Helping Children with Indoor Allergies

How to reduce the indoor allergens that affect kids.

A little girl sitting on a kitchen countertop high-fiving a cat.

For kids dealing with indoor allergies, home can mean an extravaganza of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s because allergic triggers can be tucked into just about every nook and cranny. No exaggeration: the kitchen, bathroom, closets, beds, pets, and even toys can all be sources of allergens. 

Allergies are among the most common health issues affecting children in the U.S. In fact, 7.2% of children were diagnosed with hay fever in 2018.1

Children's Allegra® is here to help fight indoor allergies and let kids focus on being kids.

But there’s plenty more you can do around the house to reduce allergens and maximize their comfort. This starts by keeping your home free of — or at least minimizing — allergens.

In this page you will find information about

Indoor allergy symptoms
Indoor allergy triggers
Indoor allergy prevention
Allegra® helps relieve indoor allergies

The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:²

Allergies happen when a body detects an allergen. The body produces antibodies, which produce allergic symptoms. The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:2

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Itchy throat
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes


First, see a doctor

If indoor allergies are making life uncomfortable for your child, start by making an appointment with their pediatrician or an allergist. A doctor will be able to run tests to see if your child has a sensitivity to one or more of the most common indoor allergens.

Eliminate allergy triggers and make things a little less sneezy

Once allergies are confirmed, here’s what to do: Clean house!

Allergens are practically everywhere. So the best way to get rid of symptoms is to get rid of the triggers. Here are the most common places to find them:3

  • Damp and humid areas
  • Indoor plants
  • Pets
  • Pillows and bedding
  • Plush furniture
  • Plush toys
  • Unsealed mattresses
  • Wall-to-wall carpet

What you can do about indoor allergens

Obviously, adding a bunch of new cleaning chores may not be practical. But you can use this list as a place to start: 

  • Control dust mites3
    • Use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, linoleum, or tile
    • Put sealed, allergen-resistant covers on pillows and mattresses
    • Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 130°F; dry them in a hot dryer
  • Reduce mold1,3
    • Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
    • Fix leaks quickly
    • Remove mold from hard surfaces
  • Minimize pet dander3
    • Before getting a pet, ask an allergist to determine if your kids are allergic
    • Keep pets out of the bedroom
    • Wash and change pet beds and toys often
  • Keep the air clean3
    • Increase the flow of outdoor air
    • Use air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma friendly filters
    • Vacuum frequently with certified allergy and asthma friendly filters
  • Control cockroaches, particularly if you live in the southern U.S.1,3
    • Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take things out quickly
    • Wipe surfaces, vacuum, and sweep after meals
    • Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
A little girl sits and the floor and plays with her dog.

Relieve their indoor allergies with Children’s Allegra®

Children’s Allegra® Allergy can help relieve your child’s indoor allergy symptoms so they can feel like themselves again. Children’s Allegra® Allergy won’t impact their learning or concentration due to drowsiness. And because it lasts a full 12 hours, your child gets relief through the school day and beyond. It’s the #1 allergist-recommended brand for non-drowsy relief,* and Children's Allegra® Allergy 12 Hour Liquid is kid-approved for a great taste. 

References

  1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. Allergy Facts and Figures, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America [aafa.org],

    2021. Oct. 5, 2021.


  2. Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaaai.com],

    February 28, 2020. Oct. 5, 2021.


  3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council,

    2015. Oct. 5, 2021.

Recommended Reading

Seasonal Allergies

Allergy season is different for everyone. That’s because different kinds of outdoor allergens — or irritants — get distributed into the air year-round.

Read Article
A boy plays with his dog outside in the grass.

Children's Outdoor Allergies

Kids outdoor allergies, including pollen, can lead to sneezing and runny noses. Learn to identify common children's allergies and triggers.

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*Among OTC oral antihistamines.