The Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Asthma in Children
If your child starts sneezing, coughing, or rubbing their eyes every spring or fall—and also has asthma—you might be wondering how it’s all connected. The truth is, seasonal allergies and asthma often go hand in hand.
In fact, having one can increase the risk of having the other - up to 80% of children with asthma also have allergies. When a child has both allergies and asthma this is often referred to as "allergic asthma.” Understanding the connection between these two conditions can help you better support your child’s health and comfort throughout the year.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are caused by your child’s immune system overreacting to outdoor allergens like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. Symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing or scratchy throat
How Are Allergies and Asthma Connected?
Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. When a child with asthma inhales an allergen, for example pollen, this can trigger an asthma flare, as their already sensitive airways react by constricting, making it harder to breathe.
In fact, allergies are one of the most common triggers for asthma in children. For many kids with asthma, seasonal allergies can lead to increased asthma symptoms like:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
What Can Parents Do?
1. Monitor Symptoms: If your child’s allergy symptoms seem to come with wheezing or coughing, talk to your pediatrician.
2. Limit Allergen Exposure: Keep windows closed during high pollen days, use air purifiers, and have your child change clothes and wash their face after playing outside.
3. Follow an Asthma Action Plan: If your child has asthma, work with your doctor to create a plan that includes when to use medications like inhalers.
4. Consider Allergy Medications: There are many different types of allergy medications including pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Talk to your doctor about when these medication might be indicated, which ones to use, and how to use them appropriately.