Childhood allergies can be a source of concern for parents and caregivers, impacting children's health, comfort, and quality of life. Managing allergies effectively requires proactive measures to reduce exposure to allergens and alleviate symptoms. When your child is dealing with allergies, it can impact how they function and even cause them to have to miss out on certain activities. It can also be life-threatening to ignore allergies, so it’s important that you understand how to best manage triggers and allergy attacks.

Managing Your Child’s Allergies

The first step in managing allergies in children is to identify the specific allergens that trigger their symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, certain foods, and insect stings. Work with your allergist to conduct allergy testing and determine your child's specific triggers.

Once you've identified your child's allergy triggers, take steps to minimize their exposure:

• Keep indoor environments clean and free of dust, mold, and pet dander by regularly vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding and soft furnishings.
• Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses, pillows, and bedding to prevent dust mites from accumulating.
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne allergens.
• Limit outdoor activities on high pollen days and encourage children to shower and change clothes after playing outside.
• Avoid exposure to known food allergens by reading labels carefully and informing caregivers, teachers, and other adults about your child's allergies.

Work with your child's allergist to develop an allergy action plan outlining steps to take in the event of an allergic reaction. Ensure that any caregivers, teachers, and other relevant individuals are familiar with the action plan and know how to administer any necessary medications, such as antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors.

You should also be sure that you’re prepared for emergencies and that you know how to handle an allergy attack if one happens. Always keep medications with you and be aware of what your child’s allergy triggers might be.

Contact Our Allergist Today

Find out how you can help your child function best with allergies. Contact your allergist to learn more about managing your child’s allergies and what you can do.