With the onset of spring, and summer just around the corner the flowers are blooming, the grass is green and the sun is shining. So waving goodbye to your allergies for another season seems like an exciting prospect.
Is it though? With one in four people suffering from allergies like Eczema, Asthma or Hay fever for many, especially babies and young children the change of season brings no relief and only a host of other issues to contend with.
Two of the most common allergens dust mite and mould still continue to thrive but with spring upon us and the pollen count starting to rise for allergy sufferers this time of the year can be the worst for triggering outbreaks of eczema, hay fever and asthma.
While the flowers in bloom bring beauty and fragrance the pollens bring sneezing, itching and a host of other symptoms.
Mould in particular is more prevalent in cooler and moist conditions commonly seen on walls, ceilings, certain types of furniture, bathrooms and in the laundry.
Older style homes using weatherboard and fibro that were built without insulation or windows being closed all winter with no adequate ventilation tend to attract mould easier than a brick home.
Combine this with dust mites that breed in rugs, bedding and the extra blankets used throughout winter. Turn on the air conditioning to further circulate the dust and just to finish off with pats and cuddles from our furry friends.
Is it any wonder that young children in particular tend to spend more time at the doctor during the cooler seasons than at any other time of the year.
Another issue can be misdiagnosis, many children are placed on antibiotics for upper respiratory and chest infections and commonly attendance at childcare or school is blamed for this when in fact your child may very well have any allergy.
If your child is constantly sniffling, has a runny nose, coughing a lot particularly at night or early morning and no amount of antibiotics seems to treat the issue question the doctor on whether your child could possibly have an allergy like hay fever or asthma and get a referral to a respiratory paediatrician or an allergist.
There is no avoiding the change in season but there are steps you can take to reduce allergies taking over your household.
Allergy Action Plan
Wash pillows and sheets weekly in hot water above 55 degrees with a few drops of tea tree oil to kill dust mites
If pollen triggers your allergies then consider drying your clothes in the clothes dryer or indoors, whilst energy conservation is paramount your health and wellbeing is more so
Try to avoid the outdoors during windy weather
Vacuum mattresses, rugs and curtains - spray with either a dust mite spray or mix some very hot water with tea tree oil and spray
Dust more frequently
If your house isn't insulated strongly consider having this done, insulation batts rating R2.5 or higher in your ceiling and combining this with a whirlybird or 2 on the roof is great for ventilation of the house and assists in reducing mould. It will also increase warmth in winter and further cools the house in summer so reducing the need for heating and cooling which is a definite allergy trigger.
Wash walls and furniture if mould is present. If mould is a real issue consider getting in a mould cleaning specialist.
Place moisture absorbers under beds or in areas where dampness and moisture is a problem these can be found in your supermarket cleaning aisles and they will last for 2-3 months.
Clean filters regularly on your air conditioners and spray with some tea tree and lemon oil mixed in hot water not only is this blend totally natural, it has antiseptic properties and leaves the room smelling fresh.
As much as you love your furry friends, cats can be a child's worst enemy when they have allergies.
By being prepared and putting your allergy action plan in place your child's spring season may pass with fewer trips to the doctor than you might think.
