Health Tip: Treat Your Child's Allergies

(HealthDay News) -- If your child has seasonal allergies, you may be overwhelmed by the process of deciding on a treatment plan.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says you should start with your child's pediatrician. The doctor may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist, or suggest a treatment plan during an office visit.

The academy offers these additional suggestions:

• Get your child tested so you know what triggers his or her allergies.
• Since allergy symptoms can get in the way of school, fun and family time, consult the pediatrician about possible use of medication, such as an antihistamine and or nasal corticosteroid.
• Your pediatrician also may recommend immunotherapy ("allergy shots") so the child becomes less sensitive to various allergy triggers.
• If your child is allergic to pests at home, consider remedies such as professional extermination, sealing holes and cracks, storing food in plastic containers with lids, and thoroughly cleaning up food after meals.
• If your child is allergic to outdoor pollen, consider using air conditioning during peak seasons and leaving windows closed. If the child is allergic to grass, the child should stay inside while the lawn is mowed.
• Children with allergies to mold should not play in leaf piles.
• Have your child shower or bathe at the end of the day to remove allergens from the body and hair.