Autumn is a time of ideal outdoor weather, football games and holidays, but, for those with sensitivities to ragweed (especially for kids) and other late-year allergens, fall can be an unwelcome time. That’s even truer when weather conditions leading into the season provide a perfect environment for allergens to flourish, and it looks like fall this year has the potential to make many allergy-sufferers miserable.
Being sensitive to fall’s annual pollen discharge doesn’t mean your child has to spend the entire season locked inside with a box of tissues in one hand and nasal spray in the other. You can help your children combat those allergies by following these basic steps.
1 – Don’t play with your allergens.
Allergens are like the bullies next door that want you to come out to play — only to beat you up when you step outside. Bullies can’t always be avoided; nor can allergies. Even if your child likes to stay indoors playing video games, they do have to eventually leave the house for school. That being said, the parent needs to come up with a solution to this aggravating problem.
The more you limit your child’s exposure to allergens, the more control you have over their symptoms. Keep an eye on the allergy forecasts in your area, and see if you can plan your child’s outdoor activities for days when the pollen count is low. The hours between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. are peak times for pollen, so, if possible, refrain from outdoor activities during those hours. While television and video games aren’t encouraged often, it’s a great way to keep your children indoors – at least for those few hours.
2 – Change filters regularly.
When pollen counts are high, allergy-sufferers should keep doors and windows closed. If pollen is floating around in your indoor air, though, even closed doors and windows won’t protect you.
Keep the air that circulates through your home as clean as it can be by changing the filters in your heating and cooling system as frequently as the manufacturer of the filters recommends. Filters can minimize allergic symptoms indoors.
3 – Keep it clean.
Pollen loves you even if you don’t love it. When it’s in the air, it clings to you the moment you step outside, and follows you back in like an invited guest. Kick your shoes off right inside the door to keep from tracking pollen through the house, put clothes you wore outside in the laundry and take a shower before settling down on furniture or climbing into bed. If not, you’ll be leaving pollen behind on everything you touch.
Since pollen transfers so easily, you’ll also need to clean regularly during the fall allergy season. A wet dusting to lift pollen from surfaces and a wet mop or vacuum for floors should do the trick.
4 – Medicate.
It might be a last resort, but when your kids start sneezing and their eyes start watering, sometimes it’s best to simply reach for the meds. While over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can relieve your child’s systems, the chemicals may not fare well with your child’s immune system. Within moderation, you can try herbal supplements like butterbur or stinging nettle to keep your symptoms at bay. Naturally, before administering any medicine, always consult your child’s pediatrician.
5 – Visit an allergist.
Doing everything you can to control your child’s fall allergies and they still can’t get relief? Maybe it’s time for a trip to the allergist. Your child’s allergies may go beyond fall pollens, and an allergy test will let you know everything to which they may have an allergic reaction. When it comes to controlling allergies, knowing all of their allergens is half the battle. It does no good to stay cooped up in your home to avoid ragweed if you’re allergic to your indoor cat.
Allergy symptoms can be a real pain in the head, nose, and throat, but fall’s too good of a season to let your child’s allergies scare him or her inside. Take steps to take control their allergies, and they may be able to beat them into submission. If you can’t beat them, at least you’ll even the playing field.
How are you helping your children beat seasonal allergies?
About the Author: Nan Gibbons is the proud single mother of her three-year-old son Reid. As a licensed nutritionist and personal trainer, she owns and operates her own personal training business in San Diego. In their free team, Nan and Reid enjoy exploring the beach with their lab mix Cody, putting together puzzles, and having healthy cooking adventures. Visit her blog: Eat Breathe Blog
Image of humidifier courtesy of Nate Beaty
