Allergies, Hay Fever and Asthma in Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

Allergy or another cold?

• Colds: thicker or colored mucus at times, maybe a fever, and they clear in about 7 to 10 days.
• Allergies: clear runny nose, sneezing fits, itchy eyes and nose, no fever, and they last as long as the exposure does, often weeks.
• Clues: rubbing the nose upward (a crease can form across it), dark circles under the eyes, and symptoms that come with seasons, pets or dust.
• Seasonal pollen allergies usually show up after age 2 or 3, once a child has lived through a few seasons. Indoor allergies to dust mites, pets or mold can start earlier.

Easing allergy symptoms

• Saline rinses or sprays for the nose.
• On high-pollen days, keep windows closed, and wash hands, face and hair after outdoor play.
• For dust mites: wash bedding weekly in hot water, use mite-proof covers, and keep stuffed animals off the bed or wash them often.
• Ask your pediatrician before starting allergy medicine; some older antihistamines cause drowsiness or agitation in young children. Dose by weight.

Wheezing in little kids

• Many babies and toddlers wheeze with colds, especially with RSV. Most outgrow it.
• Asthma is more likely when wheezing keeps coming back, happens without colds, or there is eczema, food allergy or a parent with asthma.
• Asthma is harder to diagnose under 5 because lung tests need cooperation, so pediatricians often go by patterns and response to treatment.
• Signs to notice: a cough at night or with running and laughing, wheezing, getting winded faster than other kids.

Living with asthma

• Inhalers work best with a spacer, and with a mask for young children. Ask your clinic to show you how, then practice.
• Get a written asthma action plan, and share it with childcare, school, grandparents and the other household if you co-parent.
• Common triggers: colds, smoke (including vaping and thirdhand smoke on clothes), cold air, pollen, pets, dust and strong scents. A smoke-free home and car help a lot.
• A yearly flu vaccine is especially important.

Allergies run together

Eczema, food allergy, hay fever and asthma often travel together. Early, regular peanut and egg introduction can lower food allergy risk; see the guide on introducing common allergens.

When to check in

• Bring up sneezing, itchy eyes or repeated wheezing at a checkup; an allergist can test if needed.
• Ask for an asthma review if your child needs the quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week or wakes at night coughing.
• If your child is struggling to breathe, can't speak in full sentences or has blue or gray lips, give rescue medicine if prescribed and call 911.