Fall Allergies in Kids: Symptoms, Triggers and How to Help

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sai R. Nimmagadda, Attending Physician, Division of Allergy & Immunology

Fall allergies in kids are most often triggered by ragweed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings. They typically cause sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Unlike a cold, allergies don't cause fever or body aches.

Dr. Nimmagadda, an Allergy & Immunology physician at Lurie Children's, explains what may be behind your child's symptoms, how to help them feel better at home and when it's time to see an allergist.

What are typical allergens in the fall?

Fall brings a different set of allergens than spring or summer. The most common ones include:

1. Ragweed pollen: Ragweed is a plant that blooms in late summer and fall. Just one plant can release billions of pollen grains, which can travel for miles through the air.
2. Mold spores: Mold thrives in damp areas, which can include piles of fallen leaves. When your child plays outside, they may be exposed to mold spores, especially if it’s been rainy.
3. Dust mites: These tiny bugs can live in bedding, carpets, and soft furniture. As we spend more time indoors when it gets cooler, dust mite exposure can increase.
4. Pet dander: As animals shed their fur in preparation for winter, pet dander levels can rise in homes, contributing to fall allergies.
5. Cockroach Dropping: In cooler months, cockroaches often move indoors, bringing their droppings, saliva, and body parts, which can trigger allergic reactions.
6. Airborne Irritants: Cooler weather can bring more air pollution, including smog and vehicle emissions, especially in urban areas. These particles can irritate the respiratory system, worsening allergy symptoms.

What do the symptoms look like?

Kids with fall allergies may experience symptoms like:

• Sneezing, especially after being outdoors
• Runny or stuffy nose with clear, watery discharge
• Itchy, red or watery eyes, a telltale sign of allergies
• Cough from allergens irritating the throat
• Itchy or tickly throat or ears
• Frequent throat clearing from mucus buildup or irritation
• Wheezing or shortness of breath, especially in children with asthma or sensitivity to mold or dust mites
• Headache or sinus pressure from nasal congestion, including pressure in the forehead, temples or around the eyes
• Fatigue, especially if symptoms interfere with sleep
• Skin reactions such as hives or eczema (less common)

These symptoms are similar to other common illnesses, so it’s important to keep an eye on when they happen and what triggers them.

When to Get Emergency Care

Allergies are usually uncomfortable but not dangerous. Some symptoms are different. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if your child has:

• Trouble breathing, or tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Hives or other symptoms along with trouble breathing
• Severe wheezing that isn't improving, especially in a child with asthma

If you're not sure whether your child's symptoms need emergency care, call your pediatrician or your after-hours line. For more help deciding where to go, see our guide to when to take your child to the pediatrician, immediate care or ER.

When do fall allergies start and peak?

Fall allergies typically start in late August or early September when ragweed begins to release pollen. The season usually peaks in mid-September and can last through October, depending on where you live. Mold spores can be a problem until the first frost, which typically happens in November in many areas.

Tips for Relieving Fall Allergies

If your child suffers from fall allergies, there are several steps you can take to reduce their symptoms:

1. Limit outdoor time when pollen counts are high: Pollen levels are often highest in the early morning and on windy days. Try to keep your child indoors during these times, or at least encourage them to play in areas with less exposure.
2. Wash up after outdoor play: After your child has been outside, have them wash their hands and face, and change clothes. This can help reduce the pollen they bring inside.
3. Keep windows closed: While fresh air is nice, it can also bring in allergens. Keep windows shut in your home and car to prevent pollen from entering.
4. Use a humidifier and a HEPA air purifier: A humidifier keeps the air in your home moist, which helps with dry noses and throats. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture allergens like pollen, dust and mold spores. Consider placing one in your child's bedroom and in living areas, especially if they have respiratory symptoms or trouble sleeping.
5. Clean surfaces frequently: Dust and vacuum your home regularly to reduce dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens. Don't forget about areas like carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
6. Wash bedding weekly: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water once a week to remove dust mites and other allergens.
7. Clean up fallen leaves: Rake leaves and clean gutters regularly to reduce mold buildup. Mold thrives in wet, decomposing leaves, so it's important to manage this in the fall months.
8. Over-the-counter allergy medicine: Some allergy medications are safe for children and can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, an inhaler or nebulizer may help with symptoms. Always check with your child’s doctor before giving them any new medicine.

When to See an Allergist

If your child’s allergies are severe or don’t seem to improve with home care, it may be time to see an allergist. You should also consider seeing a specialist if:

• Your child’s symptoms interfere with sleep, school, or daily activities.
• Over-the-counter medications don’t help.
• Your child has trouble breathing or develops wheezing. An allergist can test for specific allergies and suggest treatments like prescription medications or allergy shots.

Is it a cold or seasonal allergies?

Fall is also the time when respiratory viruses, like colds and the flu, start spreading. It can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and a virus because they share similar symptoms. Here are some clues to help you distinguish between the two:

• Fever: Colds and other viruses often cause a fever, while allergies do not.
• Body aches: Body aches and fatigue are common with colds and the flu, but not with allergies.
• Thick, yellow mucus: If your child has a cold, their mucus may be thick and yellow or green. Allergy-related mucus is usually thin and clear.

If your child’s symptoms last for weeks and occur at the same time each year, it’s likely allergies. However, if symptoms are accompanied by fever or body aches, a virus might be the cause. When in doubt, it’s best to consult your child’s doctor.

Fall allergies can make kids feel miserable, but knowing what triggers them and how to manage the symptoms can make a big difference. By staying on top of pollen counts, creating a clean home environment, and recognizing when to see a specialist, you can help your child breathe easier and enjoy the fall season.

Lurie Children’s Division of Allergy and Immunology is a leader in the field, having worked with national organizations to improve the understanding and care of pediatric asthma, allergies and immune deficiencies. Our physicians treat more children for allergies and asthma than any other hospital in Illinois.