How do I know? Nope, not the blossoms or change in weather… it’s the daily sneezing, watery/itchy eyes and running nose of my hay fever suffering children!
Pollen spreads far and wide and is nearly impossible to avoid, but if your family suffers from hay fever here are my top non-pharmaceutical tips to prevent or reduce the symptoms of hayfever:
- Keep doors and windows shut on high pollen count days (or when the grass has been cut), or if it’s windy. Don’t forget to use recirculated air in your car aircon on those days
- Where possible dry bedding (and even clothing) inside, especially on those high pollen count days
- Encourage the wearing of sunglasses to prevent pollen getting in the eyes
- Stay away from areas with freshly mown grass
- Smear a bit of Petroleum Jelly on the inside of each nostril to trap the pollen and stop it reaching the mucous membrane where it can cause inflammation
- Consider using a saline nasal spray to flush the pollens from the nostrils
If you have tried the above steps and the symptoms are interfering with life, it’s best to see a Pharmacist or Doctor to discuss the use of an appropriate anti-histamine (for symptom relief) and/or steroid nasal spray (for symptom prevention).
Happy Spring!
This article was written for information and education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Karyn is an Adelaide based, Registered Nurse and Trainer with 18+ years of experience dealing with the medical and first aid needs of both adults and children. She is also a Mother and has firsthand experience dealing with Asthma and Allergies/Anaphylaxis on a daily basis. These roles enable Karyn to both appreciate the first aid challenges that a Parent/Caregiver can face, and understand the importance of quality first aid training in the community. Visit her website at www.head2toefirstaid.com.au
You might also be interested in
-
Find it at: Spring Crescent at Banksia Park What a cracking little playground, tucked away in the backstreets of Banksia Park near the Tea Tree Gully Footy Club. With a great treehouse style fort and slide combo, mixed in with swings and lots of climbing equipment for younger and older kids alike, there will be something for everyone here. No toilets sadly but we reckon there will be some at the nearby sporting clubs, however there are BBQ facilities, shaded seating and plenty of grassed area (and tennis courts!) to run off some BBQ snags. Not fenced, which isn't really an issue with the back street location though. We loved the scenery, set amongst some huge gum trees and overlooking the adjacent ovals. A great spot for locals.
-
Goodbye Winter and hello Spring! Looking for the perfect picnic spot in Adelaide? Whether you're after a shady spot by water, a beachside escape, or a scenic park with plenty of space for the kids to run around, we’ve got you covered! And if you’re hunting for the perfect picnic rug or cute accessories to make your outing extra cosy, we’ve got that covered too! Adelaide is home to some incredible picnic locations, from hidden gems to family-favourite parks with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and stunning views. With so many beautiful places to choose from, why not plan a new picnic adventure every weekend this spring? We’ve asked around the Kids in Adelaide team for our favourite picnic spots and have come up with a heap of beautiful places to enjoy springtime picnics with the family. So, get your kite, your rug and start re-acquainting yourselves with the sunshine. Thank you to Picnic Mantra for sponsoring this feature. Luxe, versatile, boho-inspired picnic rugs & cushions for home or outdoor adventures. 100% recycled. We were gifted one of their gorgeous rugs, and it’s quickly become our go-to for sunny days at the park, backyard picnics, or even a spontaneous adventure at the…
-
Pull the shorts out of the cupboard, stock up on suncream & put the umbrellas away - SPRING IS HERE!! (Ok, maybe don't put the umbrellas away just yet, cause you know, Adelaide. ) But the days are definitely getting longer & warmer so it's time to come out of hibernation. If your kids have spent the winter months watching waaaaaay too much YouTube, I have some great spots for you to visit in Spring. Not just anywhere, but places that are extra special in springtime....think flowers blooming, baby animals....read on! Have we missed any of your favourite Spring spots in Adelaide? Let us know in the comments below.
