Zero In on Your Child’s Allergy Triggers
No parent likes to see their child deal with respiratory allergy symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. But the scenario is all too common: Ten percent of children have respiratory allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). If your child is one of them, you can take action to avoid his or her exposure to allergy triggers, like pollen, dust, or animal dander. First, make sure that you determine what your child is truly allergic to. A substance that causes an allergic reaction is known as an allergen. "If you can identify what the allergen is, then you better know how to avoid it," says Asriani M. Chiu, MD, professor of pediatrics and director of the Asthma and Allergy Clinic at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Next, try these allergen-avoidance tips to keep your youngster free of allergy symptoms.
Move Playdates Indoors When Necessary
If your child has outdoor allergies, keep a close eye on the pollen and mold counts in your area. When counts are high, Dr. Chiu suggests opting for indoor fun to avoid exposure to those allergens. If your child must be outside, try to avoid peak pollen hours, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends. Outfit your child with sunglasses and a brimmed hat to reduce pollen in the eyes and hair, the ACAAI says. If your pets spend a lot of time outdoors, limit your child’s contact with them — they may be tracking pollen, too.
During ragweed pollen season in the late summer and early fall, pollen levels are highest in the morning. During grass pollen season the spring and summer, pollen counts are highest in the evening.
Dust Mite-Proof Your Child’s Bed
You may already know that bedding is a favorite hiding place of dust mites. If your child has dust mite allergies, keeping bedding as clean as possible can help keep allergy symptoms at bay, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) says. Wash all of your child's bedding each week in hot water — at least 130 degrees F — to kill off the dust mite allergen, Chiu says. Also use an airtight mattress cover that’s made of an allergen-proof material, the AAAAI suggests. Allergen-proof covers are also available for non-washable pillows and comforters.
Keep Stuffed Animals Clean
Though cute and cuddly, stuffed animals and other plush toys can also harbor dust mites. So that your little one can snuggle without sneezing, kill the dust mites in one of two ways: with heat or with cold. You can wash stuffed animals in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer just as you do the bedding, or you can put them in the freezer overnight, Chiu suggests. In general, it also helps to keep your child's room as dust-free as possible.
Skip Upholstery in the Bedroom
Carpeting and heavy drapes are another favorite hiding place for dust mites, as well as animal dander. Getting rid of this décor can be helpful if your child has dust mite or pet allergies, says Chiu. Instead, opt for hardwood or similar flooring. If you want to use throw rugs, make sure they are washable, the AAAAI recommends. You can also run a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air and minimize the growth of dust mites in your child's bedroom. Be sure to empty and clean a dehumidifier often.