Seasonal Allergies In Babies: Here’s All That You Need To Know

Babies are prone to infections, rashes and allergies for the first few years after birth as their immunity system is still developing. Runny noses, watery eyes, rashes, stomach infections, colds and coughs are some of the most common issues that babies are prone to. It’s advisable to keep natural vapour patches and tummy relief roll-on for babies at home to provide instant relief from blocked noses and tummy aches which almost all infants suffer from in the initial years of their lives.

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Most babies also develop allergies at some point in the first few years of their lives. While some babies are allergic to a certain food, some are allergic to pollen, dust and even animal dander. However, are seasonal allergies in babies common? 

Here’s all that u need to know.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are allergies that happen during certain times of the year and are usually caused when plants like trees, weeds and grasses release pollen particles. Seasonal allergies are also known as hay fever.

Can Babies Have Seasonal Allergies?

It is not common for babies to have seasonal allergies as they normally do not develop before the age of two. Babies younger than two years old are more prone to food allergies, asthma or eczema.

However, seasonal allergy symptoms can begin at any age though most of these allergies are caused by indoor allergens like mold, pet dander and household dust.

What Are The Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies In Babies?

If your baby is suffering from allergies at the same time or season every year then the chances are that your little one is suffering from a seasonal allergy. Some of the symptoms of seasonal allergies in babies are:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Dark under-eye circles
• Itchiness causing the baby to rub her/his nose or eyes
• Watery eyes
• Dry cough that produces clear mucus 
• Irritability or excessive fatigue 
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath 
• Itchy ears 

How Are Seasonal Allergies In Babies Diagnosed? 

If you think your child might have seasonal allergies it’s advisable to talk to your doctor. Here’s what the doctor may do:

• Ask if the same symptoms happen at the same time each year 
• Refer you to an allergist either for a blood test for an allergy skin testing 

An allergist will make a prick on the baby’s skin on the forearm or back. If a red raised bump forms on the prick after around 15 minutes then your baby might be allergic. The red bump is called a wheal and the allergist may use a ruler to measure the size of the wheal.

How Are Seasonal Allergies In Babies Treated? 

It’s first important to diagnose what is causing the allergy or what your baby is allergic to for the treatment to begin. For more severe allergies the doctor or allergist may recommend medicines as per the symptoms. Medicines like nasal, oral, and nasal steroid sprays

And ocular antihistamines are usually what the doctor may recommend.

While some babies get relief from the allergy by eliminating exposure to allergens. Some of the things that you can do in the house to help your baby’s allergy are:

• Keep the windows closed, during the particular season and use air conditioning instead 
• Keep your baby indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Make sure your air conditioners are cleaned and the filter vents are replaced  
• Wash their hands regularly
• Shower and change your baby’s clothes after coming back from the outdoors. 
• Keep the house dust free
• Change the baby’s bed linens frequently
• If you have pets make sure you bathe the pets every week
• Change and wash your drapes and carpets regularly as these can trap dust and pollen

FAQs

How long do seasonal allergies in babies last?

Sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate between colds and allergies in babies. However cold symptoms get worst for the first few days after onset and it gradually goes away within a couple of weeks. But if it’s an allergy then the symptoms last for several weeks or even months.

Can seasonal allergies in babies cause diarrhoea? 

Diarrhoea is usually caused by food allergies and seasonal allergies in babies don’t cause diarrhoea.

Can a baby have a fever with seasonal allergies? 

A fever could be a sign of infection, as allergies don’t directly cause fever. 

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