How to prepare for a video visit about Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) in children

Audience: pediatric

Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, are common in children and cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child's symptoms and discuss ways to manage them. Before the visit, gather information about when symptoms happen, what seems to trigger them, and any treatments tried so far. During the visit, the provider may ask about your child's medical history and current symptoms to suggest ways to reduce allergy effects. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and plan care but cannot replace in-person exams if symptoms are severe or unusual. This guide helps you prepare for a video visit about seasonal allergies in children, so you can get the most from your time with the healthcare provider.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with worsening symptoms — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing typical allergy symptoms and history.
• Providing advice on symptom management and prevention.
• Discussing use of over-the-counter allergy medicines.
• Guiding home care strategies to reduce exposure to allergens.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing severe or unusual symptoms needing urgent tests.
• Managing emergency situations like breathing difficulty or severe swelling.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.

What are Seasonal Allergies in Children?

Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, happen when a child's immune system reacts to allergens like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. This reaction causes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes coughing. These symptoms often happen during certain times of the year when pollen levels are high.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s Video Visit

Before the video visit, write down your child's symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur. Note any possible triggers like outdoor activities or exposure to pets. Also, list any medicines or treatments your child has used, including over-the-counter allergy medicines. Make sure your device is charged and connected to a good internet signal for the video call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any treatments tried. They may guide you to show your child's nose, throat, or eyes on camera to check for signs of allergies. Based on this, they can suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as avoiding triggers or using certain medicines.

Managing Seasonal Allergies at Home

Common ways to help children with seasonal allergies include keeping windows closed during high pollen times, using air filters, washing hands and face after being outdoors, and giving allergy medicines as advised. Avoiding smoke and strong odors can also reduce symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has trouble breathing, severe swelling, high fever, or symptoms that do not improve with treatment, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may need urgent evaluation beyond what telemedicine can provide.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note your child's allergy symptoms, including start date and frequency.
• List any known triggers or recent exposures.
• Prepare a list of current medicines and treatments used.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a family member assist if your child is very young.
• Be ready to describe symptoms clearly and show affected areas if asked.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medicines and home care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.
• Keep a diary of allergy triggers and symptom patterns for future visits.

FAQs

What causes seasonal allergies in children?

Seasonal allergies happen when a child's immune system reacts to substances like pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds during certain times of the year. This reaction causes symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.

Can a video visit help diagnose my child's allergies?

A video visit can help review symptoms and history to suggest if allergies are likely. However, it cannot replace in-person tests or exams needed for a full diagnosis.

What treatments can be recommended through telemedicine?

Healthcare providers can advise on over-the-counter allergy medicines, home care tips to avoid triggers, and when to seek further care. They cannot prescribe certain medications without an in-person visit.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a high fever with worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

How can I reduce my child's allergy symptoms at home?

Keep windows closed during high pollen times, use air filters, wash your child's hands and face after outdoor activities, and avoid smoke or strong odors.

Sources

1. Seasonal Allergies — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Allergic Rhinitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Allergic Rhinitis in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.