Overview
Because they come and go with the seasons, outdoor allergies are often called seasonal allergies . They’re caused by an overreaction of your child’s immune system to certain proteins found outside from sources like mould spores and tree, grass or weed pollens .
While seasonal allergens can be difficult to avoid because it seems like they’re everywhere, there are things you can do to help minimize your child’s exposure and manage their symptoms so they can have more fun.
Select an allergy to learn more:
POLLEN ALLERGIES
MOULD ALLERGIES
CHILDREN'S ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
SNEEZING
ITCHY NOSE OR THROAT
NASAL CONGESTION
Pollen Allergies
Pollen from weeds, trees and grass is a common trigger for seasonal allergies . Pollen spores are small, light and dry, so the wind can carry them long distances. Pollen counts vary, depending on several factors, including the weather, time of day and where you live.
GET YOUR LOCAL POLLEN FORECAST
DID YOU KNOW?
Ragweed, a major source of pollen allergies , has been discovered as far as 400 miles out to sea and up to two miles in the atmosphere.1
Tips for Children with Pollen Allergies
- PLAN PLAY TIME
Try to plan your child’s outdoor activities when pollen counts are low. And try to keep your child inside on dry, hot and windy days when pollen counts are high as wind can blow pollen further. 2 - KEEP POLLEN OUTSIDE
Pollen spores can hitch a ride on your little one’s shoes, clothing and hair and get tracked inside. After spending time outdoors, have your child take off their shoes, change their clothes and take a quick bath to remove pollen. - CLEAR THE AIR
When driving, keep windows up and set the air conditioner on "recirculate." At home, keep windows closed, use air conditioning and be sure to change your filters often. - TAKE COUNT
Pollen levels change often. And when they do, so can your child’s symptoms. - GROW SMART
Plant an allergy -friendly yard for your children to play in. Some common types of grass produce more pollen spores. Try planting the female version of buffalo grass as it produces little to no pollen. If you’re planting trees, stick with species, such as Catalpa, Crepe myrtle, dogwood. Avoid planting sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemums in your yard as they’re all related to ragweed. If you’re not sure what to plant, ask your local garden center before you buy. 3 - BE PREPARED
Be sure to keep allergy medicine for children on hand for when seasonal allergy symptoms strike.
Mould Allergies
Overview
Microscopic mould spores float in the air like pollen , causing seasonal allergy symptoms. Outdoors, moulds thrive in shady, damp areas, including soil, plants, rotting wood, compost piles or dead leaves.
Since mould thrives in damp spaces, your mould allergy symptoms may be more common during the summer months when it’s hot and humid. Although, they may be prevalent year-round in warmer climates. While pollen spores die with the first frost, mould spores simply go dormant during the winter. And when spring comes, the spores grow back. 4
DID YOU KNOW?
While some moulds form colonies that you can see with the unaided eye, others can only be viewed under a microscope. So, just because you can’t see the mould , doesn’t mean it’s not there! 4
Tips for Children with Mould Allergies
- LEAVE IT OUTSIDE
Shoes, clothing and hair can all be magnets for mould spores. To help prevent tracking mould in, have everyone remove their shoes before entering your home and make sure your child changes his or her clothes right away after spending time outside. It’s also a good idea to have your child bathe after playing outdoors. If you’re pinched for time, at least have them wash their hands and face well after coming in. 5 - MAKE A MOULD MOVE
To help reduce the number of mould spores from the yard that can enter your home, keep leaves, grass and yard clippings away from the house. You can also try to cut back any trees and/or brush that are close to the house. 5 - SKIP THE LINE
Bedding or clothing hung out to dry on a clothes line may pick up mould spores. Use a clothes dryer instead. 5
REFERENCES
- https://www.aafa.org/ragweed-pollen/ Accessed May 13, 2022.
- https://www.claritin.com/living-with-allergies/outdoor-entertaining Accessed May 13, 2022.
- https://www.claritin.com/6-tips-gardening-seasonal-allergies Accessed May 13, 2022.
- Mould Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed September 14, 2017.
- https://www.claritin.com/living-with-allergies/tricks-and-treats-for-fall-allergy-relief Accessed May 13, 2022.
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