Childhood and illness go hand in hand. From recurrent colds to stomach flus, most children get through them just fine. However, when it comes to allergies, things aren’t always that simple.
Depending on the type, allergies can range from mild to life-threatening. But even mild seasonal allergies can make your child feel under the weather.
Continue on to learn how you can help manage your kid’s allergies at home.
Get Allergy Testing
Knowing what allergies your child has is the first step. There are two main ways to go about allergy testing; skin pricking or intradermal testing.
The skin prick test is when the doctor applies a small dose of the potential allergy on your child’s skin. This is to determine what kind of reaction their body will have to the allergen. Some of the most common allergens include, trees, pollen, and pet dander. Specific foods, like peanuts, are also used because they can potentially cause a reaction as well.
The intradermal test works a bit differently. Instead of being applied to the skin, the allergen in question is injected via a small needle. This is mainly done to test reactions to medications like penicillin.
Similar to the skin prick test, an extremely low dose of the allergen is used to keep the allergic reactions to a minimum. The reactions themselves typically take 15 to 20 minutes to appear.
Clean the Area
If your child is suffering pet dander or dust allergies, your home needs cleaned. Even if your home is spotless, there may still be traces of the allergens on bed linens and in the carpet. Wash your child’s bedding in extra hot water and make sure to vacuum carpeting thoroughly. You should also invest in an air purifier to keep the air as clean as possible.
If you have central air, you can have one installed there as well. Newer AC system installations may already have air purifiers built in. If your current AC unit is outdated and your home is equipped for central AC, you may want to consider an upgrade.
Ensuring your indoor air quality is clean and allergy-free is key, especially if your child has asthma. Asthma attacks can come without warning and are usually triggered by allergens or respiratory illness.
Watch What They Eat
Airborne particles and contaminants aside, food allergies are also something to keep an eye out for. Contrary to what some people may say, children can develop allergies to all kinds of food. Peanuts, for example, can cause minor symptoms, like a stomachache, or even life-threatening conditions, like anaphylaxis.
Find Ways to Combat Allergies
Preventing your child from experiencing allergic reactions depends on the allergy and their degree of sensitivity. For instance, if dust causes a stuffy nose, keep your home as dust-free as possible. The easiest way to avoid food allergy reactions is by eliminating it for your child’s diet. If they have a severe food allergy, it’s best to keep it out of your home.
Your child’s health is your number one priority. If your child exhibits allergy symptoms, contact their pediatrician and schedule appropriate allergy testing. Your child’s life may depend on it.
