Children's allergies are on the rise, with millions of households affected by this chronic condition. Inhalers, medications, and immunotherapy are some of the more common ways of handling allergic attacks.
But there are steps that parents can take to help manage or reduce the type and length of a child's allergic reaction. Of course, you should always discuss ideas with the doctor first. But with his or her agreement, here are some things you can try:
1. Keep pets out of the bedroom. Many allergies developed by young children stem from household pets. Cat or dog dander, flea droppings, and even pet hair can trigger a massive sneezing attack or a variety of other symptoms, such as watery eyes, itching throat, or stuffy ears. Don't let your children's pets sleep in their bedrooms. For eight hours or so each night, your child can breathe air that is not contaminated by the things that cause symptoms to flare up. The same is true for rodents like hamsters or gerbils, as well as bunnies or snakes. Even if your child currently is not allergic to these creatures, continued exposure may contribute to allergic responses.
2. Maintain a pest-free environment. Some homes are infested with water bugs or roaches, which can stir allergic reactions in younger children. Even the pesticides used to control these bugs may irritate a child's throat, along with powder rubbed into the carpet from a flea bomb, etc. Keep counters and surfaces free of crumbs, vacuum once or twice a week, remove dead foliage outside that water bugs live in, and get rid of unneeded stored items like paper bags, cartons, etc. Never leave food setting out.
3. Wash bed linens frequently. Sheets, pillow cases, and blankets as well as mattress covers need to be laundered in hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs. These tiny creatures are responsible for a high percentage of allergic children, so treat the linens as a serious task. You may want to encase the mattress in a plastic cover that zips, which will kill dust mites. Just be careful with young children around the plastic, and don't let babies sleep with their faces directly on or near it.
4. Vacuum furniture and draperies periodically. Dust mites live in all kinds of fabric, so keep your floors and other items clean and dust-free. When possible, install wooden, tile, or linoleum floors instead of carpet. Clean the dog's bedding often. Children's stuffed animals and dolls can be washed, if they can tolerate it, or place them in a sealed plastic bag for about a month. Again, keep the bag away from children.
5. Make sure that your kids eat, sleep, and play well. Staying healthy generally helps to cut back on the amount of allergenic response that a child might have as his or her body builds immunity with good care. Stress can bring on an allergy attack, or help your kids learn to avoid stress when they can, and teach them how to manage it proactively when it can't be avoided. Set a good example in these areas.
Some children outgrow their allergies, while some adults develop new allergic symptoms even into their 70's. Do whatever is in your power to keep your home clean and comfortable, which can limit the type of exposure to your child that can lead to a reaction.
