Fall Activity Challenges for Allergic Children
Autumn Happenings Need Extra Caution for Young Allergy Sufferers
Jul 22, 2009
Different seasons of the year bring with them varying challenges for allergy sufferers. For allergic children and their families, fall brings a return of more time away from home. There are many autumn activities and situations that require extra planning.
Challenging Indoor Fall Activities for Allergic Children
Back to school and other groups:
- Cafeterias, school lunches and class celebrations present concerns for food allergies.
- Treats and snacks at group functions such as clubs, Sunday school and birthday parties often involve food that is out of the control of the child and the family.
- Materials and decorations used for activities can be triggers for allergic children.
Thanksgiving and other family celebrations:
- Family gatherings involving potluck type meals can pose problems when other people are preparing food.
- At large gatherings it is harder to keep track of what small children are doing and more food is placed out in the open.
- Decorations made with certain materials or scents can be triggers for certain allergies.
Fall cleaning:
- Fall cleaning can stir up a lot of dust mites, dander, molds and fungi. The cleaners can also trigger a reaction in an allergic child.
Challenging Outdoor Fall Activities for Allergic Children
Gardening and raking leaves:
- Children who are allergic to mold may find that gardening and raking leaves stir up molds and fungi.
Hay fever:
- In many areas of North America, early fall is a prime time for ragweed pollen – one of the most common hay fever triggers. There may also be other pollens in the air.
Insect stings:
- Some types of stinging insects are more common in late summer or early fall.
Other Challenging Fall Activities for Allergic Children
Field trips:
- Whether a field trip is indoor or outdoor, it can pose a number of challenges for an allergic child if proper precautions are not taken beforehand.
- All treats and party foods are potential triggers for a child with food allergies.
- Decorations and costumes may contain scents or materials that are risks for an allergic child.
Pets kept inside more:
- When weather turns colder pets may be kept inside more, creating extra dander in the home.
- Some pets also shed more during the fall season.
More fresh produce available:
- Many berries and types of fruit ripen in the fall. There is a lot of fresh produce available, which can pose a risk for a child with oral allergy syndrome.
The many activities that arise in the fall can pose potential risks for an allergic child. All adults who are involved with such a child need to be informed of any allergies and their triggers. Small children with allergies always need to be supervised carefully to avoid any potentially dangerous situations.
Note: This information is meant to serve as a reminder of potential challenges that can become an issue during fall activities and situations. It is not meant to replace or override any medical supervision or advice.
Sources:
Website: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2007. Visited July 17, 2009.
Berger, William E. And Gordon, Debra L. Allergy and Asthma Relief. New York: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2004.
Ehrlich, Paul M. Teen’s Guides: Living with Allergies. New York: Checkmark Books, 2009.
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