Tips for Dealing with your Kids’ Allergies

Tips for Dealing with your Kids’ Allergies

Winter in Australia is nearing its end, and as the first days of spring are slowly approaching, parents everywhere are slowly prepping their little ones for yet another allergy season. In all fairness, many of these kids (my own included) suffer from allergies all year-round, but spring and summer are those times when they are especially sensitive to irritation.

However, although there still isn’t a full cure for these pesky annoyances, you can help your children cope with allergies to a great extent. With a well-crafted plan and a few must-haves for every mom and dad raising a child with allergies, you can minimize their symptoms, limit their exposure and keep their immune system up and running. Here are some tips for dealing with your kids’ allergies.

Squeaky clean

Every parent already spends a sizeable chunk of time cleaning and tidying up. But when you have kids that suffer from allergies, you might need to take your cleaning game to a whole new level. In addition to weekly bedding washing and regular vacuuming and dusting, consider using protective covers for your kids’ beds and pillows. They are designed to be mite-proof and lower your kids’ exposure to those bothersome creatures.

Next, it’s best to leave heavy curtains, carpets and rugs for some other lifetime, since they hold and attract so much dust and other irritants that no level of cleanliness can completely eliminate their persistent presence.

An ounce of prevention

Mild or severe, both need some form of treatment ahead the allergy season to allow your little ones at least a fair amount of shut-eye and outdoor playtime without too many disruptions. Certain types of medication have been used both for kids and adults with great success, such as antihistamines and supplements that aid your immune system.

However, since every child is different, it would be wise to consider the right medical option with your family doctor before you settle for the best one. In some of the most severe circumstances, your doctor might even advise allergy shots to be administered and that can be effective for a long time.

Living with asthma

Since about one in nine people in Australia and one in twelve in the US suffer from asthma, you might consider it practically a modern epidemic. Unfortunately, the greatest portion of these numbers include children, and since debilitating symptoms can even lead to hospitalization, an asthma action plan that includes an anti-inflammatory diet, medication and other strategies is your best bet against severe attacks.

Teach your little ones how to use their inhalers and when it’s necessary to do so. Especially when they are at school, exposed to chalk dust and other irritants that can make breathing difficult. Allergy-induced asthma can rear its ugly face at any moment, and when you’re not around, notify the school to be aware of your child’s condition and keep an eye on them during fieldtrips and lunch breaks, especially when pollen levels are high.

Allergy-proof your home

Living in an urban environment bears its own perks and setbacks, some of which can reflect poorly on your kids’ allergies. High exposure to airborne pollutants such as diesel soot, dust, traffic pollution, smoke, and toxic metals in water are just some among many issues of modern life for those suffering from allergies. Since it’s impossible to keep your kids in a protective bubble at all times, the best you can do is minimize the amount of these allergens in your own home.

Some of the simplest, yet most effective ways include turning to Mother Nature. Green up your home with various plants and flowers, especially low-maintenance ones, and they will serve you as natural air filters that remove many allergens from your indoor air. Additionally, using an air purifier for mould and other irritants in your kids’ bedroom and living room will allow them to sleep without breathing difficulties and skin irritations.

Regular exercise

Whether it’s asthma or simple sniffles, your little rascals will greatly benefit from a regular exercise plan in an environment that doesn’t have too many triggers. And although it is advisable for them to spend plenty of time outdoors, make sure to choose spots that are soothing to their condition. For instance, my little ones react very well in a Mediterranean climate, and playing volleyball at the beach is one of their favorite activities, so we tend to combine the best of both worlds.

But it’s crucial to have an all-year-round exercise plan in place, whether that’s a karate class, dancing, indoor soccer or volleyball, regular physical activity is essential. Not only will they improve their immune system, but they will also boost their lung capacity, grow stronger and more resilient in time, which means that even their allergic reactions will dwindle.

Tracking pollen counts

Finally, weather reports and online sources can be of great help when it comes to staying informed on pollen counts in your area. Even a minor change can mean a huge relief on your kids’ symptoms, and keeping them indoors during the midday and afternoon hours when the pollen is normally at its highest will also reduce their exposure.

When it’s not possible to stay indoors during those difficult, pollen-laden days, make sure to teach your kids to change their clothes as soon as they step inside. That way they won’t spread the allergens around your home and prolong their symptoms.