All parents worry about their children. If your child has severe allergies, it can add an extra layer of stress worrying about their health and possible exposure to their allergens. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can help support your child and keep them safe at home and at school.
Talk To Your Child About Their Allergies
Depending on your child’s age, you won’t always be around to monitor their every move. This means that it is important that they know how to avoid their allergens and what to do if they start having allergy symptoms.
If your child is one of the four million children in the United States with food allergies, make sure they know what foods are safe and what foods are not safe, as well as how to read labels and not take any food from other children.
Additionally, it’s important they know how to use their allergy treatments, like an inhaler or an epinephrine injector and when to ask for help if they feel an allergic reaction coming on.
Inform Teachers or Daycare Staff About Allergy Issues
Prior to your child starting a new school or daycare, speak with the staff about your child’s allergy issues and ask questions like what kind of medical services are onsite as well as what steps they take to prevent allergen exposure. It’s also very important that staff know what to do in the unfortunate event that your child experiences a severe allergic reaction while there.
Monitor Pollen Levels in Your Area
Various weather apps let you check the pollen levels in your Alabama neighborhood. On days when pollen is particularly high, avoid taking your child to outdoor areas like Maple Hill Park and instead plan fun indoor activities for those days. It’s also a good idea to keep any windows to your home closed to avoid pollen from coming into the home that way.
Allergy-Proof Your Home
While you can’t completely rid your home of allergies, you can take steps to minimize their presence in your home. Steps you can take include:
- Regularly vacuuming and dusting your home
- Clean bedding in hot water weekly
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Bathe your child at night before bed to remove any allergens they may have gotten on their body
- Have your child remove any clothing and put it directly in the wash after playing outside
To learn more about protecting your child with severe allergies or to see a specialist, call North Alabama ENT Associates today.