Allergies in
Children:
A Parent’s Guide

Allergies in
Children: A
Parent’s Guide

Kids are full of energy and curiosity, constantly playing, learning and laughing. Unfortunately, upper respiratory allergies can have a negative effect on your little one’s attitude, producing constant sniffling, sneezing, low energy and sleepless nights. These allergies often show up in the early years so it is important to begin treatment at an early age.

Does my Child Have Allergies or a Cold?

Colds are no fun. They can leave your child miserable and stuck on the couch or in need of constant snuggles. However, it can be hard to tell if your child is suffering from allergies or a cold because symptoms are similar. Symptoms that indicate a cold but are uncommon with allergies, include:

Thick and yellow or green mucus*
Fever
General body aches

*Yellow mucus discharge could indicate an infection requiring medical attention

Signs of Allergies in Children

Because a child can’t easily tell you about his or her symptoms, and may not even recognize something is wrong, it is important to be on the lookout for children’s allergies symptoms, such as:

Runny nose with thin, clear and watery discharge

Itchy and watery eyes

Sneezing

Mouth breathing

Crease in nose from rubbing a runny nose

If you suspect your child is suffering from allergies, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or allergist who can test.

Is Allergy Medication OK for Children?

There are antihistamine products intended for use in children ages 2 to 12, such as Children’s Claritin^® products which are available in several forms and can provide 24-hour non-drowsy allergy relief. Antihistamines work for both indoor allergies and outdoor/seasonal allergies.

An antihistamine like Children’s Claritin® can provide relief of the following allergy symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, itchy nose, and itchy throat.

Claritin® is the No. 1 pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy oral OTC allergy brand. Claritin® is a second-generation antihistamine which can provide non-drowsy allergy relief when taken as directed.

How Can I Help?

Parents can do their part by administering an effective medication and reducing exposure to their child’s allergy triggers. Ways to reduce allergies include:

Keeping windows closed if your child is allergic to pollen
Using dust mite covers on bedding
Keeping the home clean and free of dust and mold
Monitoring the pollen count and keeping children indoors when the forecast is high
Giving your child a bath to remove allergens before bed
Keeping pets out of their bedroom
Packing Children’s Claritin^® for daycare and play dates

You are also encouraged to consult your child’s doctor and consider allergy tests to identify what your child is allergic to, so you can avoid allergens in the future and develop a treatment plan.

By tackling allergies early on, you can help your little one get back to learning, laughing and playing.

References

Allergy Testing in Children and Infants. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Accessed March 18, 2020.
Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever). KidsHealth. Accessed March 18, 2020.
Church et al., Allergy 2010; 65: 459–466.

Clear the Way for Play

Children's Claritin® and Claritin® RediTabs® for Juniors offer non-drowsy allergy relief of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat for kids in a variety of kid-friendly forms and flavors. So kids can spend more time playing—and less time sneezing. Use as directed.

Learn More About the Different Products