From Ragweed to Runny Noses
What Parents Need to Know About Allergies and Therapy
Despite the unseasonably warm start to fall that our area has had, it’s inevitable that the leaves will soon turn and chilly weather will set in. And although many of us still don our t-shirts and shorts, fall has reared its head in other ways, evident in less-welcome signs: sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. Introducing: Autumn allergies!
Seasonal allergies are common, including in children. While the focus is often on stuffy noses and congestion, these symptoms can also affect a child’s speech, feeding and overall participation in therapy. Understanding these connections can help parents better support their child’s communication and mealtime success during allergy season.
Fall allergies are most often triggered by ragweed pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Ragweed pollen tends to peak in late August and continue until the first frost; mold spores increase due to damp conditions from late summer and eventual decaying leaves; and dust mites become more prevalent as heating systems are turned on (gross!). In children, allergy symptoms may include the following:
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Runny nose or postnasal drip
- Coughing, throat clearing or hoarseness
- Itchy eyes, nose or throat
- Fatigue due to poor sleep quality
For children already working on speech, language and/or feeding skills, these symptoms can make progress stall significantly. The reasons are tied to the intricacies of our anatomy.
Clear speech relies on free airflow through the nose and mouth, as well as stable resonance. When nasal passages are blocked by congestion, children may sound “stuffy” and have increased difficulty producing clear speech, particularly for words containing nasal sounds like /m/, /n/, or /ng/. When congestion persists, it can even negatively impact hearing, as children with middle ear fluid caused by allergies may not hear certain sounds accurately. When hearing is impacted, both comprehension and articulation can decrease.
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Allergies can also impact our children’s ability to eat. Feeding is a complex skill that requires efficient breathing, chewing and swallowing in order to be safe and successful. When impacted by allergies, children may present with the following:
- Congestion may force children to eat with their mouths open, making chewing and swallowing less efficient.
- Postnasal drip can lead to coughing, gagging or discomfort while eating.
- Reduced appetite is common when children feel tired or congested, making mealtimes more stressful, particularly for families of children with a history of picky eating.
- Altered taste and smell from nasal blockage may cause picky eating or refusal of familiar foods.
For children who may be participating in feeding therapy, allergies can certainly impact progress, leading to frustration and stress for everyone involved.
While these limitations in speech, language and feeding due occur, there are ways to reduce the negative impact of allergies through proactive strategies:
- Consult your pediatrician or allergist– Proper diagnosis and management can greatly reduce symptoms, so discuss the potential use of antihistamines, nasal sprays or environmental controls.
- Maintain routines– Keep regular therapy schedules when possible, and ask about modifications or home carryover activities if your child’s symptoms are severe.
- Optimize mealtimes– Encourage smaller, more frequent meals if your child has a reduced appetite. Provide water to help with throat clearing and nasal drip.
- Support clear speech– Practice target sounds in short, playful bursts when your child is comfortable.
- Use environmental strategies– Wash hands and faces after outdoor play, keep windows closed on high-pollen days and use air purifiers indoors if you have access to one.
While fall may induce allergy symptoms in many children, these supports may help temper the severity of its effects. If you notice negative effects on your child’s speech, language and/or feeding skills, be sure to discuss these concerns with your child’s pediatrician and therapy team. By working together, families and medical professionals can ensure that despite seasonal setbacks, children can continue moving toward their developmental goals.
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