Acıbadem International Hospital Pediatric Allergy Specialist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya talked about 8 faulty habits that trigger summer allergies in children. Allergy, which is a common health problem in all age groups, is more common in childhood. So much so that one out of every three children in our country is diagnosed with allergies. The most common allergic factor in spring and summer is pollen.
Pediatric Allergy Specialist Prof. Dr. Pointing out that it is extremely important for parents to avoid mistakes that trigger summer allergies, Feyzullah Çetinkaya said, “Another point to be considered is that the treatments should not be deceived by the nice weather in the summer months. Parents must have emergency medications with them. Because, especially in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis, symptoms in the form of a crisis may occur, for example, after exposure to intense pollen.
Dr. Çetinkaya made suggestions and warnings about summer allergies:
“Keeping doors and windows open
Keeping the doors and windows of the house open and the windows of the car during travel between 05:00 and 10:00 in the morning, and taking the child outside for a long time during these hours increases the exposure to pollen as there is intense pollen in the open air. Do not open the doors and windows of your house during these hours, and if possible, do not take your child out into the street. If you need to go out with your child, do not forget to use masks, glasses and a hat. Keep the car windows closed as well and make a habit of running the pollen filter.
Drying the laundry outdoors
Drying the child's laundry outdoors during times of high pollen is also one of the most important mistakes made. The reason for this is that pollen can stick to the laundry and cause allergic reactions. Take care to dry your laundry at home during peak pollen hours.
Not washing hands, face and eyes
Not washing hands, face, eyes and nose at the end of the day and continuing to wear the same clothes can cause pollen to stay on the body for a long time. Have your child bathe and change clothes every day if possible.
Taking it outside right after the rain
It is necessary not to take the child out into the open air immediately after the rain. Because, although the number of pollen in the air decreases during the rain, the number can suddenly increase afterwards. Therefore, take your child outside an hour after the rain if possible. Also, avoid mowing the lawn near your child in the summer, as this will expose him to heavy pollen.
Being in the sun at these hours
Being outside between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun's rays are the steepest on the earth, can cause sun allergy. Therefore, do not go outside during these hours if possible, and if you have to, wear thin and long sleeved clothes that cover your body. Pediatric Allergy Specialist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya said, “As it is beneficial for children to take the sun's rays for a short time, apply the sunscreen product to their skin 15-30 minutes after going out into the sun. Repeat the process every 3 hours. When you enter the sea or the pool, regardless of this time, feed the product to your child's skin again.
Dressing in colorful, flowery clothes
Insect allergies in children are very common, especially in the summer. Noting that "Bees, mosquitoes and ants are the most common cause of allergies among insects," Pediatric Allergy Specialist Prof. Dr. Feyzullah Çetinkaya lists his recommendations as follows: “Do not dress your child in short-sleeved and short-legged clothes outdoors, as they may attract bees and other insects. Avoid clothes with flowers and colors that resemble flowers, such as pink, yellow and red, which may attract bees. Another point you should pay attention to is the smells. Do not apply creams or colognes that may give off a floral scent to your child. These mistakes can lead to anaphylactic reactions, which can be fatal in children who are sensitive to insects.”
Ignoring pollen status
Not knowing the pollen status of the destination during the trip is another important mistake that should be avoided. Remember that each geographic region has its own unique plant diversity and pollen distribution, so be sure to consider the pollen situation when traveling.
Consuming unsafe foods
In the summer months, it is more difficult for children to protect themselves from the foods they are sensitive to. Consumption of foods such as ice cream and mixing of foods in hotels are very common, especially in children with milk and egg sensitivities. Therefore, especially if your child has had food anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), make sure to prepare his meals yourself and do not give him foods that you are not sure about.
Be the first to comment