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. The duration, start and end date of the seasonal allergies vary significantly from one year to the next at any particular location.
While seasonal allergens can be difficult to avoid because it seems like they’re everywhere, there are things you can do to help minimise your kid’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
ITCHY SKIN (HIVES)
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ragweed, a major source of pollen allergies, has been discovered as far as 650 kilometres out to sea and up to three kilometres in the atmosphere.
Tips for Kids with Pollen Allergies
- PLAN PLAY TIME
Try to plan your kid’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.
- 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 kids to play in. Some common types of grass produce more pollen spores, including Timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, blue, orchard and sweet vernal grasses. Instead, 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 lilly pilly, willow myrtle, coastal banksia, citrus or scribbly gum. 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 centre before you buy.
- BE PREPARED
Be sure to keep allergy medicine for kids on hand for when seasonal allergy symptoms strike. Children’s Claratyne® Syrups are easy-to-administer for children from 12 months old while Children’s Claratyne® Chewables are easy-to-take tablets without water for children from 2 years of age.
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 child’s 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 during the winter months, mould spores simply go dormant during that time. And when spring comes, the spores grow back.
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!
Tips for Kids 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 kid 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.
- 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.
- SKIP THE LINE
Bedding or clothing hung out to dry on a clothes line may pick up mould spores. If possible, dry your clothes inside or use a dryer instead.
