Managing Seasonal Allergy Triggers in Children

As the snow gives way to warmer weather, kids around the region are turning in their skis and skates for cleats, bats, and lacrosse sticks. For most of them, running onto the field for practice or a game is a moment filled with excitement and anticipation. But for others, those feelings may be tempered with a bit of fear and anxiety. That’s because 1 in 12 children in the U.S. have asthma.

A serious disease characterized by wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing, asthma is the most common chronic disease affecting children worldwide. Among the most common seasonal triggers for an asthma attack are outdoor allergens such as pollens and molds—both of which are abundant in the spring. While you can’t prevent exposure to pollen or molds entirely, there are steps you can take to make ensure your child enjoys their outdoor activity time as safely as possible.

Keep an eye on pollen counts and limit exposure: Most weather apps include air quality and allergen reports in their forecasting. Pay attention to those counts and limit children’s time outdoors when they’re peaking. If you can’t avoid peak times (practice happens when practice happens), be sure to wash your child’s clothes upon entering the house and encourage them to bathe to remove any lingering pollen.

Go unscented: While bug spray and sunscreens are must-haves for spring outdoor activities, their odors can trigger an asthma episode. Whenever possible, opt for unscented repellents, sunscreens, and laundry detergents.

Exercise caution: For some children, exercise can trigger an asthma exacerbation.  Asthma symptoms include: wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, and may be quite intense. If your child experiences asthma symptoms with exercise, talk with your pediatrician about taking medication prior to or during exercise to reduce flare ups.

Develop—and follow—an Asthma Action Plan: An Asthma Action Plan (AAP) is a written plan that you develop with your doctor to help control your child’s asthma. The AAP will list all the medications your child uses to control their asthma and includes instructions on when they should be taken. Your child should always have a copy of their AAP with them, and it should be shared with coaches, school staff, babysitters, parents of friends, and anyone else who takes care your child in our absence. If your child uses an inhaler, be sure to show any caregivers how to use it. Make a point to review your child’s asthma action plan every six months and update it as needed.

If you notice changes in your child’s asthma, contact their pediatrician to discuss potential changes to medication or overall treatment. If you find your child is struggling to breath, seek immediate medical attention. While manageable, 3,000 people die each year from asthma.

Jaclyn Dy Lozier, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at SVMC Pediatrics.