Guest Post- Avoiding Allergy Symptoms During Fall Yard Work

I am pleased to host my very first guest post on my blog written by Jennifer Roberge. I asked Jennifer to write up a post for the Fall because many times, food allergies are often (unknowingly) triggered by other cross- reactive environmental allergens and I knew she would be the one to give us expert advice.

Jennifer is a work-at-home mother of two. One with eczema, allergies (food and environmental) and asthma and one with mild eczema. She blogs about her family's battles with allergies, eczema and asthma at It's an Itchy Little World. Jennifer is the founder of The Eczema Company, which offers specialty clothing and natural skin care for children with eczema.

It’s fall and the leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. Sure the colorful leaves are beautiful, but beware, they can be a source of one of fall’s most prevalent allergens- mold. When leaves collect on the ground and become damp from recent rain or morning dew, they become a haven for mold spores.  But mold is not the only allergen that spikes in the fall, ragweed is the worst of the fall allergens and it tends to be inescapable this time of year.

If you suffer from fall allergies, they can manifest themselves in many ways. Common symptoms are a runny nose or congestion and flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat.  Also common are headaches, eczema or other skin conditions, and asthma. This time of year my son’s asthma really bothers him, especially at night with the infamous asthma cough. His eczema also tends to flare up on his face and hands.

Surely everyone wants to avoid these unpleasant symptoms. Naturally, limiting time outdoors will help prevent exposure to these allergens, but the leaves need raking and mums need re potting, so just what can be done?

Grab your rake, potting soil, and read on to reduce your exposure to ragweed, mold spores, and any other fall allergen lurking just outside your front door.

BEFORE heading outside:

·         Wear a mask (hospital, construction, etc.) to limit the amount of allergens you inhale.

·         Wear a hat and clothing that can easily be removed once the outdoor work is done and you’re ready to come back indoors.

 

DURING yard work:

·         Remove the leaves from the yard and gutters.

·         Remove any debris and damp items from the yard.

·         Move compost and wood piles away from home.

·         Trim trees and hedges allowing a space between the home and the landscaping.

AFTER time outside:

·         Toss the mask, clothing, and hat in the wash on a hot cycle, if possible. Take a quick shower and wash your hair OR wipe down your hair, face, and hands, which were exposed to the allergens.

Give these tips a try this fall and you should greatly reduce your sneezy, wheezy allergy symptoms. If your allergies remain relentless, rest assured knowing the first freeze isn’t too far away and with it, the ragweed should die off and the mold will go dormant until spring.

Thanks for the great tips, Jennifer. I'm sure you have helped out a lot of families during this season!  For more information and support regarding seasonal allergies, you can view Jennifer's blog at http://itchylittleworld.wordpress.com/ as well as her great line of products at http://www.eczemacompany.com/.