For parents of children who battle with allergies, seasonal or otherwise, the changing temperature is more than just a casual topic of conversation. It’s a season-dependent, virtually daily challenge. The awareness that children can often be more sensitive to these changes due to their developing immune systems adds another layer of complexity for moms to maneuver through. This guide is designed to provide not just a list of remedies but a more comprehensive understanding of how to support your child’s health holistically when the mercury makes wild jumps.
Understanding Allergies and Temperature Fluctuations
The Immune System in Jump Mode
When the temperature fluctuates, so do the allergen counts in the air. This means your child’s immune system is constantly on high alert, leading to increased allergy symptoms. Educating yourself on local temperature trends and the allergens they activate is the first key step in helping your child manage their allergies. This will allow you to anticipate potential spikes in symptoms and take proactive measures to mitigate them. My daughter really struggles in the beginning of March each year when the warm temperatures start to climb their way back in.
The Role of Inflammatory Response
Allergy symptoms are an inflammatory response to allergens. Sudden changes in temperature can make these symptoms worse by causing the body to release histamines as a response to perceived ‘attacks.’ This is why it’s essential to anticipate these changes and fortify your child’s defense systems.
Holistic Home Adjustments to Combat Allergies
Creating an Allergy-Friendly Environment
Your child spends a significant portion of their time at home, so it’s crucial to create an environment that minimizes allergen exposure. This can include using air purifiers, diffusers, hypoallergenic beddings, and regular home cleaning with non-toxic cleansers.
A few other cleaning tips:
- Washing bedding weekly in hot water
- Damp-dusting rooms to catch airborne pollen
- Declaring a dusting day and magnifying cleanup glory
And, as your magnet for maladies, vacuum carpets and furniture with an allergen-rated (HEPA) filter.
Purifying plants:
Indoor plants are nature’s air scrubbers. Spider plants are great as are snake plants. Find some plants that work within your home and allow them to do what they do naturally! Take care to note that some plants are toxic to cats, if that’s a concern for your home.
Harnessing the Natural Power of Essential Oils
Certain essential oils are known for their anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Diffusing oils like lavender, lemon, and peppermint can offer relief when allergens are at their peak. LLP, as we call it, is diffused a lot this time of year, at my home.
Proper Nutrition and Hydration
A well-balanced diet and proper hydration play a significant role in supporting the immune system. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, and consider incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. I try to get my girls to drink as many ounces of water as they are pounds in weight. My one daughter is 80 lbs, so I encourage her to drink 80 oz of water! Make sure you add a pinch of sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, so you don’t flush electrolytes out of their system. We also drink a whole food juice supplement that floods our body with nutrients daily, and during these changing seasons, we drink double the amount.
Catching the Symptoms Early
One of the best things you can do for your child is pay attention – catch the symptoms early and get to work on helping the body overcome these challenges. For my daughter, we do 10 minutes of jumping on an indoor trampoline at the first sign of symptoms. For her, that’s normally fluid starting to build up in her ears, so jumping on the trampoline helps stimulate the lymphatic system.
Another common symptom that we see is fluid built up around the eyes and sinuses – it looks like a puffy face. We have found that using a warm compress with a few drops of tea tree oil can provide relief and help reduce the swelling. It’s also great to keep the child’s head elevated while they sleep, as this helps prevent fluid from building up in their ears. We also use an ear roller with cypress, lemon, lemongrass, lavender, and rosemary essential oils diluted and rolled around the outside of the ear and down the neck.
Immune-Boosting Activities and Lifestyle Adjustments
Encouraging Regular Exercise
Exercise is not only good for overall health; it also helps to reduce allergy symptoms by enhancing the body’s immune response. Find activities your child enjoys, whether it’s playing a sport, dancing, or simply going for a walk.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Introducing your child to stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or even just ensuring they have ample time to relax, can make a big difference.
Prioritizing Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Ensure your child has a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to help them relax and sleep better, especially during times of temperature fluxes.
Dressing for the Weather and Allergens
Layer your child’s clothing to adjust for temperature changes and cover as much skin as possible to minimize direct contact with allergens. A hat and sunglasses can also help protect against pollen in the air.
Conclusion
Dealing with temperature influxes while navigating children’s allergies is no small feat, but with a holistic approach and proactive mindset, it’s very manageable. Remember that every child is different, and what works best for one may not work for another. Keep a record of what remedies and lifestyle adjustments ease your child’s symptoms during temperature changes, and together, with patience and perseverance, you’ll find the right balance that works for your family.