Fall Allergies in Kids: What Parents Should Know

As the weather cools and the leaves start to change, many families look forward to crisp air, pumpkin patches, and cozy sweaters. For some kids, autumn also brings an unwelcome visitor: seasonal allergies.

While spring pollen often gets the spotlight, fall has its own set of allergy triggers that can leave children sneezing, sniffling, and itchy-eyed. Let’s take a closer look at what causes fall allergies, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to help your child feel better.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

The most common culprits in the fall are:

🍂 Ragweed pollen – This is the biggest trigger for fall allergies, and just one plant can produce a billion pollen grains! Ragweed season usually peaks in late August through October.

🍂 Mold spores – Damp piles of fallen leaves and decaying outdoor plants create the perfect environment for mold growth.

🍂 Dust mites – As families turn on heating systems for the first time, dust and mites that collected over summer can stir up allergy symptoms.

Signs Your Child May Have Fall Allergies

Allergy symptoms can look a lot like a common cold. Key differences? Colds usually go away in a week or so, while allergies persist. Watch for:

• Frequent sneezing

• Clear runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Scratchy throat or cough

• Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)

• Fatigue or trouble sleeping from congestion

How to Help Your Child Manage Fall Allergies

✅ Keep pollen out – Have your child change clothes and wash hands/face after playing outdoors. Showering before bed helps remove allergens, too.

✅ Close windows – As nice as fresh air feels, open windows let pollen and mold spores inside.

✅ Use air filters – HEPA filters in bedrooms and main living areas can reduce allergens.

✅ Leaf cleanup – Rake leaves regularly, but try to keep your child from jumping in damp piles where mold lurks.

✅ Over-the-counter relief – Non-drowsy antihistamines or nasal sprays (when age-appropriate and recommended by your pediatrician) can ease symptoms.

✅ Check pollen counts – On high pollen days, plan more indoor activities.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

If your child’s allergies are interfering with sleep, school, or play, it’s time to check in. We can help tailor a plan—whether that means adjusting medications, considering allergy testing, or ruling out asthma, which can sometimes flare with fall allergens.

Fall should be a season of fun, not frustration. With a few simple steps and the right support, your child can enjoy pumpkin carving, leaf piles, and apple cider without being sidelined by allergies. If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. 

#FallAllergies #PediatricTips #HealthyKids #SeasonalAllergies #BackToSchoolHealth