tips to prevent fall allergies

With chillier nights and mornings, the leaves beginning to change, and shorter days, comes fall allergies. Allergies like ragweed and mold may be more present in the fall, which means so are stuffy noses, itchy eyes and sneezing. Fortunately, Daniel Urschel, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologists at Dayton Children’s Hospital has several ways to help try and prevent those pesky fall allergies.

five ways to prevent fall allergies

1. Keep doors and windows closed. With cooler temperatures it may be tempting to open the screen door and windows, but if your child experiences allergies you want to avoid this as allergens can get through these screens.
2. Clean vents and air filters in your home. Allergens can get trapped in air filters and vents so cleaning them regularly will help reduce the amount of allergens in the air of your home.
3. Wear a mask when outside during peak allergen times. Allergens typically peak midday and can be stirred up by wind and rain so know what you’re getting into when you’re going to be outdoors.
4. Dust and vacuum regularly. With the kiddos playing outside, it’s very easy to bring allergens inside. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and vacuum regularly to get rid of allergens. You may consider vacuuming your cloth furniture and curtains as well.
5. Change clothes immediately after playing outside. Allergens can live on fabric so if your kiddo has been jumping in leave piles or playing outside, it’s best to change clothes when coming in from the outdoors. 

If after trying all the tips and tricks above your child is still suffering from allergies, you may want to ask your child’s primary care provider about an over-the-counter allergy medicine. If your child is still suffering from bad allergies after taking the allergy medicine regularly for a few weeks, you may need to see a pediatric allergist and immunologist to be tested.

Click here for more information about Dayton Children’s Hospital pediatric allergy and immunology.