Many of us eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall for the glorious, cooler weather and the beauty of the changing leaves. Yet, for parents of children with allergies, the fall season can bring about a different kind of anticipation. While spring allergies often steal the spotlight, fall allergies can be just as troublesome for kids. However, there are ways to prevent and manage symptoms so that the season remains enjoyable for the entire family.
Common Allergy Triggers
Seasonal allergies can be triggered both outdoors and inside homes and schools. Common triggers include:
- Ragweed pollen: Ragweed is a notorious fall allergen, releasing billions of pollen grains into the air.
- Mold spores: Wet, decaying leaves and damp conditions during the fall season create a hospitable environment for mold growth. When these mold spores become airborne it can lead to allergy symptoms.
- Dust mites: While dust mites are a year-round allergen, children may spend more time indoors during the fall, increasing their exposure to these microscopic creatures.
- Spending more time indoors with closed windows and doors can also expose children to indoor allergens like pet dander, dust, and any mold inside the home.
Allergy Prevention Strategies
In our practice, we use an integrative approach that helps lay the foundation for the best response to allergy season. We focus on three areas:
- Decreasing systemic inflammation
- Building healthy cell walls (so our mast cells will release less histamine)
- Supporting the gut microbiome (which strengthens digestion)
You can Help Prevent or Reduce Symptoms By:
- Monitoring Pollen Counts: Keep an eye on local pollen forecasts and try to limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.
- Allergen-Proofing the Home : Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses (we like these covers from Naturepedic), wash bedding regularly on the highest setting, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor allergens from entering your home.
- Using Air Purifiers: Consider using HEPA air purifiers in your child’s bedroom, and throughout the home, to reduce indoor allergens. I have an Austin Air filter in my home and office and absolutely love it!
Allergy Supplement Spotlight
One of our favorite supplements to help manage pesky allergy symptoms is our HKHM Hist-Assist. This is available in capsule form or, for younger children, try our HKHM Hist-Assist Jr. chewables.
HKHM Hist-Assist contains a specially formulated blend of quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettle leaves, and N-acetyl cysteine that work in concert to alleviate allergy symptoms:
- Quercetin – flavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties; helps to stabilize mast cells and reduce the release of histamine
- Bromelain – proteolytic enzyme that helps to reduce the swelling of the nasal and sinus passages
- Stinging nettle leaf – inhibits histamine and other key molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade
- N-acetyl cysteine – thins mucus and increases glutathione production (one of the body’s most important antioxidants); reduces inflammation and supports detoxification
If your child struggles with seasonal allergies, check out our Allergy Bundle or schedule a call today to see if the integrative approach is the right fit for your child. I want you to experience fall as a time of joy and outdoor adventures.
