Children's Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers & Relief
Allergies in children are a common challenge for many families. In 2026, one in five children in the U.S. has a seasonal allergy.1 If your child often sneezes, rubs their eyes, or wakes up stuffy, they might be reacting to an allergen. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and available treatments can make a significant difference in managing their comfort and well-being. This article will explore allergies in children, including: kids allergy symptoms and how to manage allergies in kids.
How to identify allergies in children
It can be difficult to tell if a child has allergies, as the symptoms often resemble a common cold. While both may cause sneezing and a runny nose, allergy symptoms tend to linger. Key signs of allergies include persistent congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and symptoms that appear consistently after exposure to certain environments or during specific seasons.2
Common allergy symptoms in children
Allergy symptoms can look quite different from one child to another, often depending on the specific allergen involved. For some children, reactions are mild and easily managed, while for others, they can be more disruptive. Symptoms include:
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Sneezing
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Runny nose
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Itchy eyes3
Allergies or a cold: how to tell the difference
It’s not uncommon for children to experience both allergies and colds, and their overlapping symptoms can complicate a clear diagnosis. Knowing how to distinguish between the two is an important step toward finding the right way to manage your child’s symptoms. Here are some key distinctions:
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Age: Seasonal allergies are rare in children under one year old.
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Fever and fatigue: These typically indicate a cold or viral infection, not allergies.
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Eye symptoms: Itchy, watery eyes or discoloration under the eyelids (sometimes referred to as 'allergic shiners') often point to allergies.
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Nasal discharge: Clear, thin mucus is more common with allergies, while thick mucus suggests a cold.
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Symptom duration: Cold symptoms usually resolve within two weeks, while allergy symptoms persist as long as exposure continues.
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Response to antihistamines: If symptoms improve with an antihistamine, allergies are likely the cause.3
Find out more about the differences between colds and allergies.
When should you see a doctor about your child's allergies?
While many allergy symptoms can be managed with at-home care, including children’s allergy medicine, certain signs suggest it is time to seek medical guidance. It’s wise to consult a doctor if your child’s symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfere with their daily well-being. Consider making an appointment if your child experiences:
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Persistent congestion, coughing, or watery eyes that interfere with sleep or school.
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Recurring ear or sinus infections, unexplained rashes, or stomach issues.4
Severe reactions that require urgent medical care include:
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Shortness of breath or wheezing may indicate asthma.
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Reactions to food, including hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.4
What causes allergies in children?
Allergies in children happen when their immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances in the environment, such as pollen or pet dander. Instead of ignoring these substances, the body treats them as threats and launches a response. These triggers can be divided into two main categories: seasonal allergens that appear at certain times of the year and perennial allergens that are present year-round.4
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Allergy symptoms often worsen during peak seasons, when seasonal allergy triggers are more prevalant, earning these allergies the nickname "hay fever" or allergic rhinitis. They are caused by triggers such as:
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Tree pollen
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Grass pollen
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Ragweed3
Year-round (perennial) allergic rhinitis
Unlike seasonal allergies that come and go with the seasons, perennial allergies are caused by indoor allergens that can trigger symptoms throughout the entire year. Common year-round household allergy triggers include:
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Dust mites
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Pet dander
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Mold3
For children age two and older, Xyzal® is FDA-approved for treating allergic rhinitis.
Can children develop allergies at any age?
Children can develop allergies at almost any age, though it's less common for very young infants. While a child can show signs of allergies at any point, seasonal allergies, for example, often start to appear after the age of two. For some people, perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis will have made its presence known by the time they reach their early twenties.5
How to manage children's allergies
Managing a child's allergies effectively often involves a thoughtful, two-part approach. The first part is reducing their contact with known allergens in their daily environment. The second is using appropriate allergy medicine for kids to help manage their symptoms. Combining these strategies can lead to more consistent relief.
