Hay Fever and Allergies

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Lucile Salter Packard Children's Health Services
Parent Information and Referral Center

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Hay fever is one of the most common allergies. It can cause an itchy nose and eyes, sniffling and sneezing with a clear nasal discharge, and possibly also sinus or ear congestion. These symptoms return year after year, probably for a lifetime. The trigger for these reactions is usually pollen, but can be animal dander, smoke, molds, or anything else your child is allergic to.

Preventing Symptoms

These suggestions cover a number of different areas. Use those which are helpful to your child.

• Keep the child's bedroom windows closed; if possible use air conditioning or filters. Recirculate the air in the room rather than pulling in air from outdoors, and change the filters frequently. Ducts for central heating and air conditioning should be professionally cleaned yearly.
  
• Avoid drives in the country or outings where pollen is common. Pollens from grasses, weeds and even trees are lightweight and can be carried for miles. The pollen count is especially high when it is windy.
  
• A shower and shampoo can rinse off any pollens or other allergens after exposure. Keep dirty clothes out of the bedroom/sleeping area.
  
• Feathers in pillows can be a trigger; molds can grow in foam pillows; washable polyester filled may be the best.
  
• If the allergen or trigger is pet dander, avoid exposure to these pets, and to farms and stables.
  
• Compost piles and greenhouses can also be sources of molds.
  
• Vaporizers and humidifiers are ideal places for molds to grow. If you use them be sure to change the reservoir daily, washing thoroughly with soap and hot water. Refrigerators, bathrooms, and damp basements are also common areas for mold growth. Clean regularly, using dilute household bleach if necessary. Dehumidifiers may also be helpful.
  
• House dust cannot be avoided and it collects on everything. You can minimize it by avoiding clutter and dust catchers, especially in the bedrooms. Even drapes and blinds can hold dust. Bare floors are ideal; vacuum carpeting frequently and thoroughly, ideally every day. Then give the time to let the dust settle before nap or bedtime.
  
• Cover mattresses and box springs in allergen-proof covers. Tape zippers and other openings closed. Avoid feather, wool or foam products.
  
• Consider finding another home for any pet who is a source of symptoms for your child. Certainly try to keep the animal outside and never allow it in the bedroom.

Medications

The best drug for hay fever is an antihistamine. Some effective nonprescription antihistamines are Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, and Teldrin. You can also ask your doctor for suggestions. Symptoms clear up faster if antihistamines are given at the first sign of sneezing or sniffing. For children who have daily symptoms, the best control is attained if antihistamines are taken continuously throughout the pollen season. Vasoconstrictor nosedrops or nasal sprays are usually not helpful because they are washed out as soon as they have been put into the nose. Also, they can cause nasal irritation and increased congestion if used for more than five days.

The main side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness. A combination antihistamine and decongestant (such as Pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine) can help if this is a problem.

Prescription medications can be tried if these over-the-counter drugs are not effective. Itchy, watery eyes can be helped by washing the face and eyelids, and then applying a cool wet cloth to the eyes.

Adapted from Barton Schmitt Clinical Reference Systems copyright 1995

Please call PIRC at 1-800-690-2282 or 1-415-498-KIDS if you have any other questions or concerns.

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Lucile Salter Packard Children's Health Services
Parent Information and Referral Center:
1-650-498-KIDS or 1-800-690-2282