Spring allergies may catch kids by surprise, doctors warn :: WRAL.com

The official start to spring is still more than a week away, but doctors say North Carolinians are already feeling the effects of allergy symptoms. 

Kids in particular are more likely to be caught off guard by sudden allergy symptoms, according to Duke Health Pediatric Physician Dr. Kitty O’Hare. 

O’Hare serves as the senior medical director for pediatrics with Duke Primary Care. The physician says they often see a rise in pediatric patients for sinus-related issues this time of year. 

“Nationally, at least one out of every five children has seasonal allergies, and that’s probably an underestimate,” O’Hare said. “In certain areas, like here in North Carolina with all of our pine pollen, we see a lot of seasonal allergies every spring.”

Allergies can hit at any age, with 20-25% of adults and children under the age of 18 suffering from seasonal allergies, according to the CDC. 

“That is a common comment that we hear from parents, ‘Oh, they didn’t have it last year, why do they have it now?’ It’s true that with progressive exposures – the more years that go by – the more likely it is that your body is going to try to defend you from something it thinks is a concern,” O’Hare said.

The physician explained it’s because your body views allergens as “invaders,” and symptoms are a means of protection.

“In something that’s seemingly pretty benign, like pollen, for some people’s immune systems, that’s going to set off a cascade of processes that cause you to have swelling inside your nose and sinuses and more mucus production,” O’Hare said. “You also get those watery, itchy eyes, the scratchiness in your throat, and sometimes a little bit of cough there with the post-nasal drip. It’s all your body’s immune system thinking that it has to defend you.”

This time of year can also be confusing for parents because allergy symptoms can overlap with illnesses that are still circulating. O’Hare says children may be dealing with a double hit right now, as spring pollen levels begin rising while respiratory viruses continue to spread.

“Influenza B is really high right now,” O’Hare said. “We’re seeing RSV, which causes colds in children and is particularly challenging for our youngest babies.”

Both allergies and viral illnesses can cause sinus symptoms like a runny nose, congestion and sinus pressure. However, doctors say most sinus symptoms are not caused by bacterial infections.

“If you’re seeing a lot of clear, really watery, runny nose discharge, that could be more likely to be a pollen allergy,” O’Hare said.

Viral infections such as the flu or a cold are more likely to come with fever, fatigue or body aches.

If left untreated for long periods of time, allergies in kids can lead to sinusitis.

Doctors say many allergy symptoms can often be managed at home with treatments such as saline sprays, humidifiers, neti pots or medicated nasal sprays.

If a child begins experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time after spending time outdoors, parents should speak with their pediatrician about treatment options.

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