Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Relief, and When to Seek Care

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 12, 2026 | Medical review completed: August 12, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611 | 559-538-3070

Seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) can cause repeated sneezing, a clear runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes when trees, grasses, weeds, or outdoor molds are present. They can be very uncomfortable, but they should not cause a child to have trouble breathing, throat swelling, or to look seriously ill.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

Seasonal nasal allergies are different from a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 if your child may be having a life-threatening emergency.

CALL 911 NOW

Trouble breathing, severe wheezing, blue or gray lips or face, inability to speak or cry because of breathing difficulty, or a child who is limp or unresponsive.
Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat; trouble swallowing, drooling, or a hoarse voice, especially after a food, medicine, or insect sting.
Hives or swelling together with repeated vomiting, fainting or marked dizziness, or breathing or throat symptoms. If epinephrine has been prescribed, follow the child's emergency plan, use it as directed, and call 911. Do not delay for an antihistamine.

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

Breathing that is fast, hard, or noisy; ribs pulling in with breaths; persistent wheezing or stridor; or breathing that prevents drinking, feeding, speaking, crying, or normal activity.
An asthma action plan has reached its emergency steps, or rescue medicine is not helping as directed in that plan.
Eye pain, a major eyelid or facial swelling, a change in vision, or an eye injury.

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

Symptoms are new, the cause is uncertain, or symptoms are interfering with sleep, school, play, feeding, or daily activity.
Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, night symptoms, or exercise symptoms occur with allergy symptoms.
Fever, significant ear, throat, or sinus pain, or a child who looks ill. Allergies can occur at the same time as an infection.
Symptoms occur much of the year, there is frequent snoring or mouth breathing, or the current plan is not working.
You need help choosing a product, confirming a safe dose, or deciding whether a medicine is appropriate for your child's age and health history.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Itchy nose, eyes, roof of the mouth, or throat; repeated sneezing; clear nasal drainage; stuffiness; and watery or red eyes.
Nose rubbing, sniffling, throat clearing, or an occasional cough from drainage in the throat.
A pattern that returns during the same season or with outdoor exposure. Allergy symptoms may continue for weeks while the trigger is present.
Allergies commonly do not cause fever or body aches. Pollen allergies are unusual in children younger than 2 years; persistent symptoms in a young child deserve an individualized assessment.

Allergies or a Cold?

It can be difficult to tell from symptoms alone. Itching of the eyes or nose, clear drainage, and a recurring seasonal pattern point more toward allergies. Fever, body aches, a shorter illness that improves over days, and exposure to ill contacts can point more toward a viral infection. A child can have both allergies and an infection. When symptoms are severe, worsening, or unclear, ask the child's healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose the cause from this page.

Practical Ways to Reduce Pollen Exposure

Learn the child's usual pollen season and watch local pollen conditions when symptoms tend to flare.
After outdoor play, wash hands and face; consider changing clothes and bathing or washing hair before bedtime when pollen exposure has been heavy.
Keep home and car windows closed when pollen levels are high or symptoms are active. Air conditioning can reduce exposure to outdoor pollen.
Use sunglasses outdoors if they are comfortable for the child; they can help reduce pollen reaching the eyes.
A commercial saline nose spray can be a drug-free way to rinse allergens from the nose. Ask the child's healthcare professional about the best approach for the child's age. Outdoor play and activity remain important; most children do not need to stay indoors all season.

Medicines: Use a Safe, Individual Plan

This page does not provide medicine doses. Ask your child's healthcare professional or pharmacist which product, minimum age, dose, and technique are appropriate. Read every product label and do not combine products without advice.

Antihistamines can help itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Some can cause drowsiness or other side effects. Do not give more than one antihistamine unless the child's clinician specifically directs it.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays can be helpful for ongoing nasal allergy symptoms and work best when used regularly and with proper technique. Discuss the product and technique with the child's clinician before starting or changing treatment.
Do not assume a cough-and-cold combination product is an allergy medicine. The FDA advises against cough-and-cold products containing a decongestant or antihistamine for children younger than 2 years; many products are labeled not for children younger than 4 years. Ask before using a combination product or a decongestant.

When Testing or a Specialist May Help

The trigger is unclear, symptoms are difficult to control, or the child has symptoms most of the year.
Allergies appear to worsen asthma, sleep, school attendance, sports, or daily functioning.
The healthcare professional wants allergy testing to clarify likely triggers. Testing is interpreted together with the child's history, not by itself.

Related Guides

Sources and Medical Review

Sources checked August 12, 2026. Medical review completed August 12, 2026.