The pollen may be gone during the winter months, but children's allergy misery often hangs on.
Dips in temperature bring relief from allergies to tree, plant and weed pollens, but children sensitive to mold fungi spores may have to wait until the season's first frost, according to Dr. David Valacer, director of the Children's Air Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell University.
Unlike pollen, Valacer noted, mold can grow anywhere and needs only moisture and oxygen to thrive and spread their misery to children with allergies. Mold can trigger an allergic reaction and asthma in sensitive individuals. About 15 million Americans are allergic to mold.
Shelter provides no safe haven from allergens, either. Indoor irritants such as dust and pet dander become more problematic as winter weather keeps children inside. Some strategies, however, can make life less irritating for children with winter allergies.
When children play outside, Valacer said, make sure they stay away from areas that promote mold growth, such as dark, wooded spots.
He also recommended using exhaust fans when showering or cooking, which helps lower indoor humidity levels and stunt the growth of mold and mites. If someone in the house must use a humidifier, he noted, it's important to keep it clean and change the water frequently.
The best way to deal with allergies is to avoid the allergen. So keep the child's bedroom free of carpets or rugs in order to battle dust mites, and keep plants out to reduce humidity. If a child is allergic to pet dander and the family cannot part with Fido, keep him out of the child's bedroom at all times.
Children with moderate to severe asthma, said Valacer, should get a flu vaccine during the fall, before cold weather kicks in. When cold weather does arrive, he noted, make sure children are well-hydrated and well-wrapped with a scarf before going outdoors.
NOTE: One of the most common allergy triggers is mold. Though mold is often obvious, as black spots in the shower or behind the sink, mold spores are often around even when we can't see them. One particular source, which is common in many child-care settings, is the sink, where damp sponges and dish cloths provide the perfect moist environment for mold. Therefore, be sure to frequently launder dish cloths and frequently replace sponges.