Kids aren’t making it up. Pediatric allergies really do tend to spike when students return to school.

Did you ever notice that your pediatric patients when they start the school year complain of nasal congestion, itchy eyes and coughing? Do they tell you they are allergic to school? Well, they aren’t allergic to their teacher or homework, but they can certainly be allergic to the classroom environment.

Classrooms in most schools around the country are old and also are usually not air-conditioned. This is a problem, because although janitors are cleaning the floor while students are on break, they can’t stop the mold and dust mites that accumulate during the hot summer months in these buildings.

Mold and Dust mites

MRS Allergy’s Medical Director, Board Certified Immunologist and allergy expert Dr. Dean Mitchell, frequently explains to parents and their children that mold and dust mites are like good friends–they like to “hang out” in the same places. Both types of allergens enjoy a hot, humid environment to grow. The problem is that they are invisible to the naked eye and so unlike pets or the green pollen you see on cars every spring you forget they are an important allergen.

The most common allergens are Alternaria, Cladysoporium, Aspergillus  and Dermatophygoides farina; these are the indoor allergens that can trigger intense allergy symptoms. The range of symptoms a child can experience are: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing and even rashes. These symptoms can occur immediately during the school day but also can occur hours later in the evening.