Does your child struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion as soon as spring arrives? Have you ever wondered whether over-the-counter allergy tests are reliable or if there’s a long-term solution to allergies? If you’re navigating the world of seasonal allergies and want real answers, you’re in luck!

Dr. Alana Jones, an Allergy Specialist at Nemours Children’s Health, sat down with ESF Camps to share expert advice on managing your child’s springtime symptoms in this edition of the “Fast Five.”

And don’t forget to join us for our free, upcoming webinar:

Outsmarting Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Allergy Prevention

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

6 PM – 7 PM  

Click here to RSVP

What is the cause of springtime allergies?

Several allergens in the air are the reason for springtime sneezing, itchy nose and itchy eyes. Tree pollen is the main allergen in the spring. It’s pollination season has already started, typically running from early March through May. Grass pollen season will also begin in spring, starting in May. Lastly, mold is present during spring, as it is a year-round outdoor allergen (outside of freezing temperatures), particularly after rain and with increasing temperatures.

Is Benadryl the best antihistamine choice for seasonal allergy sufferers?

While Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has been available for a long time, this is considered a “first generation” antihistamine. This antihistamine crosses the blood brain barrier, causing adverse effects in susceptible individuals particularly the elderly, young children, and those with certain underlying medical conditions such as epilepsy. Newer “second generation” antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Claritin (loratadine) or Allegra (fexofenadine) last longer than Benadryl and do not have sedating side effects for most individuals. These medications also are just as effective and work just as quickly as Benadryl. 

Which children with seasonal allergies should see an allergist?

Anyone suffering from seasonal allergies can see an allergist for evaluation of allergy and asthma symptoms or to get allergy testing. Those who should see an allergist are children with allergy symptoms several months out of the year or longer, have symptoms that are affecting their quality of life (such as interference with school, play, or sleep), have asthma associated with their allergies, or their allergies are not well controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines alone.

Can I just get allergy testing done through over the counter testing or a commercial lab like Quest?

Unfortunately, not all allergy testing is reliable. Some over the counter allergy tests can be inaccurate, while some are not considered reliable, reproducible, or medically valid at all. It is best to find a board-certified allergist to perform allergy testing and manage your child’s symptoms. These doctors have had training in either Pediatric Medicine or Internal Medicine with board certification, followed by training and board certification in Allergy and Immunology.

Is there a way to fix seasonal allergies?

While there are ways to reduce exposure to certain allergens, and an array of medical therapies to treat allergies, the best way to treat allergies long term is through allergy immunotherapy. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), or allergy shots, is a proven and effective way to treat seasonal allergies, and has even shown to improve allergic asthma, allergic atopic dermatitis (eczema), and prevent new allergies from developing. These shots decrease the immune system’s reaction to aeroallergens, and typically work for up to several decades even after therapy is over.

Want to dive deeper into seasonal allergy relief strategies?

Join us tomorrow to hear more from Dr. Jones at our free webinar, Outsmarting Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Allergy Prevention. Learn how to prep for pollen season and keep your child comfortable all spring long.

ESF Camps & Experiences has spent 40+ years designing summer experiences that develop the whole child. Our programs are built in partnership with Nemours Children’s Health and grounded in pediatric research on resilience, social-emotional learning, and child development.