Most Common Allergens that Cause Hay Fever in Children

Just like in adults, allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, is common among children. The condition occurs when your child is exposed to airborne irritants that trigger symptoms such as constant sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy nose and eyes. Children become more sensitive to irritants and develop allergic rhinitis between the age of 4 and 6 years, but the effects become minimal as they grow older and reach adulthood.

The Body’s Reaction to Allergens

Hay fever is the result of the body’s reaction to irritants, or better referred to as allergens. But what exactly goes on inside your child’s body as this happens?

When your little one has come in contact with an allergen, his immune system mistakenly identifies this substance as a pathogen that the body needs to get rid of. As part of the inflammatory response, histamine is then produced and released by the body. Histamine is a substance that dilates the blood vessels so that white blood cells and other components of the immune system can better fight off the pathogens and protect the body.

This mechanism then triggers the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including:

· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Nasal itching
· Itchy, watery eyes
· Sore throat

Your child could be experiencing more or fewer symptoms, depending on the cause or severity of his allergy.

Dealing with Allergic Rhinitis

In order to effectively manage your child’s allergic rhinitis, the first step is to identify the allergen. Generally, allergens can be classified into four different types, which are:

 · Pollens (wood and grass)
· Animal furs, feathers, saliva or skin
· Dust mites and other insects
· Mould

Allergy from Pollens

If your child’s allergy occurs only during certain periods of the year, they could be suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. This type is commonly caused by pollens from trees and grass which grow during a specific season.

If this is the case of your child, then the best way to control allergic reactions is to prepare even before the start of the season. Don’t let your child play in grassy areas or areas where pollens are widespread to avoid contact with the allergens. Antihistamine products may also be taken prior to the onset of hay fever.

Animal Allergens

If you own a pet, or have recently adopted one and your child has begun to show signs of allergic rhinitis, then your dog’s fur or saliva may be causing the hay fever. Try to isolate your child from pets (including the household items or areas where the pet’s fur and saliva can be left behind) and see if there are any improvements. Compared to other types of allergens though, the response to isolation from animal allergens usually takes a longer time.

On the other hand, some parents continue to expose their children to pets to help them gradually build tolerance to animal allergens. This method is referred to as desensitisation.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are very tiny insects (and the size isn’t an exaggeration) that nest on woven materials such as beddings, mattresses and sofa. Although they don’t bite, they can cause allergic response. And with children often playing on the sofa and lounging on beds, this makes them even more vulnerable to dust mite exposure.

It is highly recommended that beddings and pillows be covered with dust mite-proof sheets and cases, and that rooms should be regularly cleaned with a vacuum. Carpets and rugs should also be washed and changed.

Moulds

Perhaps you already know that moulds grow on damp and moist areas – and you might have seen some in the bathroom, pipes, sink, air conditioning vents and gutter. If moulds are not regularly removed and water traps are not maintained, then this can cause allergic rhinitis attacks when your child is exposed to the airborne particles.

You can avoid mould build up by reducing the humidity in indoor areas, repair leaking pipes, and replace damp wooden materials as these cannot be thoroughly cleaned. The bathroom should also be cleaned at least once a week with the moulds scrubbed off from tiles and the rubber mats washed.

Visiting Your Paediatrician

In most situations, allergic rhinitis does not require a trip to the doctor. Over-the-counter medication can usually help with suppressing the symptoms. However, if the cause of the allergy has not been identified or if your child is exhibiting severe symptoms (including blocked sinusitis that causes pain, the loss of taste or smell and itchiness spreading around the body), it may be best to call your healthcare provider.