Sniffles, itchy eyes and endless sneezing — is it another cold, or something more? In Chicago, kids are exposed to a wide variety of allergens both indoors and out, and parents often struggle to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and everyday viruses.
We spoke with Dr. Allison Foster, a general pediatrician, and Dr. Christina Ciaccio, a pediatric allergist, both with the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s. They offered clear, parent-focused guidance to help families understand the signs of seasonal allergies, reduce everyday triggers and know when to reach out for help.
What’s causing allergy symptoms in your child?
Allergy symptoms can mimic a cold — especially in kids — but key differences can help parents spot what’s really going on.
Allergy clues to watch for:
- No fever (fever usually means a virus)
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Persistent sneezing or throat clearing
- Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
- A crease across the bridge of the nose from frequent rubbing — often called the “nasal salute”
“Parents will say, ‘She’s always rubbing her eyes or sniffling,’” says Dr. Foster. “Those patterns — especially without other signs of illness — are often allergic in nature.”
What causes seasonal allergies in Chicago kids?
Environmental allergies aren’t just a springtime issue. In Chicago, the timing and triggers vary by season — and even by neighborhood.
In urban areas, kids may be exposed to different environmental allergens than those living in suburban or rural communities. Trees, grasses, mold, housing type and even pollution levels can all impact what a child is reacting to and when.
“It’s a very location-specific issue,” says Dr. Ciaccio. “Where you live in the city, how much greenery surrounds you, even how old your building is — all of that affects what your child is exposed to.”
Seasonal outdoor allergens:
- Spring: Tree pollens (oak, birch, maple)
- Summer: Grass pollens, mold spores
- Late summer and fall: Ragweed, mold spores
Year-round indoor allergens:
- Dust mites (especially in bedding, carpets and soft furniture)
- Mold (more common in basements and older urban housing)
- Pet dander (from cats, dogs and even guinea pigs)
- Cockroach allergens (common in multi-unit buildings)
“We often test kids who maybe have never seen mold in their home, but their results come back really high,” says Dr. Foster. “Same with pets — it’s the dander, not the fur, that causes trouble.”
When allergies impact quality of life
Allergies don’t just cause discomfort — they can get in the way of everyday activities.
“Sometimes kids stop playing sports outside or avoid being around pets,” says Dr. Foster. “We want to help them stay active and comfortable.”
Home strategies that really help
While no home can be completely allergy-proof, small changes can go a long way in giving a child’s immune system a break and reducing everyday symptoms, says Dr. Ciaccio.
For seasonal allergies:
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen days
- Shower and change clothes after being outside
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Use an air conditioner, if available, to help filter allergens
For indoor allergies:
- Use dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses
- Vacuum often — especially if you have carpet
- Keep pets out of the bedroom
- Consider an allergen-friendly HVAC filter (hold it up to the light — you shouldn’t see through it)
- Air purifiers aren’t usually necessary — unless you have a cat
Treatment basics your pediatrician might suggest
You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Your pediatrician can help guide next steps and may recommend allergy medications or a referral if needed.
The first approach might include starting with a daily antihistamine, such as Zyrtec, Allegra or Claritin. If symptoms persist, a nasal steroid spray like Flonase may be added to help manage inflammation and congestion.
Talk with your child’s doctor to learn more about what’s appropriate for their age and needs.
If symptoms continue despite these steps, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric allergist, who may test to identify specific triggers. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended as a long-term solution to reduce your child’s sensitivity to allergens.
“In most cases, we can treat allergies without needing a specialist,” says Dr. Foster. “But when we do refer, it’s because we want families to get the answers they need.”
A special note on Chicago air quality
Chicago’s changing weather and history of industrial pollution can also trigger symptoms.
“Pollution can mimic allergic rhinitis or make symptoms worse,” Dr. Ciaccio explains. “We even see vasomotor rhinitis — where the nose reacts to temperature swings or air irritants, not allergens.”
Nasal sprays are often the most effective treatment. Talk with your child’s doctor to learn more.
Bottom line for parents
Dr. Ciaccio encourages families to take note of persistent allergy symptoms and not to wait if they’re interfering with daily life.
She emphasizes that even simple steps — like closing windows or swapping out a pillow cover — can significantly improve a child’s comfort and well-being.
This content is sponsored by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s. Learn more at ComerChildrens.org.
