Understanding Child Allergies

Allergies are not fun to deal with at any age but are hard on a parent when they watch their child suffer from allergies. As fall approaches I can always count on my son having his first allergy attack. His allergies then trigger an asthma attack which keeps him down for 3-4 days.

Common Allergens

When my son was tested for allergies at the young age of two dust mites were his biggest trigger. He is also sensitive to dogs and more sensitive to cats. These are just some of the allergens that can trigger allergies in children. Some of the most common allergens are:

• Dust-mites
• Pollen
• Mold
• Animals
• Perfumes
• Household chemicals

This is just a small list of things that children can be allergic to.

Allergies and Your Environment

As a Florida resident and allergy sufferer myself, my allergies are not nearly as strong as they were when I lived in Virginia. Often your environment can hinder or help an allergy sufferer. Did you know Pennsylvania is the #1 state with the worst allergies? Some others are:

• Texas
• Virginia
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Massachusetts

If your child has severe allergies it may be worth researching places that will. have less effect on them.

Allergy TreatmentS

Our general course of treatment for my son is using Claritin when an allergy attack ensues. While periodic allergy shots are an option for some it is not one I chose for my son. The best treatment is avoiding the allergen if possible. Allergies can present unique challenges and considerations for children with medical conditions or disabilities. Depending on the nature of the child’s condition, they may find it difficult to communicate their symptoms or discomfort, which can be challenging for caregivers and healthcare providers. If you have a child with a disability, learn more here about how to obtain support. 

Conclusion

Allergies are not fun for any child. It can cause loss of school days, being picked on by friends, not being able to participate in sports, and above all just dealing with the symptoms. The best treatment is to remove the allergen whether it be not having a dog or moving to a more friendly environment. Preventive medications are always the best way to start and always have Claritin on hand when an allergy attack is coming on.