Reducing allergen exposure at home
Reducing your child's contact with allergens in their home environment can significantly ease their symptoms. Even small adjustments to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference in their comfort. Practical steps include:
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Keeping windows closed during pollen season
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Vacuuming regularly to remove allergens
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Using dust mite covers on pillows and bedding
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Using air conditioning instead of fresh air
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Staying indoors when pollen counts are high
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Washing hands and changing clothes after outdoor play5
Allergy medicine for kids
When reducing exposure isn’t enough, children’s allergy medicine can help. Options include oral, nasal, and ocular antihistamines, as well as nasal steroid sprays. For allergy relief, second-generation antihistamines like levocetirizine (Children’s Xyzal® Allergy 24HR) are recommended over first-generation like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by clinical treatment guidelines.6
Children’s Xyzal® provides 24-hour relief from symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Available in grape and bubble gum flavors, it’s also sugar-free, alcohol-free, and dye-free.
Children's Xyzal dosing guidance
It is important to always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging for any allergy medicine. If you have questions or need further guidance, it is always best to consult your child's pediatrician.
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Under 2 years: Do not use
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Ages 2–5: 2.5 mL once daily in the evening
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Ages 6–11: 5 mL once daily in the evening
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Ages 12+: 5–10 mL once daily in the evening, depending on the severity of the symptoms
This product should not be used for people with kidney disease or those that have had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients or to an antihistamine containing cetirizine. Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had trouble urinating or emptying your bladder – see carton for full information.
FAQs about managing children's allergies
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergies in children, this can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Allergies may cause inflammation and fluid buildup that result in ear infections. While persistent stuffiness can lead to mouth-breathing and poor sleep.3 Children's Xyzal® provides 24-hour relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
It can be difficult to tell whether your child has a cold or allergies, as the symptoms often look similar. Colds may cause fever and body aches, while allergies typically do not. Allergies often lead to itchy, watery eyes and a thin, clear nasal discharge, whereas a cold usually produces thicker mucus. While cold symptoms generally resolve in one to two weeks, allergy symptoms will persist as long as your child is exposed to the trigger.2
Yes. Children's Xyzal® is safe to use as directed, read the product label for complete dosing instructions and warnings. If your child's allergies persist and require ongoing management, consult a pediatrician who can help you create a sustainable long-term care plan.6
The duration and effectiveness of different allergy medications vary. For both indoor and outdoor allergens, Children's Xyzal® provides effective 24-hour relief that starts working quickly. It is designed to last through the night and into the next day, for consistent symptom control.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, occur during specific times of the year. Symptoms are typically triggered when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air. Year-round allergies can be ongoing and happen at any time of year, and common year-round allergens include dust and pet dander.5
The right medicine for your child will depend on their symptoms; you can talk to your pharmacist for more information. Children’s Xyzal® provides effective relief from most symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergens. It delivers significant allergy relief in as little as 45 minutes, and provides continuous allergy relief for 24 Hours.
Seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever, are caused by outdoor triggers like tree, grass, and weed pollen that are more common during certain times of the year. Perennial allergies are triggered by year-round indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold.3
Different medicines have different age recommendations and dosage guidelines. Always read the label and use as directed. Children’s Xyzal® can be taken by children two years and older.
Sources:
- National Center for Health Statistics. Almost a third of U.S. adults and children have at least one allergy [Internet]. Hyattsville (MD): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2026 Jan 8 [cited 2026 May 27]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20260108.html
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Children and allergies. ACAAI [Internet]. [cited 2026 Mar 23]. Available from: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergies-101/who-gets-allergies/children
- Children’s Health. Allergies vs. colds in children. Children’s Health [Internet]. 2019 Feb 14 [updated 2025 Feb 12; cited 2026 Mar 23]. Available from: https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/allergies-vs-colds-in-children
- AFB Pediatrics. When to see a pediatrician about your child’s allergies. AFB Pediatrics [Internet]. 2025 May 9 [cited 2026 Mar 23]. Available from: https://www.afbpediatrics.com/blog/1315863-when-to-see-a-pediatrician-about-your-childs-allergies
- Nemours KidsHealth. Seasonal allergies (hay fever). KidsHealth [Internet]. 2022 Jan [cited 2026 Mar 23]. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seasonal-allergies.html
- Drugs.com. Antihistamines every day: What you should know. Drugs.com [Internet]. 2025 Oct [cited 2026 Mar 23]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/antihistamines-every-day-3562486