Common Allergy Triggers and
How to Protect Your Child from Them
Parents can take steps to eliminate some of the more common allergens for young
children who are at risk of developing allergies or who have already shown
signs of having them. The following allergens can be controlled to reduce the
challenges confronting their already challenged immune systems.
 Animal
dander If you can’t get rid of the family pet,
keep it off the furniture and out of the child’s bedroom
and other rooms where the child spends most of her time. Vacuum
at least twice a week. Some dog breeds are supposed to be less
likely to cause allergies than others.
Feathers Switch
to nonallergenic upholstery stuffing; if you must keep a pet bird,
follow the same recommendations as for animal dander.
Stuffed
animals, pillows, and mattresses stuffed with feathers, hair,
kapok, or other allergenic materials Switch
to items stuffed with nonallergenic materials (or cover mattresses
with airtight, child-safe plastic materials).
Upholstery,
curtains, and rugs Clean or vacuum regularly.
Cockroach
droppings In addition to cleaning and vacuuming, consult
pesticide firm for child-safe cockroach extermination. Cleaning
up cooking areas immediately after use, and frequently drying
wet areas in the kitchen and bathrooms, helps reduce cockroaches.
Boric acid in small amounts = out of reach of children = under
sinks, behind the refrigerator, and so on = is also reported
to help. (Child-safe cabinet-locking devices can be used for
the cabinet under the sink.)
Pollen Keep
windows shut during pollen seasons; air conditioning and air filters
can also help.
Molds Follow
special clean-up procedures recommended for mold and use dehumidifiers.
Dust Vacuum at least weekly with special HEPA filters to trap small
particles. Mop regularly with mild cleaning oil that traps dust.
Flowering
plants, dolls with real hair Get rid of them if you can
bear to.
Baby
oils, powders, lotions, detergents Switch to hypoallergenic brands.
Cigarette
smoke This most clear-cut trigger for asthma attacks must at all times
be kept out of the air that a child with asthma breathes.
|
