Hay fever: how to treat children effectively?

According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute 9% of all children and adolescents suffer from hay fever. Even toddlers are increasingly developing a pollen allergy. From the age of three, there is an increasing tendency for the still-developing immune system to react allergically to pollen. This is because sensitization takes place on first contact with pollen, and it is only on further contact that the immune system can mistakenly classify the intruder as an enemy.

That is why medical experts assume that children must have experienced a pollen season at least twice before they develop an allergy. However, this often goes undetected by parents for longer, as the hay fever symptoms resemble those of a normal cold, with a runny or blocked nose, sore throat and watery eyes.

If the parents are allergic, by the way, the likelihood that the child will suffer from a pollen allergy also increases at an early age. This is because the predisposition to hay fever is considered hereditary. Climate change and the environment also influence how the immune system reacts to pollen, especially in cities. Excessive hygiene nowadays also means that children's immune systems cannot build up sufficient immune defenses against germs and bacteria from an early age. This makes it more susceptible to faulty reactions. One thing is certain: children who grow up in the country suffer far less from hay fever than city children.

An allergy is nothing more than an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless invader. In the case of a pollen allergy, these are, for example, flower pollen, tree pollen or grass pollen. Even a small amount of the allergens can be enough to put the body's defenses on alert. Then the messenger substance histamine is produced, which in turn causes the hay fever symptoms.

In principle, hay fever is not dangerous for children. However, a very strong allergy can lead to a so-called floor change. That is, the initial symptoms such as rhinitis and sore throat can develop into allergic asthma including shortness of breath. Then the allergy shifts from the upper to the lower airways. Therefore, parents should treat hay fever in children with appropriate medication to prevent such complications. Therefore, be sure to ask the pediatrician for advice even if symptoms are mild.

Children simply love to play outside in the summer. So that even children with hay fever do not necessarily become couch potatoes, there are various means that act locally against the symptoms. The younger the child, the milder and more tolerable the medication against hay fever should be. After all, you don't want to subject your little ones to strong histamine blockers - not to mention the possible side effects. For the treatment of mild symptoms, nasal sprays and eye drops are often sufficient:

- Nasal spray: Against typical hay fever, Pollival® Nasenspray can already be used in children from 6 years. The active ingredient, azelastine, relieves symptoms after just a few minutes by blocking the action of histamine. Basic protection is provided by Pollicrom® Nasal Spray. The active ingredient cromoglicic acid intervenes early in the allergy mechanism and inhibits the release of histamine.

- Eye drops: To treat acute hay fever symptoms in children 4 years and older and adolescents, Pollival® eye drops are suitable. When the first symptoms appear, such as eye itching and watering, it is also recommended to use Pollicrom® eye drops, which can be used by children of all ages.

- Tablets: When nothing else helps, tablets may be the last resort after all. Discuss the use of antihistamines however, with the pediatrician or allergist beforehand. He or she can prescribe a remedy that is well tolerated by children and has as few side effects as possible.

Importantly, to avoid the onset of additional allergies and damage to the cornea and mucous membranes, only hay fever remedies without preservatives - such as the entire Polli product family - should generally be considered for children.

If you know which pollen your child is allergic to, you can use a pollen calendar to read the acute phase. On top of that, you can take some preventive measures to make the pollen season as bearable as possible for your child:

• Children should play outside. But during the acute pollen season, it's best to make sure your child is not overexposed to allergens. Limited outdoor playtime is a good middle ground.
• Keep windows closed during the day, if possible. Ventilate thoroughly, especially in the evening and at night and on rainy days.
• Wipe the floors regularly damp through and vacuum carpets and upholstery carefully.
• Declare the children's room a pollen-free zone. In the evening, wash your child's hair and take off his clothes worn during the day before he enters the nursery. This will help reduce pollen exposure and make it easier for your child to get a good night's sleep.
• Be aware of possible cross-allergies. This is because children with hay fever can also be allergic to certain foods. For example, those who are allergic to birch pollen might also not tolerate nuts or apples well.

With these tips, your child will get through the hay fever season just fine!