symptoms worse, so keep them closed. Make a habit of checking the pollen counts too, so you know if it’s worth going outside. Speaking of outside, don’t dry your washing in the fresh air. Pollen can stick to it and you’ll bring it right into your house.

If you like going for walks, stay away from grassy, open spaces. If you live near the coast, consider going there. If not, stay in more urban areas. Especially if the grass near your favourite walking spot has just been cut.

Preventative measures

There are other ways you could prevent hay fever from bothering you. Over-the-counter antihistamines are regularly used by people suffering, as are nasal sprays. Before you do this though, you might want to talk with your doctor.

They may have a better suggestion for helping you deal with your symptoms. It might also be the case that they recommend you don’t take over-the-counter medication. Always consult them before taking any medicine, just in case.

It’s always a rough time of year for people with hay fever, but don’t worry. Just follow these tips and you’ll avoid any unnecessary exposure to pollen. You won’t ever be 100% able to get rid of it, but at least you can minimise any aggravation.

Don’t let your hay fever get you down this spring. Talk to the experts at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. We can help you with any allergy woes. Sign up as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

16th October 2019

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

Sometimes it can feel as if allergies are a constant source of stress. Most people think of hay fever as the only seasonal allergy. But sometimes one season rolls into another and there’s no relief from the sneezing or itching. Why is this? It’s because different seasons bring different allergens. 

It’s tough to keep up, we know. So here’s a quick breakdown of which allergies are typical of each season.

Autumn

The damp conditions of autumn cause mould spores to thrive, especially if it’s still a little humid outside. Whether it’s in piles of leaves, grass, or compost piles, mould might extend your spring and summer suffering. It also tends to be windier in autumn, meaning any leftover pollen can wreak havoc while mould spores get blown around and are more likely to intrude on your personal space.

Winter

During the cold, frosty weather we get some much-needed relief from pollen and hay fever. But we’re often met with a new nemesis. As you power up your heating, it can kick up a lot of dust. Dust allergy symptoms look a lot like hay fever, often making it a year-round struggle.

You can limit your suffering by keeping your home’s humidity below 55%, using a HEPA filter in your vacuum, and keeping up with cleaning around the house. No one wants to get sneezing, wheezing, and itching for Christmas!  

Some keen varieties of tree pollen may also make an early appearance towards the end of winter.

Spring

April showers bring beautiful flowers. But these beautiful flowers also bring hay fever. This is one of the most common allergies out there; somewhere between 10 and 30% of adults are said to suffer. 

From March onwards, tree and plant pollen will be in full swing. And as the weather starts to get nicer, you’ll probably start spending more time outside, increasing your chance of symptoms. 

Summer 

As tree and plant pollen make their way out, we get treated to grass and weed pollen instead! It’s the time of barbeques and picnics, meaning we like to keep our grass nice and trimmed – do you see where we’re going with this?

We’re outside more meaning we can get irritated by smog in the atmosphere. And also run an increased risk of any insect sting or bite allergies.

The moral of this story is that every season brings with it new reasons to sneeze. While an entire year of runny noses and streaming eyes sounds less than ideal, a bit of caution can easily reduce your suffering. Pay attention to the weather, keep an eye on pollen counts, and try to keep allergens out of your home.

If you want to find out more about seasonal allergies or book an allergy test to identify your triggers, give us a call on 02031 433 499.