Fall allergies and hay fever - this commonly ignored misnomer can make your kids feel miserable

Fall is here, which, unfortunately, here in North Carolina often means the resurgence of seasonal allergy symptoms for many kids (and parents!). In the fall around here, ragweed is the most common allergen that can make some kids feel pretty miserable. Since there are around 17 species of ragweed in North Carolina, UNC allergist and immunologist Dr. Saira Sheikh says it’s pretty tough to avoid – particularly in late August and through September.

Often referred to as hay fever, Sheikh explains this common condition that’s caused by seasonal allergies often confuses parents since it’s not caused by hay and doesn’t cause a fever. Instead, Sheikh explains, allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens in the air and its hallmark symptoms include itchy eyes and throat, coughing, sneezing, congestion and/or runny nose, lethargy or tiredness.

To add to the fun this year, some kids with allergies may present with similar symptoms as those commonly associated with COVID-19. Understanding the nuances of each can help prevent unnecessary panic – and can help make sure your child gets the treatment they need. Some parents may wonder how to know when to seek a COVID test rather than trying over-the-counter allergy medications.

“While a few of the symptoms of allergies and COVID are similar – such as cough and occasionally shortness of breath in kids with asthma and allergies, most of the symptoms are different enough that your pediatrician or primary care doctor should be able to help you determine whether or not a COVID test would be warranted," Sheikh said. "Allergy sufferers won’t experience fever or chills, nausea vomiting or diarrhea, which may be common with COVID-19 infection. Seasonality should also be a clue. For example, if your child tends to get these symptoms every year around this time – you probably have less to worry about in terms of COVID. Finally, a sudden loss of taste or smell is a common symptom of COVID rather than allergies and should be taken seriously. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.”

While fall allergies are a nuisance for many, Sheikh urges parents not to shrug them off as an insignificant problem. “Allergic rhinitis is the most common childhood ailment caused by allergies and is the sixth leading cause of chronic illness – affecting six million children in the US,” Sheikh said. “Because allergies are so common, we as a society often underestimate how deeply these symptoms can impact our children’s health and our own, until they are identified and treated.”

If left untreated, she said, allergic rhinitis can lead to chronic ear infections that can cause hearing and speech problems down the road. Young children with untreated allergies can occasionally develop severe nasal congestion, and start breathing through their mouth, which can actually affect the growth of their teeth and the bones of their face. Finally, due to chronic cough and congestion, sleep problems are common in kids with untreated allergies – which can leave them tired and struggling to concentrate.

Many allergy symptoms can be treated easily and effectively with over-the-counter medications. Seeing an allergy specialist can help you pinpoint exactly what your child is allergic to – whether your child is triggered by indoor, outdoor, seasonal or year-round allergens. Allergy testing can be done either through a simple blood test or a basic skin prick test – both of which are typically easily tolerated.

“Knowing what your child is allergic to can help determine the most effective course of treatment and can help your child better manage their symptoms,” explains Dr. Sheikh. “Avoidance is a common first-line treatment but it’s hard to avoid your triggers if you don’t know what they are. Generally, for seasonal allergies – keeping windows closed and spending less time outdoors can often help, but there are numerous options to consider.”

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“Living with allergies can really impact your child’s quality of life. While they may not complain often if they’ve become accustomed to their symptoms, chances are they can really find relief with the right course of treatment,” Sheikh said.