Hay Fever

Dear Lisa

My 7 year old daughter has a stuffy nose and itchy throat. I have really bad hay fever, so I’m wondering if her symptoms are from a cold or allergies. What are signs and symptoms of allergies?

“Wondering if my daughter has allergies in N.J.”

Dear “Wondering if my daughter has allergies”,

Although symptoms of a cold and allergies are similar there are some symptoms you tend to find in people with allergies or hay fever. Dark circles under the eyes, also known as “allergic shiners” are commonly found in children with allergies. Children with allergies typically perform the “allergic salute”, an upward rubbing of the nose which usually leads to the formation of the “allergic crease”. An allergic crease is a transverse skin line found below the bridge of the nose. Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea (a runny nose) can be found in both a child with allergies or in a child with a cold.

From my experience, children with allergies have more sneezing, more complaints of watery, itchy eyes and an itchy throat which many times presents with throat clearing. Hay fever or allergy symptoms worsen after exposure to the offending allergen; therefore worsening of symptoms after exposure to common allergens is a good indicator that your child is allergic. If you are not sure if your child has allergies or if the symptoms seem to be worsening you can discuss allergy testing with your Nurse Practitioner or Doctor which can aid in the diagnosis.

Lisa Kelly R.N., P.N.P.,C.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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