Seasonal Allergies: How to Recognize and Manage Symptoms
By Eryn Fox, MD, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Specialist, & Ivy Morin, Research Associate, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein
Bronx Voice
April 13, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - Spring is a welcome change after a long, cold winter— but for many families, it also means sneezing, runny noses, and itchy, watery eyes. If your child seems congested for weeks at a time, especially without a fever, allergies may be the reason. As trees begin to bloom across the city, many people experience allergy symptoms that can linger for weeks or even months if left untreated.
These symptoms are part of a condition called allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as environmental or seasonal allergies. Some children (and adults) experience allergy symptoms only during certain times of year—known as seasonal allergies—while others have symptoms all year long, called perennial allergies. Many people fall somewhere in between, with year-round symptoms that worsen during certain seasons, especially spring.
Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergies
A simple way to think about allergies is to consider where the trigger comes from.
Year-round (perennial) allergies are usually caused by things found indoors such as dust mites, mice, cockroaches, or furry pets like cats and dogs. These allergens do not disappear with the seasons, so symptoms can be ongoing.
Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, are typically triggered by pollen. Different plants release pollen at different times of the year. Tree pollen is most common in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen in the late summer and early fall. Unfortunately, due to climate change, pollen seasons are becoming less predictable. Many families are noticing that allergy symptoms are starting earlier and lasting longer than they used to— sometimes overlapping across seasons.
If your child has frequent sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes that are persistent year-round or that seem to come and go around the same time each year, allergies could be the cause. Treating allergies can make a real difference in a child’s comfort, sleep, and school performance.
How We Test for Allergies
If you suspect your child has allergies, an allergist can help identify the triggers. One common method is skin prick testing, where small amounts of potential allergens such as pollen or pet dander are placed on the skin. After about 15 minutes, we check to see if a small bump appears, which indicates sensitivity to that allergen. For accurate results, it is best to stop taking allergy medications about five days before this test.
Another option is blood testing for allergies, which can be done even if your child is currently taking allergy medicine. Both methods are generally reliable, and your allergist can help decide which is best for your child.
Treatment Options
The goal of allergy treatment is simple: helping your child feel like themselves again. We often start with second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), or Claritin (loratadine). These work well and are less likely to cause drowsiness than older medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
For nasal congestion or post-nasal drip, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) can be very effective. Allergy eye drops for itchy, watery eyes can also be used to help relieve symptoms.
If symptoms remain bothersome or daily medications are hard to manage, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option. These treatments help train the immune system to become less sensitive to allergens over time and can provide long-term relief.
How to Manage Allergy Symptoms at Home
In addition to medications, reducing everyday exposure to allergens can play a big role in controlling symptoms. Small changes at home can lead to noticeable improvements.
During pollen season, try to keep windows closed in your home and car, especially on dry, warm, windy days when pollen counts tend to be highest. Indoor allergens can trigger symptoms in many children. To help control dust exposure, a very common indoor allergen, washing bedding weekly in hot water and using dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses can be helpful. Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so it is best to keep humidity levels low. This also helps to prevent mold growth, which is another common allergen. For those with animal dander allergy, keeping pets out of bedrooms and off furniture, combined with regular vacuuming, can help limit exposure.
For outdoor allergies, showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors can help to wash away pollen.
Allergies are extremely common and can develop at any age. Allergy symptoms can be frustrating— for both children and parents— but you don’t have to manage them alone. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people can get significant relief from allergy symptoms and enjoy spring (and every season!) again.
For more information about allergy specialists and services at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, visit https://cham.org/specialties-and-programs/allergy-immunology
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