The soccer game is barely five minutes in, and your child’s already sneezing on the sideline. Their eyes are watery, their nose is running and they’re miserable. Sound familiar?
In southeast Michigan, allergy season has long stretched from April through October, covering tree, grass and weed pollens. But in 2025, it kicked off in early March — part of a trend building for over a decade, according to Bridge Michigan.
Allergy specialist Rana Misiak, M.D. — who works at Henry Ford Health locations in Novi and Dearborn — sees it firsthand.
“Every year, my patients come in saying that this allergy season feels worse than the last,” Misiak says in a recent Henry Ford Health blog. “There is evidence to support that.”
Here’s what Michigan parents should know about what’s changing, what to do at home, and when to call in expert help.
Yes, Michigan’s allergy season is getting worse
Experts say the shifts are real — and affecting more children.
- It’s longer: Climate change is making pollen seasons start earlier and last longer, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the Midwest, ragweed season increased by up to 25 days between 1995 and 2015.
- There’s more pollen: Carbon pollution is making plants release more allergy-triggering pollen for longer stretches, reports Climate Central, a policy-neutral nonprofit. Today’s pollen is also more potent, adds Misiak of Henry Ford Health.
- It’s hitting kids harder: About 19% of U.S. children have hay fever, rising to 24% among teens, says Climate Central. Pollen can also trigger asthma. Ultimately, 1 in 5 kids are dealing with seasonal allergies that disrupt sleep, school and mood.
How to help your child feel better at home
You can’t stop Michigan’s pollen, but you can make things easier for allergic kids.
- Establish a routine: Check your metro Detroit pollen forecast daily at Pollen.com. Plan outdoor time for later in the day, when counts are lower, advises Nemours KidsHealth.
- Rinse away allergens: Have your child shower and change clothes after playing outside. Nasal saline sprays and eye drops help wash out pollen, adds KidsHealth.
- Try over-the-counter meds: Talk with your pediatrician about age-appropriate antihistamines or decongestants. “To get the optimal effect from these, you need to start them about a month before,” says Misiak of Henry Ford Health.
- Keep triggers out of your home: Close windows on high-pollen days and run a HEPA air filter in your child’s bedroom. Wipe down pets and wash bedding weekly in hot water, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
- Watch for skin flare-ups: Allergies can show up as eczema or hives. Keeping bedding clean, lowering humidity and reducing dust mites can help, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
When to call the doctor for your child’s allergies
If your child’s symptoms persist or escalate, it may be time for medical support.
- Symptoms aren’t improving: If over-the-counter meds and routines haven’t helped after a week or two, or symptoms are getting worse, check in with your pediatrician, Mayo Clinic says.
- Your child has asthma: Allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. If symptoms like coughing or wheezing ramp up during allergy season, a doctor can help manage both, notes the AAAAI.
- Testing could help: Skin or blood tests can pinpoint what’s triggering your child’s symptoms — pollen? pet dander? dust mites? — and guide a targeted treatment plan.
- Allergy shots are an option: If meds aren’t enough, allergy shots may help. They can be given to kids who are at least 5 years old. They start weekly for about six months, according to Henry Ford Health, then resume monthly for 3-5 years.
This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. For related content, visit Top Kids Health Questions Answered!
