My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
When your child has allergies, you feel miserable too. You hate to see your child suffer, especially if the allergies trigger an asthma attack that causes breathing problems too. It may take a lot of trial and effort, but there's a lot you can do to help keep your child's allergies under control. Here are some things to try.
Get Your Child Tested
See an allergist and get your child tested for a wide variety of allergens. If you know exactly what triggers symptoms in your child, you'll be in better control. Preventing an attack could be as simple as avoiding an allergen. For instance, you may need to relocate the family cat to a relative's home if you find out your child is allergic to cats. Allergy testing is a fairly simple procedure that involves scraping the skin and watching for reactions. It can provide a wealth of information, and let you know if you're dealing with seasonal or year-round allergies.
Allergy-Proof Your Child's Room
You should allergy-proof your entire home if possible, but if not, focus on your child's bedroom. The goal is to remove dust magnets and block pollen and other airborne allergens. You may need to take out the carpeting and replace it with lightweight area rugs that can be easily washed on a weekly basis. Put allergy-proof mattress covers on the bed, and be sure to wash the linens in hot water and change them frequently.
If your child has a big collection of stuffed animals, toys, or books, you may want to consider storing them in a playroom or your den. Even though it may not be obvious, they collect dust and create a breeding ground for dust mites. Since your child spends so much time sleeping, you want the bedroom to be as free of dust and clutter as you can make it. You can reduce airborne allergens by keeping the windows closed and running an air filter in the room.
Consider Medical Treatments
Work with your child's allergist on the best treatments for your child. You don't want your child to be always drowsy, but you don't want him or her to be constantly sneezing and coughing either. Allergy shots may be needed, or your child may need prescription drugs at certain times of the year. If your child has severe allergies or related asthma, you'll want to be conscientious with giving medication, so you can avoid a severe attack. Your child may need to carry a pen with injectable medication that will prevent a life-threatening reaction to an allergen such as peanuts or bee stings.
Keep Caregivers Informed
You'll want to keep your child's teacher, friends, and caregivers in the loop, so they won't offer your child something he or she is allergic to. If your child has serious reactions, they should also be taught how to administer medications or react to an allergic episode. You won't be able to spend 24 hours a day with your child. Plus, you also want to foster a normal childhood as much as possible, therefore you'll have to depend on other adults to help keep your child safe.
It can be scary to watch your child have allergic reactions. Sometimes they can be life-threatening. Fortunately, most allergies are just annoying, and it's even possible your child will outgrow them some day. While you're waiting for that to happen, you can manage outbreaks by avoiding allergens, maintaining an allergen-free home to the best degree possible, and consulting an allergist for the treatment of symptoms. Contact a company like Oak Brook Allergists for more information.
Share