Surviving hay fever season with an allergic child
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
When the warmer months arrive, so does the pollen. For a child with hay fever (the everyday name for allergic rhinitis), spring and summer can mean itchy eyes, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and broken sleep. It can also make eczema and asthma feel worse. Here is how to help your child enjoy the season with fewer symptoms.
What hay fever is
Hay fever happens when the body reacts to pollen from grass, trees or weeds. The lining of the nose and eyes becomes inflamed, which causes the familiar streaming, sneezing and itching. Different pollens peak at different times, so some children struggle in spring (tree pollen) and others more in summer (grass pollen).
Simple ways to reduce pollen exposure
A lot of the relief comes from limiting contact with pollen:
Check the pollen forecast and plan outdoor time for lower-count days where you can.
Wipe a little barrier balm around the nostrils to trap pollen before it gets in.
Wraparound sunglasses help protect itchy eyes outdoors.
Change clothes and wash hands and face after being outside.
A bath or hair wash before bed rinses pollen off and can really help night-time symptoms.
Keep windows shut at peak times, especially early morning and evening, and dry washing indoors on high-pollen days.
Helping with symptoms
For many children, simple over-the-counter treatments such as antihistamines or saline nasal sprays ease symptoms, but it is best to check what is suitable for your child's age with your pharmacist or GP. If symptoms are strong or keep coming back every year, there are other options worth discussing with a professional.
Keep an eye on eczema and asthma
Hay fever rarely travels alone. Pollen can trigger eczema flares and make asthma symptoms worse. If your child has either, this is the time of year to be a bit more vigilant: keep up the eczema routine, and make sure any asthma plan is up to date and inhalers are working and in date.
When to get more support
If hay fever is disturbing your child's sleep, affecting school or concentration, or the usual steps are not helping, it is worth getting tailored advice. A nurse-led consultation can help you understand your child's triggers and build a season-long plan, alongside your GP and pharmacist.
This blog is general guidance and not a substitute for medical advice. Always check medicines are suitable for your child's age with a pharmacist or GP. If your child has any difficulty breathing, treat it as an emergency and call 999.
