How do you treat tree pollen allergies in kids?

Getting a confirmation from your doctor that tree pollen is the trigger is the first step. A treatment plan is likely to involve a combination of avoiding tree pollen, and allergy medication such as antihistamines and corticosteroids. Depending on age, allergy immunotherapy might also be an option.

This is a step-by-step process that can flex and change so it fits best to your kid’s pollen allergy:

1. Avoiding tree pollen: Some temporary changes to the daily routine during tree pollen season could help control kids’ symptoms. Trees usually release pollen from very early in the year through spring. It depends on what type of tree your child reacts to, where you live and the weather. Keep kids indoors as much as possible when pollen levels are high. You can check that on our website or in the klarify app. It’s also a good idea to bathe your child, wash your child’s hair before bedtime and not take clothes worn outside into the bedroom.

2. Treating tree pollen allergy symptoms as they happen: Pollen grains are so tiny it’s almost impossible to keep them away from your child entirely. Hay fever medications for kids include antihistamines and corticosteroids, usually as a nasal spray, eye drops or tablets. Both are available as over-the-counter or with a prescription.

3. Tackling the root cause of kids’ tree pollen allergy: Allergy immunotherapy helps the body learn to tolerate tree pollen. The aim is for kids to have fewer symptoms so they need less regular allergy medication, both during treatment and after it has been completed. Depending on age, tree pollen allergy immunotherapy is available as tablets and shots.

It's important to monitor kids’ symptoms because uncontrolled pollen allergies in kids may lead to other conditions such as allergic asthma. If your child is struggling, tell the doctor so they can review the treatment plan.