Where to Go with Allergy-Prone Children: Sea or Mountains?

More than fifty percent of people have allergy problems. It is even worse when the smallest ones suffer from it, as they cannot play outside with their friends. You can fight allergies with a proper diet, physical activity, or simply by packing your suitcase. Vacations are an opportunity for both small and large allergy sufferers. But you may be wondering where to go with children who have allergies? Will the sea or the mountains help?

Sea air, sunshine, and relaxation strengthen the body not only psychologically. They can help with unpleasant allergies that can make life difficult. They are a great relief for children who, for example, struggle with pollen allergens with the arrival of spring.

Runny nose, swollen, blocked airways, coughing, and sneezing are clear signs that allergies are making their presence known. Although treatment depends on the allergen that the child reacts to, in any case, the most important thing is to reduce the child's contact with the allergen. If the child is sick, for example, has asthma, allergic rhinitis, etc., it is necessary to find a suitable destination considering the child's health condition. It is always good to consult a doctor, but if you opt for a vacation by the sea, you will hit the nail on the head.

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Where to Travel with Allergy-Prone Children? Which Sea is the Best?

Giving yourself and your children a break in one of the coastal countries, where all sources of allergens have safely faded away due to the warmer climate, or where such grasses do not occur at all, is literally a salvation. Many parents are troubled by the question of where to go with children who have allergies to alleviate their symptoms at least a little.

Prefer Croatia or Greece and the entire Mediterranean region, and you will see how miraculous nature is. If children suffer from respiratory problems, the Aegean and Baltic Seas are suitable for them, which are rich in iodine and calcium, and the air contains fewer bacteria and pollen. For skin issues, the Adriatic or Dead Sea is recommended, where magnesium salts and a lot of selenium prevail. This means a therapeutic effect on the skin.

However, allergy sufferers benefit from a vacation lasting at least 10 days and preferably more than twice a year. You must not leave too early if you want to achieve the desired effect and activate the healing process.

Make the Most of It

The unique composition of seawater, sunshine, increased humidity, and warmth creates a healing cocktail. You just need to know how to use it to your advantage. Take a walk with the children on the beach before breakfast and breathe deeply. In the early morning hours, the air contains the most healing particles that positively affect the respiratory tract, and it is not too hot yet. It is no coincidence that inhalations and nasal rinses with pure seawater are part of the treatment. Children will be free from infections for up to three-quarters of a year!

Mountains Work Too, BUT...

Where to travel in the spring months with allergy-prone children? If you are more of a mountain type and are attracted to the mountains, that can also be a solution. However, there is one catch. Although a much smaller number of children in the Alps suffer from certain forms of allergies compared to those in urban areas, due to the mountain climate, vegetation, and proximity to domestic animals, it is not enough to stay in such an environment for just a few days. In these areas, sources of allergens include cows, sheep, and rodents. A pregnant woman in such an environment creates antibodies during pregnancy, which enter the body of the unborn child. As a result, the child is resistant for life. Children born in a mountain environment thus have a significant advantage.

Have you decided to give the mountains a chance and spend several weeks there each year? Great, but you need to avoid a common mistake that many make when dealing with allergies. For most, it is natural that if they experience the peak of pollen season somewhere in the lowlands of Slovakia, which is nearing its end, they move to the Tatras. However, the mountains may not provide relief; it may happen that the grass is just blooming in the Tatras. This would extend the pollen season for themselves or their children. The same applies to coastal destinations.

Prefer higher altitudes (above 1,500 m above sea level). Not only will children breathe easier, but their skin will itch less, and they will take fewer medications than usual. Data from doctors at the Davos Medical Association in 1906 show that during their stay in Davos, asthmatics had only rare attacks. Moreover, 80% of them reported long-term improvement in their symptoms after their stay. Children, in particular, will feel great relief. Among those living at altitudes of 800-1,200 m above sea level, twice lower morbidity has been proven than among children living in areas up to 180 m above sea level.

Worsening Condition as a Good Sign

Do not be afraid of worsening symptoms that may occur during or after the vacation. If children suffer from recurrent illnesses, have long-term problems with sinuses, nose, and respiratory tract, it is a sign of chronic inflammation. This can manifest itself through a change in environment. Sunshine, seawater, and air seem to kickstart immune processes in the human body, which may result in a worsening condition. However, this is just an initial reaction of the body to change, which can be favorable. The same happens with immunomodulatory medications, which cause a worse condition at the beginning of use, but are followed by a healing process. The stimulated immune system can handle the acute reaction, and a period of health will ensue.

More Useful Tips

Don't forget your travel first aid kit – pack medications, including antihistamines, eye drops, and topical corticosteroids, nasal drops, mosquito and tick repellents, and check their expiration dates.
Replace the down pillow in the hotel room with a synthetic one.
Be cautious with the consumption of fish, nuts, and fruits that could trigger allergies.
Avoid staying outside if it is too windy and dusty.
Maintain hydration to prevent dry respiratory tracts.
Sunglasses and head coverings are essential.
Check areas where the peak pollen season may be shifted by several weeks.

Vacation is Not Enough

Relying solely on the sea or mountains to rid you or your children of annoying allergies is bold. Some adults or children may not see even the slightest improvement in allergy symptoms. For example, problems may arise if a patient has a dust mite allergy. Precautions should not only be followed at home but also during vacation. Not every hotel, apartment, or other accommodation can ensure anti-mite or anti-fungal measures. Just one old mattress, and you will be battling allergies even on vacation. A beautiful sea and a clean beach may not improve health. For some, allergies may even worsen at the sea, resulting in skin reactions to sunscreens.

Conclusion

We hope you found the answer to the question of where to travel with allergy-prone children in this article. Every allergy patient should follow their treatment even during vacation. However, in the case of severe symptoms, you should think twice about whether you can handle a trip abroad. In any case, consult your doctor about whether the sea is suitable for you or if the mountains are a better option, and possibly which country to travel to. If you choose the right area and follow the doctor's instructions, the reward will be the smile and bright eyes of your child without health complications.