Treating Seasonal Allergies

The best treatment for children who suffers from seasonal allergies is to avoid the allergy-causing agent. If your child is allergic to pollen, this would include environmental modifications like keeping windows closed in your home and in the car and limiting your child's outdoor activities when the counts are the highest, like early morning for pollen.


If allergy symptoms are mild, your child may benefit from an over-the-counter allergy medication. These drugs can be found at your local pharmacy and should be taken on an as-needed basis. However, keep in mind that doctors do not recommend taking allergy medications with antihistamine for longer than 3–5 days at a time because they generally cause drowsiness.

Prescription allergy medications include decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids. Your child's pediatrician will be able to determine the type of medication and the dosing that is best for your child. There are many newer non-sedating antihistamines that work well to control allergies and have few side effects. It is important that your child take these prescription medications exactly as prescribed; they are less effective if taken intermittently or on an as-need basis.