Adults have allergies, too, but we are used to the symptoms. We know what to do once we start itching, sneezing, wheezing and coughing. Kids aren’t as lucky as us. The allergic reactions can cause the kids to become miserable; so much so that it can affect their social lives. Families need to understand what triggers these allergies.
Although you cannot always protect the kids when they’re out, you can make your home as safe a place for them as possible.
Understand the Triggers
What causes your kids’ allergies to flare up? The most common reasons are dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, chemical fumes, bug droppings, tobacco, and changes in humidity levels. Once you understand what’s causing their allergic reactions, you can better prepare your home.
Use a Humidifier
Whole-home humidifiers will help keep the humidity level down inside the house. It can help the symptoms feel less severe especially if the nasal passages are irritated. Humidifiers also improve the health of the mucous membranes of the airway. Make sure to maintain the humidifiers properly because not doing so might even cause other illnesses.
Reconsider Pets
If you do not have pets yet, reconsider your plan to get one. If you have pets already, make sure they are groomed regularly. You might also want to keep them outdoors or at the very least, limit your kids’ exposure to them. People think that the dogs’ fur is the culprit to allergic reactions. In truth, it is the pet dander, saliva, and urine that carry certain proteins that cause severe allergic reactions.
Limit Their Time Outdoors
Springtime is when pollen is high. Limit their outdoor time during spring. Keep doors and windows tightly sealed, too, to keep the allergens out. You can also get an air purifier to filter out the allergens during seasons when pollen is high. As always, you need to explain to your kids that the reason why they cannot spend time outdoors is because of their allergies. The more you control their exposure to allergens, the less they will suffer because of them.
Clean Your House
It sounds pretty basic to keep your house clean, but many people don’t understand that dust mites caused by common house dust are the most common allergens inside the house. Clean your house daily. Vacuum and shampoo the carpets or get rid of them altogether. You should clean all areas and corners where dust mites can gather.
Impose a No-smoking Rule
Smoking is bad for your health, but it is worse for kids with allergies. Make sure no one in the family or your guests can smoke inside your house or even in the vicinity of your house. You cannot burn incense, candles, and turn on fireplaces, too, because smoke is an allergen.
You can improve the health and well-being of your kids by knowing what causes their allergies. You’ll have a better chance of creating a controlled environment, on top of seeking medications and treatments. Hopefully, as your kids grow, these allergic reactions will be less severe.
