Persistent Sniffles? Understanding Allergy Symptoms in Kids and Families

When cold symptoms drag on for weeks — especially in spring or fall — it's worth considering that allergies, not illness, could be the cause. If everyone in the family is sneezing, congested, or sniffling around the same time each year, seasonal or environmental allergies may be to blame.

Persistent Runny Nose: Cold or Allergy?

Unlike colds, which typically last 7–10 days and may come with fever or body aches, allergies can linger for weeks or even months. Symptoms like:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sneezing

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Post-nasal drip

are classic signs of allergic rhinitis. These symptoms often worsen indoors — especially at night or in the early morning — when dust mites are a likely culprit.

Dust Mites: A Common Indoor Allergen

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in household dust, especially in bedding, mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They don’t bite or sting, but their presence can trigger strong allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly children.

Allergy Testing: Identifying the Triggers

To determine the exact cause of allergy symptoms, allergy testing is recommended. This may include skin testing or blood work and can reveal sensitivities to dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and more.

Once the specific allergen is known, targeted strategies can help reduce exposure and improve symptoms — such as:

• Using dust mite-proof pillow and mattress covers

• Washing bedding weekly in hot water

• Reducing humidity in the home

• Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter

Managing Seasonal Allergies in Kids

For children dealing with seasonal or year-round allergies, several treatment options are available:

1. Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasonex) are safe for children and work best when used consistently to reduce inflammation.

2. Allergen Avoidance

Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way — such as keeping windows closed during high pollen days, using air purifiers, and regularly washing soft toys and fabrics.

3. Immunotherapy: Long-Term Relief

For families seeking a longer-term solution, immunotherapy may be a good option. It works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing a tablet or drops under the tongue daily. It’s taken at home and works to build the body’s tolerance to allergens like dust mites, grasses, or ragweed over time. SLIT is FDA-approved for several allergens and is especially appealing for children, as it avoids the need for frequent shots.

While it takes several months to become effective and must be taken consistently, it’s a safe and convenient alternative to allergy shots for many families.

Key Takeaways

If a child seems to always have a runny nose or sneezing spells during certain seasons — or if the whole household is sniffling without any sign of illness — it may be time to consider allergies as the cause. With proper testing, targeted treatment, and long-term options like sublingual immunotherapy, there’s no need to simply “wait it out” each year.