Fall is here! Cue the cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and… achoo! Yep, it’s also the season of sniffles, sneezes and scratchy eyes for many kiddos. While fall allergies aren’t as common as the springtime sniffles, they can be tough on our little superheroes, especially with the onset of cold and flu season. If your little one is battling seasonal allergies, you’re not alone. But instead of letting those pesky allergies take over, let’s trade in those tissues for some fun-filled autumn adventures! With natural remedies and a few simple lifestyle hacks, you’ll be all set to keep those symptoms in check.
What are fall seasonal allergies, anyway?
You might think of spring as allergy season, but fall allergies are just as sneaky. In autumn, mold spores, ragweed pollen, and dust mites join forces to cause itchy eyes, runny noses, and endless sneezing. These tiny troublemakers are floating around in the air, especially on those crisp fall days. When your child’s immune system meets these allergens, it mistakenly believes they’re dangerous invaders, resulting in an allergic reaction.
But don’t panic. Understanding the culprits is the first step toward winning the battle.
The usual suspects:
- Ragweed – A common fall allergen that peaks in mid-September and ends at the first frost.
- Mold spores – Found in fallen leaves, damp areas, and piles of decaying plant matter.
- Dust mites – These tiny critters are a common indoor allergen, usually found in warm and damp environments like carpeting, bedding, pillows and mattresses.
Histamines are chemicals our immune system makes to help get rid of allergens. When your body encounters irritants such as those mentioned above, histamines spring into action to help flush them out.
This defensive response can cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes as your body attempts to rid itself of the allergens. While your immune system is trying to keep you safe, it can sometimes overreact to harmless substances, leading to those frustrating allergy symptoms.
Allergies or cold? How to spot the difference
It can be tricky to figure out if your kiddo has allergies or just a common cold, especially when the symptoms overlap. Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you:
Common allergy symptoms in kids:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Congestion and coughing
- Itchy throat
- Postnasal drip
- Puffy eyelids or dark marks under the eyes
And some less obvious signs:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
Allergy symptoms, also referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, can linger for days or even months, sticking around as long as the allergen is present. Colds however, usually clear up in 3 to 14 days and often bring along extras like a fever or body aches. And the kicker – colds are contagious! So if the sniffles spread to the rest of the family, you might be dealing with more than just allergies.
Natural ways to manage fall allergies
Now that you know what’s going on, let’s talk about how to help your little one feel better. A combination of immune-boosting nutrition and lifestyle tweaks can help you and your superhero breeze through allergy season.
Boost their immunity
Seasonal allergies are essentially your immune system working a little too hard. Your immune system is like a protective shield, designed to defend your body against harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes it can mistake harmless substances like mold, ragweed or pet dander for threats. This in turn causes the body to produce IgE antibodies, which latch onto the allergens, signalling immune cells to release histamines. This overreaction sets off a series of immune responses that lead to those dreaded allergy symptoms.
The severity of these symptoms can also vary based on your child’s overall immune health. A robust immune system can help regulate this response, making it less likely to react strongly to allergens. This is where the importance of maintaining a balanced immune system comes into play. Let’s take a closer look at some immune-boosting essentials!
Vitamin C isn’t just for keeping colds at bay—it also plays a key role in regulating histamine, the chemical responsible for those sneezy, sniffly reactions. Vitamin C stabilizes mast cells (the guys that release histamine), which can ease allergy symptoms. Elderberry is another star player when it comes to supporting the immune system. It’s rich in antioxidants and may help shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms, while also calming inflammation.
Orange Naturals Kids Vitamin C Chewables + Elderberry combines these mighty nutrients, offering 50mg plus 25mg of European black elderberry extract. Available in a berry delicious, chewable format your kids will love!
Strengthen their gut, strengthen their defences
Did you know that over 70% of the immune system lives in the gut? Yep, your child’s gut is like the control center for their immune system.
A balanced gut microbiome helps manage allergic responses, making probiotics an essential part of allergy management. These friendly bacteria not only help to break down food and absorb nutrients, but also play a vital role in supporting immune function. By fortifying the gut barrier, where much of the immune system is located, probiotics help fend off harmful pathogens and reduce inflammation.
Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus increase the production of natural antibodies, while Bifidobacterium strengthens the gut barrier, helping to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
When it comes to keeping your kiddo’s gut happy, Orange Naturals has two great options to choose from:
- Kids Probiotics Powder – Packed with 5 billion CFUs of beneficial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, this easy-to-mix powder can be sprinkled into smoothies, juices, or even applesauce for a gut-friendly boost. Suitable for kids aged 1+.
- Kids Probiotics Chewables – If your child prefers a chewable option, this formula also offers 5 billion CFUs plus added vitamins A, C, and D3 for well-rounded immune support. Great for kids aged 3+.
A happy gut means fewer allergy flare-ups, so make probiotics a part of their daily routine!
A happy gut means fewer allergy flare-ups, so make probiotics a part of their daily routine!
Power up with anti-allergy foods
Diet plays a huge role in managing allergies. Think of it as giving your child’s immune system the best armor to fight off allergens. Load up on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries and citrus fruits which are high in antioxidants. For added support, try sneaking in some omega-3 rich foods like walnuts and flaxseeds into their snacks and meals.
Consider avoiding food triggers like sugar and refined carbs, which can ramp up inflammation, making allergy symptoms worse.
Homeopathic help
Homeopathy uses very small doses of natural ingredients to gently nudge the body into action, reminding it how to heal itself. If you’re looking for a gentle, non-drowsy way to address your child’s allergy symptoms, reach for Orange Naturals’ Seasonal Allergies for Kids. This homeopathic remedy is carefully formulated with ingredients like Allium cepa for runny nose and watery eyes, Euphrasia officinalis for eye irritation, and Sabadilla for sneezing and nasal irritation.
Lifestyle tips to keep allergies at bay
Okay, so you’ve got the nutrition down, but what else can you do to make fall a little easier on your allergy-prone kiddo? It’s all about managing their environment and keeping those allergens from settling in.
Limit allergen exposure
Think of allergens like glitter—once they get in, they’re hard to get out! Here are some ways to keep them from taking over:
- Bath time after outdoor play to rinse off any pollen or mold.
- Wash bedding regularly and use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent allergens from sneaking into your home.
Clean, clean, clean!
Dust mites love surfaces like carpets and curtains, so regular cleaning is your new best friend. Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap tiny particles that your vacuum might miss. The cleaner the air, the less your child will react.
Keep ‘em hydrated
Allergens are like tiny ninjas, and water is their nemesis! Hydration helps flush allergens out of your child’s system. Make drinking water fun by infusing it with fruits like strawberries or oranges. A cute water bottle can also encourage your kiddo to sip throughout the day.
Managing your little one’s seasonal allergies can be simple and stress-free with the right combination of natural remedies and lifestyle changes. By supporting their immune system and reducing allergens, you can help them enjoy the best parts of fall. With fewer sniffles and more smiles, you can both breeze through the season without missing a beat!
Sources:
Controlling Dust, Dust Mites and Other Allergens in Your Home
Growing up with probiotics
Histamine
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Defined
Mold Allergy
Ragweed
What are Mast Cells?
