Allergies in toddlers and small children are a growing problem for parents and children alike. A recent poll of parents from an association of ear, nose and throat doctors indicated that parent’s primary concern for dealing with their child’s allergies is “giving them medications“. They are worried that their child may face years of having to ingest medication to deal with their allergic symptoms which may eventually lead to side-effects. More than 50% of the parents polled also commented that they wish their doctor could give them non-medication alternatives or recommendations as part of their child’s treatment.

Fortunately, there are a few steps a parent may take to ease their child’s allergy symptoms while at home.

• Be more cognizant of potential indoor pollutants and their relation to allergy symptoms. Look for patterns of symptoms within hours of an event or potential allergy trigger being introduced into the indoor environment.
• Limit the use of all aerosol and other strong household cleaners. Chemicals which are sprayed from an aerosol can or hand sprayer are common allergy triggers. Consider using household cleaners and chemicals which are sold as allergy-proof and non-toxic. Apply the solutions directly to a clean cloth instead of spraying to limit airborne particles from invading the indoor environment. Use liquid-based furniture polishes applied directly to a polishing cloth in lieu of aerosol products.
• Controlling the airborne particles in the indoor environment can make the greatest impact on allergy related symptoms. Many allergy triggers are in the form of a particulate which can become airborne easily only to be breathed in by a small child. A toddler or infant can breathe in over one hundred cubic feet of air each minute. Every cubic foot of air may contain thousands of potential allergy pollutants. The allergy pollutants which fall below 10 microns in size will stay in the lungs for the body to process. When an infant or toddler breathes in too many microscopic particles, they may start to exhibit respiratory symptoms such as allergies or asthma.
• Use only true HEPA (high efficient particulate air) purifiers and vacuum. The vacuum is the most effective allergy prevention device available and vacuum which do not utilize HEPA filtration should be immediately replaced. Do not use ionizing or ozone producing devices in a small room occupied by a child with severe allergies or asthma.

Understanding the methods and technologies available to control these airborne pollutants in the home can help transform the home environment into an allergy-free haven for any allergy sufferer.