Overview
Outdoor allergies can occur throughout the year in Singapore, especially since the country typically experiences hot and humid weather all-year round. Given the nature of a child's behaviour, which includes hours and hours of outdoor fun, it is therefore inevitable that may be exposed to the two common triggers of an outdoor allergy - pollen and mold . Pollen can be found in certain types of flowering plants, and can be easily spread by wind, as they are lightweight and small in size. Mold, on the other hand, can be found almost anywhere, including soil, plants and rotting wood.
Relatedly, the haze (a significant environmental problem associated with the rapid modernisation of many cities in Southeast Asia) can cause adverse health and economic impacts in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and to a lesser degree, the Philippines and Thailand. Given the fact that the chemicals and particle matter of the haze can also be deposited on the skin, it can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body, triggering an allergic reaction or an asthma attack.
While seasonal allergens and environmental pollution can be difficult to avoid because it seems like they’re everywhere, there are things you can do to minimise your exposure to them.
Select an allergy to learn more:
POLLEN ALLERGIES
MOLD ALLERGIES
CHILDREN'S ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
SNEEZING
ITCHY SKIN RASH
An allergist can help to identify allergens which can cause your child to experience allergy symptoms through an allergy test.
DID YOU KNOW?
The size of a sunflower indicates the large amount of wind-dispersed pollen that is produced by the plant. However, sunflower plant species such as ‘Joker’ and ‘Apricot’ contain pollen that is too heavy to be dispersed by wind, thus making them better alternatives for planting in your yard or garden.
Tips for Kids with Pollen Allergies
- PLAN PLAY TIME
Try to plan your kid’s outdoor activities for days when the pollen count is typically low. In stark contrast, it is advisable for you to keep your child indoors on days when it is dry, hot and windy outside. Pollen counts are usually high on these days, and can be accompanied with strong winds that can transport pollen spores everywhere.1
- KEEP POLLEN OUTSIDE
Pollen spores can stick to your kid’s shoes, clothing or hair when he or she is outdoors. To prevent pollen spores from lingering in your house, ensure that your kids removes his or her shoes, takes a quick shower and changes his or her clothes to remove all traces of pollen spores.
- CLEAR THE AIR
When driving, keep the windows up and set the air conditioner mode to "air recirculation." At home, be sure to keep your windows closed and turn on the air-conditioner. Do also ensure that the air-conditioner filter is replaced regularly.
- BE PREPARED
Be sure to keep children’s allergy medicine on hand for whenever allergy symptoms may strike. Children’s Clarityn® Syrup 24-Hour is safe for consumption by kids 2 years and older.
Mold Allergies
Overview
Microscopic mold spores float in the air like pollen , causing seasonal allergy symptoms. Outdoors, molds thrive in shady, damp areas, including soil, plants, rotting wood, compost piles or dead leaves.
Since mold thrives in damp spaces, your child’s mold allergy symptoms may be more common during the dry season when it’s hot and humid, although they may be prevalent all-year round in warmer climates. Mold spores simply go dormant during the monsoon season, and can come back to life during the dry season.2
DID YOU KNOW?
Some types of mold can form colonies which can be seen with the naked eye, while others can only be viewed under a microscope. Hence, it is important to note that not being able to see mold spores at first glance doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not there!
Tips for Kids with Mold Allergies
- LEAVE IT OUTSIDE
Like pollen , mold spores, too, can stick to your shoes, clothing or hair when you are outdoors. To prevent pollen spores from lingering in your house, ensure that your child changes his or her clothes immediately before entering your house. It is also advisable for you to have your child take a quick shower to remove all traces of pollen spores. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to, at the very least, have your child wash his or her hands and face thoroughly after entering the house.2
- MAKE A MOLD MOVE
To help reduce the number of mold spores from the yard that can enter your home, keep leaves, grass and yard clippings away from the house. You can also try to cut back any trees and/or brush that are close to the house.3
- SKIP THE LINE
Mold spores can also stick to bedding or clothing that is hung out to dry on a clothesline. As an alternative, opt to use a dryer instead.2
REFERENCES
- 10 Easy Ways To Beat Seasonal Allergies When the Pollen Count Spikes. Accessed Mar 30, 2022.
- Mold Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed September 14, 2017.
- 10 Ways To Reduce Mold Allergies. Accessed Mar 30, 2022
