Pediatric Allergist at Allegheny Health Network Offers Guidance for Families this Allergy Season

PITTSBURGH – Russell Traister, MD, pediatric allergist at Allegheny Health Network’s Pediatric Institute, is providing helpful guidance for parents and caregivers this allergy season, as a mild winter now gives way to an early spring.

“Outdoor tree pollen has not yet reached its peak, but it’s beginning to appear, and we’re already seeing patients with persistent seasonal allergies,” said Dr. Traister, who is based at AHN West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield. “Over recent decades, we’ve seen progressively warmer climate, resulting in trees producing more pollen and negatively affecting allergic reactions in both children and adults.”

According to a 2024 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pollen seasons now start 20 days earlier and last 10 days longer, compared to 30 years ago. In addition, the amount of pollen released by trees appears to be higher and its allergenicity is stronger than in years past.

“As a result of these trends, many parents and children who may have not had seasonal allergies in the past, are now suffering and may be unsure on what the best course of symptom management is for them,” continued Dr. Traister.

Dr. Traister offers the following guidelines to help families and children through this allergy season:

• Minimize kids’ exposure: For seasonal allergies, sometimes the best course of action is to stay indoors and minimize exposure to outdoor allergens; simple things like keeping windows closed at home or in the car can make a noticeable difference. If a child’s allergies are severe and it’s not too bothersome, a mask when outdoors can also be helpful.
• Wipe off before coming back indoors: After children are finished playing outdoors, have them change their clothes and wipe down their faces, hands and legs to minimize outdoor pollen making its way inside the home. This also goes for pets that track in pollens and mold spores.
• Over-the-counter medications: The first line of allergy management is over-the-counter antihistamines, which can be taken once per day for moderate symptoms and twice per day for more severe symptoms, all in consultation with your pediatrician. Non-drowsy antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec can be recommended safely for children, in addition to a nasal spray like Flonase.
• Specialist visit: If it’s unclear whether a child truly has allergies, or if the child’s symptoms persist despite medication, a visit to a pediatric allergist may be warranted. The allergist may consider immunotherapy – allergy shots – to reduce symptoms and decrease the need for daily medication.

Dr. Traister is one of the only pediatric allergists in western Pennsylvania who utilizes “rush” immunotherapy regimen which allows qualifying children to reach their maintenance dose of immunotherapy in as little as 2.5 months, as opposed to a normal span of 6 months, making it easier and more convenient for the entire family.

“On behalf of the entire AHN Pediatric Institute, we always encourage children to go outdoors when the temperatures warm and spend active, engaging time with their families, friends and loved ones,” Dr. Traister said. “That’s why we’re also here to support and care for any of our younger patients when allergies could hinder their cherished time at the park, pool or in the backyard with friends.”

Dr. Traister sees both adults and pediatric patients for seasonal allergies. To make an appointment with Dr. Traister or another AHN allergist, call 412-DOCTORS.

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