Taming Allergy Adversity

Question of the Week:

Dr. Bob: My 7-year-old is sneezing and coughing constantly! I thought allergy season was just in the spring and none of the medications I’ve tried are working. Help! What can I do?
From Meredith in Broomfield, CO

Answer:

Meredith, you are not alone. We see many runny noses through the fall season.

When Sneezes Strike, Here are some Smart Solutions for Kids’ Allergies

Is your child sneezing nonstop, rubbing their eyes repeatedly, or coughing constantly? Welcome to Colorado’s fall allergy season—where the wildflowers are wonderful, but the pollen is plotting against us.

Like much of the country, here in the Rockies, we don’t just get one allergy season… we get two! In the spring, trees and grasses team up to launch a pollen-packed offensive. In the fall, weeds like ragweed and sage jump in for Round Two. The result? Miserable noses, itchy eyes, and cranky kids.

And here’s the kicker: most allergy meds aren’t as effective for kids as they are for adults. But don’t panic—there’s a lot you can do before reaching for the medicine cabinet.

Six Parent-Approved Tricks to Tame Allergy Adversity (No Prescription Required)

1. Strip the Day Away
As soon as your child comes in from the pollen jungle (a.k.a. outside), have them wash their hands and face and change clothes. Think of it like rinsing off the day—plus pollen doesn’t belong on the couch.

2. Shower Power—At Night
Bedtime showers help wash off allergens so your child isn’t sleeping in a pollen cloud. Bonus: they’ll go to bed clean. Double win.

3. Close the Windows (Even if It’s a Beautiful Night)
Fresh air is great—until it’s full of sneezy plant particles. Keep bedroom windows closed during peak pollen times to avoid turning the room into a pollen party zone.

4. A/C is Your Allergy MVP
Run the air conditioner and change the filter regularly—we’re talking once a month during allergy season. No need for the ultra-fancy kind; consistency is key.

5. Wash the Whole Bed—Not Just the Sheets
Pollen loves to cling. Wash everything on the bed weekly: sheets, blankets, pillows, and yes—even that stuffed llama your child insists on cuddling every night.

6. Pet Patrol
Pets are adorable allergy delivery systems. Even if your child isn’t allergic to your dog or cat, Fido might be bringing in pollen from the backyard. Keep pets out of bedrooms during allergy season.

If you’ve tried all of this and your child is still a sneeze machine, it might be time to talk with your child’s healthcare provider. Most allergy meds are available over the counter now, and your provider can help you choose one that’s kid-friendly and actually works.

Allergy season might be a beast, but with a few smart habits, your kid doesn’t have to suffer through it.