Summer allergies in children: Keep the fun going
Posted: 20th June 2024 | Posted by Costa
Summer allergies in children: Keep the fun going
Picture this: You’ve planned a fantastic day at the park with your little ones. They’re excited about the playground, the picnic, and the chance to run around. But shortly after arriving, your child starts sneezing, their eyes water, and they can’t stop rubbing their nose. What was meant to be a joyous day turns into a struggle with allergy symptoms. This scenario is all too common for many families.
Summer is a time for children to play, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, for kids with allergies, the season can also bring a range of challenges. Understanding how to manage your child’s allergies can ensure they have a fun and safe summer.
Understanding summer allergies in children
20% of children in the UK suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and food allergies affect around 5-8% of children. Managing these allergies is essential to ensure their well-being and enjoyment of outdoor activities. Look out for:
- Pollen allergies: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a common summer allergen. The UK pollen season typically starts in late March. Often, it lasts until September, peaking during the summer months.
- Insect stings: Bees, wasps, and other insects are more active in the summer. Insect stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some children.
- Mould spores: Mould can grow in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and even in piles of leaves or grass clippings, causing allergic reactions when kids play in these areas.
- Food allergies: Summer picnics and barbecues often involve foods that can trigger allergies, such as nuts, dairy, and seafood.
Tips to keep the fun going:
- Identify allergens: It is crucial to know what triggers your child’s allergies. Keep an allergy diary to track symptoms and identify patterns. Allergy testing can also provide valuable insights.
- Create a safe play area: Ensure that your child’s play area is free from high-pollen plants and damp, mold-prone areas. Consider indoor play options on days with high pollen counts.
- Keep medications handy: Always have your child’s allergy medications with you, including antihistamines, inhalers, and EpiPens for severe reactions. Make sure caregivers and teachers are aware of your child’s allergies and know how to respond in an emergency.
- Educate your child: Teach your child about their allergies and how to avoid triggers. Role-playing scenarios are great. As a result, they’ll understand what to do if they experience symptoms while playing.
- Plan allergy-friendly activities: Choose activities that minimise exposure to allergens, such as swimming in chlorinated pools (which can reduce pollen exposure) or visiting indoor attractions like museums and aquariums.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water and maintains a balanced diet. This helps manage their allergy symptoms. Dehydration can worsen allergic reactions.
- Use sun protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your child’s skin from sunburn, which can exacerbate skin allergies. Choose hypoallergenic sunscreens to avoid additional irritation.
Take steps towards a symptom-free summer
If your child experiences persistent allergy symptoms, consider allergy testing to identify specific triggers. Our tests are precise and child-friendly, providing insights that can help manage your child’s allergies effectively and improve their quality of life.
Don’t let allergies dampen your child’s summer fun. By understanding and managing their allergies, you can help them enjoy the season to the fullest. Take one of our tests today or register as a new patient to take the first step towards feeling more in control of your health.