Sneezing. Runny noses. Itchy eyes that never seem to quit. If this sounds familiar, seasonal allergies may be to blame — and they can start earlier in the year than many parents expect.
Seasonal allergies are common in children and can last for weeks or even months. The good news? With the right information and care plan, most kids can find relief and get back to feeling like themselves.
When do seasonal allergies start?
Seasonal allergies can begin as early as late winter or early spring, even when temperatures are still cool. That’s because many trees release pollen before they grow leaves, allowing pollen to travel easily through the air.
As the year goes on:
- Tree pollen is most common in late winter and spring.
- Grass pollen appears in late spring and early summer.
- Weed pollen, including ragweed, peaks in late summer and fall.
Because different plants pollinate at different times, some children may experience symptoms across more than one season.
Is it allergies or a cold?
It can be tricky to tell the difference — especially in kids. Here are a few helpful clues:
Seasonal allergies often:
- Last several weeks or longer.
- Cause sneezing, itching and clear nasal drainage.
- Come without a fever.
Colds usually:
- Last about a week.
- Cause congestion, body aches or sore throat.
- May include a low‑grade fever.
If symptoms linger or seem to return again and again, allergies are often the cause.
How are seasonal allergies treated?
There’s no cure for seasonal allergies, but symptoms can usually be managed with the right treatment plan.
Many children benefit from:
- Over‑the‑counter antihistamines
- Nasal sprays that reduce inflammation and congestion
- Allergy eye drops for itchy or watery eyes
These treatments tend to work best when used consistently and as directed. If symptoms are disrupting sleep, school or daily activities, talk with your child’s health care provider about next steps.
Everyday tips to reduce allergy symptoms
Medication can help, but simple daily habits can also make a big difference:
- Keep windows and doors closed during high‑pollen days.
- Have kids wash hands and change clothes after outdoor play.
- Bathe pets regularly to reduce pollen they carry indoors.
- Vacuum frequently and change air filters often.
Limiting exposure to pollen can help keep symptoms from worsening.
When to see a health care expert
Consider reaching out to your child’s provider if allergy symptoms:
- Don’t improve with over‑the‑counter treatments.
- Affect sleep, learning or behavior.
- Include coughing, wheezing or breathing concerns.
A medical provider can help confirm whether allergies are the cause and recommend additional treatment options.
Find allergy care at Children’s Mercy in Wichita
If your child is struggling with seasonal allergies, Children’s Mercy in Wichita offers expert pediatric care to help diagnose and manage symptoms. From treatment guidance to specialty care when needed, our team partners with families to create a plan that helps kids breathe easier — season after season.
Sponsored by Children’s Mercy Wichita.
Children’s Mercy Wichita offers a child-friendly environment to provide families access to pediatric specialty care that otherwise might not be available without traveling out of the community including Cardiology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Hepatology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and more.
Maggie Barnthouse, MD, is orginally from Augusta, KS and then graduated from Andover High School…she is a Wichita area native! She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, and attended KU School of Medicine before completing an internal medicine residency at KU Medical Center. She started a fellowship in 2016 at Children’s Mercy and stayed on as faculty, now entering her 10th year. Dr. Barnthouse’s focus is rural medicine with a special interest in food allergy.
