When Fall Allergies Strike

School is in session, and just like clockwork, your 8-year-old starts sneezing, sniffling, and snorting—not to mention clearing her throat and blowing her nose like there’s no tomorrow. Chances are its allergies—the immune system’s reaction to a substance that would normally be quite harmless. Up to 40 percent of children in the U.S. have nasal allergies.

OUTDOOR ALLERGENS

Also known as hay fever, seasonal allergies often bring images of springtime sufferers. In the fall, however, outdoor allergens such as ragweed and tumbleweed may also release tiny pollen and wreak major havoc—especially in the morning.

INDOOR ALLERGENS

But that’s not all. In the fall, your child begins spending more time inside at school and friends’ homes. That’s when many indoor allergens may also rear their ugly heads such as:

• Dust mites, a microscopic insect that lives in bedding, sofas, and carpets
• Mold
• Animal allergens such as fur, skin, feathers, or saliva
• Clothing and toys made or stuffed with animal hair
• Latex in rubber gloves, toys, or balloons, as well as in the elastic found in clothing

AVOIDING TRIGGERS

You don’t have a lot of control over indoor allergens at school. But there certainly are some things you can do to protect your child. Here’s a small sample of steps you can take:

• Use air conditioners and keep windows closed in your car and at home and change HVAC filters regularly to reduce exposure to pollen.
• Have your child avoid playing in piles of dead leaves if mold allergies are a problem.
• Take steps to reduce mold growth in the home. For example, fix leaky plumbing, remove bathroom carpets, and control indoor humidity.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and wash linens weekly and other bedding every 1 to 2 weeks in hot water.
• Limit stuffed animals in the bedroom. Yes, I know…. That might be a tough sell.
• Replace pillows every 2 to 3 years.
• Encase pillows, mattresses, and comforters in special covers that keep dust mites out

Avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent the symptoms of allergies. But keep in mind that it can take three to six months to see an improvement in symptoms once indoor triggers are removed.

TALK TIME

Sometimes avoiding triggers is not enough to control symptoms. Before you stock up on loads of over-the-counter medicine, however, swing by and have a talk with me. I can point you to products in our store and guide you on their use. Also, make sure to have a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. Sometimes allergy testing or prescription medications are sometimes needed to bring relief.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.