Fall is peak season for allergies, and kids and parents alike can suffer from this annoying condition. Allergies affect different people in different ways, and may cause eye itching, redness and a case of the sniffles, and even external symptoms such as hives. In general, allergies also just make kids feel miserable, which can make it harder for them to concentrate on important things such as their schoolwork.

How to determine if your child is experiencing seasonal allergies
Allergies can be particularly difficult to detect in children, as their bodies – and therefore their allergies – are still developing. Whereas allergies may not have been an issue last season, this season you may start to see symptoms develop. Knowing what to look for can help you catch symptoms early so that you can provide treatment.

In some cases, allergy symptoms can mimic a mild case of the common cold. Excess coughing, sneezing and excess mucus could be the cold virus – or it could be the initial stages of allergies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If they last more than a week or two, it may make sense to see a pediatrician. Other symptoms of seasonal allergies include watery, itchy eyes, runny nose, sniffling and unusual mucus buildup.

Symptoms such as rashes, hives or swelling in the body may be indicative of an environmental or food allergy rather than seasonal allergies. More severe symptoms include gagging, chest tightness and restricted airways. These instances are potentially serious and should be checked out by a doctor, as they may also be associated with asthma.

If you suspect your child may have an allergy, whether it be seasonal or triggered by a specific substance, make an appointment with your pediatrician. He or she will give your child a battery of allergy tests to try and identify what the reaction may be caused by.

Tips for soothing side effects of allergies
If your little one suffers from seasonal allergies, here are a few steps you can take to ease the symptoms and help them get on with their day.

• Learn what the triggers are and limit exposure: Common fall triggers include specific pollens from different grasses, trees and weeds. An example of a common allergen is ragweed. If you notice that a certain plant is causing your child distress, search your neighborhood to find out where it's located. If possible, remove the plant. If this isn't possible, teach your child how to recognize the plant that's causing the symptoms so that he or she can make an effort to avoid it. Other common allergens include dust, mold and pet dander. Make sure your home is free of these things in order to create a safe home environment.
• Use a home air purifier: If you can't protect your child from the hazards found outdoors, you can at least create an allergy-free zone indoors. Consider purchasing a home air purifier in order to keep the quality of air in your home safe for an allergy-prone child. HEPA-type filters are best for this purpose.
• Provide antihistamines during peak season: In some cases, allergy symptoms are more of an annoyance rather than a serious condition. At other times, however, symptoms can interfere with everyday life. If your child's symptoms become so severe that he or she has difficulty concentrating on a task, antihistamine medication may be a solution. It's best not to rely on this medicine too often, however, so that your child doesn't build up a tolerance.

Treating severe allergies
If you've taken every step to limit your child's exposure and soothe symptoms, but still find allergies to be a problem, it's time to get medical help. In addition to determining what your child's triggers are, a pediatrician can help by prescribing stronger medications to keep the condition under control. These may include prescription-strength antihistamines, corticosteroids or even immunotherapy treatments. While taking medication is never fun, medicine flavorings like those made by FLAVORx can help children get the doses they need to stay healthy. Ask your pharmacist about how you can get your child's favorite flavor to make medicine time more bearable.