According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are one of the most common health issues affecting children in the U.S., with hay fever affecting around 5.2 million children and food allergies affecting around 5.6 million children.
If your child suffers from allergies, you’ll do just about anything to help them find relief. In this article, we review options for managing your child’s allergies.
Practice Avoidance
While it’s not always possible to avoid allergens completely, there are strategies for reducing exposure. Below we review tips for avoiding different types of allergens.
Dust Mites
- Regularly wipe surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust through the air.
- Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can be purchased at Sew Vac City.
- Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows.
Pets
- Keep pets out of your child’s bedroom.
- Bathe pets once per week.
- Regularly groom pets outdoors.
Mold
- Keep your home dry and well-ventilated.
- Remove indoor potted plants from your home.
- Fix any leaks right away.
Foods
- Read food labels carefully when grocery shopping.
- Prepare your child’s food yourself whenever possible.
- Communicate food allergies with your waiter or waitress, and ask detailed questions about the ingredients in the dishes.
Pollen
- Monitor pollen counts and keep your child indoors with the windows closed when they are high.
- Do not give your child outside chores.
- Avoid drying clothes and bedding outdoors.
Insect Bites & Stings
- Make sure your child wears shoes when walking around outside.
- Apply insect repellent.
- Make sure your child isn’t wearing any strong fragrances, including perfumes, lotions and deodorants
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are many over-the-counter medication options your child can take to manage their allergy symptoms, including:
- Allergy eyedrops.
- Antihistamine nasal sprays.
- Oral antihistamines.
- Steroid nasal sprays.
- Decongestants.
Talk to your child’s allergist to come up with a combination of medications that is safe to take. Some medications can be taken daily to prevent allergies while others are used only short-term to manage an allergy attack.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option that works by desensitizing your child’s immune system to allergens. This option is safe for children ages five and up. To learn more about immunotherapy or to schedule an appointment with an allergy expert, call Texas ENT & Allergy today.
