Yes, your kids can inherit your allergies. Here's what to do about it.

As a parent, watching your child figure out how to navigate their allergies can feel like you're living in a never-ending cycle of sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. 

And if you’ve ever battled allergies yourself, you might be bracing for the possibility that your child could be following in your sneezy footsteps.

Well, it's a common concern, and the stats back it up: if you have allergic rhinitis (hay fever), there’s a 30 to 50 per cent chance your little one might develop it, too. And if both you and your partner have allergies? That chance jumps to between 60 and 80 per cent. Talk about winning the genetic lottery.

Yet, despite these numbers, many cases of allergies in children go undiagnosed because symptoms can be confused with the common cold. 

In fact, recent research has found that around 56 per cent of kids are thought to have allergies, only 20 per cent have actually been identified.

But the good news? Allergies in kids can be treated and managed effectively — once you know what to look out for.

There are options like Zyrtec that have a range of fast-acting allergy relief products specifically formulated for kids, all conveniently available from your local pharmacy or supermarket — no script needed.

Their range includes chewable tablets (ideal for kids transitioning from liquids to solid formats — or even for kids on-the-go as no water needed to wash it down!), and liquid formulations (from the pharmacy only) that offer up to 12 hours of relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms. Think sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, and itchy skin rash.

They're a brand also free from sucrose, gluten and dyes — and with kid-friendly flavours like grape and bubblegum, it's actually easy for kids to take.

So, how can you tell if your child might be suffering from allergies, and what can you do about it? 

Understanding allergies in kids

Kids can’t always put their feelings into words, so for parents it’s all about knowing what signs to watch for when it comes to allergies.

For example, if you see your child sneezing frequently and dealing with a constant runny nose, they might be experiencing hay fever.

Watch for watery or itchy eyes too; allergies can make their eyes look like they’ve been crying or scratching, especially when they’re around triggers like pets or pollen. Itchy skin and rashes are another clue. If your child is scratching more than usual or developing hives, it could be an allergy and worth looking into.

Take notice of a persistent line across the middle of the nose (known as the nasal crease) and dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners) — these are usually signs of nasal congestion.

Lastly, keep an eye out for what many have coined the 'allergic salute' — when kids rub or push up the tip of their nose. This can indicate nasal itching or congestion.

Seasonal versus year-round allergies

Unfortunately, allergies aren't just a seasonal nuisance — they exist all year round. That's why it's crucial to monitor what’s triggering their symptoms.

Pollen from grass, trees, and flowers can be bigger triggers during certain times of the year, while allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mould can affect your child year-round. 

So where you can, working to keep your home free from dust and pet dander, while minimising exposure to pollen during peak seasons can be a true helper.

What to do if you suspect allergies

If you think your child might have allergies, here’s a handy cheat sheet to guide you:

1. Observe symptoms

Watch for recurring symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes or hives. For example, I noticed my daughter was always sneezing a lot around spring, and it seemed to get worse when we were outside. Keeping track of these patterns can help you identify possible triggers.

2. Consult a healthcare professional

It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor, who can run tests to pinpoint the cause of the reactions and identify their specific allergens.

3. Explore relief options

If allergies are confirmed, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter solutions, helping you manage symptoms and improve your child's quality of life.

4. Try some preventive measures

Reducing exposure to known allergens and keeping your living environment clean can help manage symptom flare-ups.

5. Educate and involve your child

Make sure everyone's on the same page about allergy management in your household. Letting your child be part of their own care — like knowing how to recognise their symptoms — can give you better peace of mind, and make managing allergies easier for everyone involved. 

Find Zyrtec's Kids range online or in-store at your nearest pharmacy. Zyrtec's Chewables products can also be found at your nearest supermarket.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Stats about second generation allergy sufferers according to Zave Chad. Allergies in children. Paediatrics & Child Health. 2001 Oct; 6(8): 555–566.

56 per cent of kids likely to suffer allergies but only 20 per cent have identified they know they have allergies, according to FiftyFive5, Allergy U&A 2022.

Feature Image: Getty.