As a parent, you can do a lot to help your child manage his or her allergy
symptoms. The following information will help you teach your child about
allergies and help you manage your child's allergy symptoms at home. A
checklist is included to help you inform others about your child's allergies.
Teaching Your Child About His or Her Allergies
A child with allergies may not understand what causes his or her sneezing or
runny nose. As a parent, you can help your child by explaining the cause-and-effect
relationship between exposure to allergy-causing substances and symptoms. You can
also help your child understand the importance of taking medicine.
In teaching your child about his or her allergies, be sure to talk about what
symptoms to expect. Explain that allergy symptoms may come and go throughout their
lifetime. Your child should also understand when to take his or her medicine and
why it is important. Also explain how to avoid allergens like pollen, grass, mold,
pets, dust, mites, and certain foods.
If your child cannot play at another child's house because of pet allergies, for
example, offer alternatives to allow your child to still play with that friend.
For example, invite your child's friend over to your house instead. Also, clearly
explain to your child why he or she cannot play at the other child's house.
Anticipate problems your child may encounter while interacting with schoolmates and
playmates because of his or her allergies. Encourage your child to explain his or her
allergies to other children so they will be more understanding.
Your child should also know that allergy symptoms can usually be controlled, enabling
him or her to enjoy nearly all the activities of his or her peers. If your child is
allergic to warm-blooded pets, consider getting a frog or fish instead.
It's also important to tell your child to keep his or her hands clean to avoid spreading
allergy-causing dust, pollen, pet dander or other substances to the nose.
In addition to teaching your child about allergies, it's important to inform any caregivers
about your child's condition. The following checklist may help you determine who else needs
to know about your child's allergies.
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Who Needs to Know That My Child Has Allergies?
- All medical personnel who come into contact with your child should know that your
child has allergies. This includes doctors and school nurses. Also inform the school
nurse of any medication your child is taking for his or her allergies. Some schools
require the school nurse to administer these medications to the child.
- Inform anyone who cares for your child, including babysitters, nannies, neighbors,
and daycare personnel. Be sure to tell them about any medications your child is taking
for his or her allergies, and tell them what to do in case of an emergency.
- Teachers should be aware that your child has allergies so they can help avoid exposure
to the substances that trigger allergy symptoms in your child. Also, the teacher can help
make sure your child takes his or her medication while at school.
- Other family members, such as siblings and grandparents, should also be aware of your
child's allergies. They can help avoid exposure to allergy-causing substances and help
your child follow his or her treatment plan.
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Managing Your Child's Allergies at Home
You can do a lot to make your child's home environment more free from allergens or
allergy-causing substances. Here's a quick checklist.
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Keep windows closed
Because most pollen is carried by the wind, it's in the air everywhere. Therefore,
keep windows closed even if you have no wind-borne pollen-producing plants nearby—some
pollens can travel hundreds of miles when they are carried by the wind. Air conditioners
actually help to filter pollen and other allergens out of the air as they keep you cool.
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Keep your house smoke-free
Irritants like tobacco smoke can intensify allergy symptoms.
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Change or clean air filters regularly
Furnace and air conditioning filters take many allergens out of the air. However,
allergens can build up on the filters. In order to get allergens out and keep them out,
change or clean filters once a month.
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Eliminate "dust collectors"
Knickknacks and clutter collect dust and can be difficult to clean. Get rid of
unnecessary objects and display valuables in a glass case that's easier to clean.
Wash pillowcases and change mattresses every few years.
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Consider using a dehumidifier if you have a damp basement
Cold, damp air encourages mold to grow, which can cause allergy problems for
some people.
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Clean showers and tubs with chlorine bleach solution
This will reduce mold growth, which, like a damp basement, can cause allergy
problems for some people.
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Have your child shower and changes clothes after playing outdoors
Outside allergens and pollen can collect on the skin, hair and clothing.
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If you have animal allergies and don't want to avoid your pets
take an antihistamine like Claritin. Also, have it on hand when guests visiting
are allergic to your pets.
If you are allergic to warm-blooded animals and want a pet, consider getting a
frog or fish.
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Reduce plant materials
Eliminate unnecessary vegetation, including houseplants. Houseplants can contribute
to mold allergies. If you must have certain houseplants, products are available
that can prevent mold growth. During the holidays, don't bring live Christmas
trees indoors. However, in general, fragrant and colorful flowers do not release
allergy-causing pollen because they are pollinated by birds and insects rather
than the wind. Therefore, these plants should be acceptable to have in the house.
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