Once you know what is causing your child's symptoms, you can work on reducing exposure and triggers. Is it pollens and outdoor molds? Or indoor allergens like dust mites, pets, and pests? Learn more here about the skin test used for allergy testing.
Have you seen symptoms when your child is around dogs or cats—including your own family pet? Pet exposure may cause sneezing and wheezing. An estimated 10% of the population may be allergic to animals, and 20-30% of people with asthma have pet allergies. Get tips for handling pet allergies here.
Sealing holes and cracks that serve as entry points for insects, storing foods in containers with lids and picking up any fallen food—especially with toddlers—can help eliminate insects that can trigger allergy symptoms. Professional extermination may be needed if the problem is severe.
Air-conditioning and keeping doors and windows closed are effective ways to keep your home free of allergens and irritants brought in by air from the outside. If you don’t have central air in your home, consider putting a window unit in your child’s bedroom. Get more tips on dealing with dust here.
Children need to go outside to play, so pollen exposure when outdoors is unavoidable. But closing windows and using air conditioning, showering and changing clothes as soon as children come inside at the end of the day, and by making sure bedding is dried in a dryer, not outside on a clothesline, can help. More tips here.
There are several medicines like antihistamines and nasal sprays that can help relieve itchy watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing and more. Some are available by prescription; others, over-the-counter. Remember, talk with your child's doctor before giving any medicines to your child. Learn more here.
