Wet home

Question

Hello, I have a little 5-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis, this summer we want to go on holiday next to Pornic (44) where my grandparents have a small house but we sleep in the bungalow (it’s an old garage). They live 50 meters from the sea, the bungalow is wet, they put regular anti-humidity trays! With storms this winter the door was very wet and warped, I'd like to know if this moisture may have consequences for my son, especially moisture from the sea! But he would sleep in a room where there is a sink. We have stayed there 3 years without consequences for my son! But perhaps there is more humidity and the mattresses are old and dusty, poorly ventilated! What do you think? And what solutions? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Hello,

There are no official Hygiene recommendations outside a health facility to prevent colonization, particularly by environmental germs such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Contamination is still possible even if hygiene conditions are met.
You as parents, you remain the only deciders between a known risk, and a moment of good life for your son during the holidays at the seaside.
If the bungalow is wet and poorly ventilated, there is also an increased risk of mould formation. Spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus could then be in the air and could be inhaled by your son. This poses the risk of colonization/sensitization with Aspergillus fumigatus and an allergic reaction to the fungus (Allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis = ABPA). Therefore it is important to make sure that there is no mould in the appartment your son sleeps and lives in.
It seems advisable to ventilate regularly your bungalow, as possible from the days of spring.
Sleep near a sink does not seem dangerous but it would be interesting to change the door, renew bedding if it is really wet, clean and disinfect all wetlands.

Live continuously in a damp atmosphere is not recommended but a sunny stay a week or two at the seaside bring wellness to your child and the family.

I wish you a pleasant summer holiday with your little boy.

Yann Kerneur

12.05.2014