Sneezing Through the Season? A Parent’s Guide to Fall Allergies  

Fall brings cooler weather, colorful leaves, and plenty of outdoor fun. But for many children, it also means the return of allergy symptoms that can make them feel miserable. At PM Pediatric Urgent Care, we often see families looking for answers when sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses won’t go away. Here’s what parents need to know about fall allergies in kids and how to help manage them. 

What Causes Fall Allergies? 

Several common triggers can cause allergy flare-ups during the fall season: 

• Ragweed pollen: The most common fall allergen, ragweed can travel for miles and stay in the air through late October. 

• Mold spores: Damp leaves and outdoor play areas can become breeding grounds for mold. 

• Dust mites: As the weather cools and families spend more time indoors, dust mite exposure increases. 

Symptoms to Watch For 

Allergy symptoms can mimic the common cold, but there are a few clues that allergies may be to blame: 

• Sneezing, runny, or stuffy nose that lingers beyond 10 days 

• Itchy, watery, or red eyes 

• Coughing or throat clearing, especially at night 

• Nasal congestion without fever or body aches 

• If your child has asthma, fall allergies can also trigger coughing or wheezing. 

Helping Your Child Feel Better 

Here are some steps you can take at home: 

• Check pollen counts and limit outdoor activities when counts are high. 

• Encourage showers and clean clothes after outdoor play to wash away pollen. 

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter indoor air. 

• For best results for children with chronic seasonal allergies, start an age appropriate over- the- counter allergy medicine before symptoms start and continue the use through the allergy season 

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites. 

• Talk to your PM Pediatric Urgent Care provider about allergy-friendly treatments, such as antihistamines or saline nasal sprays, if symptoms persist. 

Over the counter allergy medication guidance 

• Avoid Diphenhydramine and instead use 2^nd generation antihistamines like cetirizine/Zyrtec, levocetirizine/Xyzal, fexofenadine/Allegra.  These are just as effective, can be dosed less frequency (1-2x/day), and have fewer side effects.  Loratidine is an older antihistamine that is less effective compared to the ones mentioned previously.  

• The most effective treatment of seasonal allergies is an intranasal steroid (fluticasone/Flonase and mometasone/Nasonex).  These are more effective for nasal symptoms and can also help with itchy eyes.  Keep in mind that these medications can take 3-36 hours to take effect, and may be challenging for younger patients to tolerate. 

• If the above are ineffective, consider intranasal antihistamines (Olopatadine/Patanase, Azelastine/Astepro) 

When to Visit Urgent Care 

You don’t have to manage allergies alone. Visit urgent care if your child: 

• Has trouble breathing or wheezing 

• Develops symptoms that interfere with sleep or school 

• Experiences persistent allergy symptoms despite home care 

Our pediatric-trained providers can evaluate your child, recommend relief options, and help refer you out to a specialist if allergy testing is needed. 

The Takeaway 

Fall allergies are common, but they don’t have to disrupt your child’s season. With the right care and management, kids can still enjoy all the pumpkin patches, leaf piles, and outdoor adventures that make this time of year special. 

PM Pediatric Urgent Care is here 7 days a week to help your child breathe easier this fall.