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health wise Asthma and allergies in kids

Pollens from grass, weeds and trees are a common cause of hay fever symptoms in spring and can be a trigger for asthma. Here is what parents need to know

WORDS LIZ McGRATH

We love spring for many reasons — but not for the pollens that can cause sneezing, scratchy throats, wheezing and a shortness of breath.

Seasonal hay fever happens mainly in spring and summer and affects people, including children, who are allergic to pollens from flowers, grasses and trees.

Perth GP Dr Joe Kosterich says children with hay fever can also be susceptible to other allergic conditions, such as asthma.

“While hay fever and asthma are quite separate things, both can be triggered by the same allergens in some people, and in spring that can be pollens,” Dr Kosterich says. “Asthma can also be triggered by colds and viruses, which can carry on from winter into spring.”

Paediatric respiratory physician Dr Louisa Owens, a member of the National Asthma Council Australia Guidelines Committee, adds that if pollens are a trigger for your child, then thunderstorms in spring and summer may also be a problem.

“We’ve seen, particularly in Melbourne and Victoria, that this affected even adults and children who hadn’t suffered from asthma before,” Dr Owens says. “Pollens can be broken down into tiny particles that are swept up in the wind just before a thunderstorm and these can get deep into the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.”

Symptoms and treatment options

For signs of hay fever, look for your child sneezing a lot, itchy eyes and nose, a scratchy throat, blocked nose and headaches, Dr Kosterich says.

“Hay fever is an irritating condition and while there’s no cure, it can be treated. Try to avoid what might be causing the allergic reaction — so don’t have kids running across freshly cut lawns, for example.

“For those who suffer perennial hay fever, in that they get it all year round, triggers can also be things like dust mites, pet fur or hair, and mould, so that’s something to be aware of.

“There are many over-thecounter medications like non-drowsy antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays available, but see your GP if you feel things aren’t improving.”

Asthma is a potentially much more serious condition, the experts say.

“With asthma, your child’s breathing might be heavy, noisy or fast and they may complain that their chest hurts and feels tight,” Dr Owens says.

“If they’re playing sport, they might seem to be breathing more heavily than normal.”

If your child has asthma, you need a written asthma action plan, regardless of how mild or severe their symptoms usually are, Dr Owens says, so make a booking with your GP.

“If they’re really struggling to breathe, call an ambulance or go to emergency,” she adds.

Clean sweep

Dr Owens says a big spring clean is a good opportunity to get rid of any dust or mould that may be in the home.

“We have come out of hibernation so open the windows, clean around the windowsills and right throughout your child’s bedroom,” she says.

Websites such as ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) have online calendars showing when common species of pollen cause allergies in the states and territories of Australia, so you can be pre-warned with what’s to come!

Parents can find information fact sheets at nationalasthma.org.au