Have you and your family members been sniffling this spring? It may be overwhelming to stay on top of multiple people’s allergies, but with some smart moves, it’s very possible.
Know What Everyone Is Allergic To
The first step in managing allergies is to identify each person’s triggers. You could start with an educated guess. There is a genetic component to allergies; according to one study, children are 30–50% more likely to have seasonal allergies if one of their parents does, too. If you know for sure what your allergic triggers are, that could be a pretty good clue about what your kids are allergic to.
However, guesswork like that only goes so far. The genetic component doesn’t apply to your spouse, for example, and it’s entirely possible for children to develop allergies that their parents don’t have. Also, if you’re not entirely sure what your own triggers are, then that’s not helpful in figuring it out, either.
All that to say, you could benefit from having everyone take an allergy test. Allergy tests are completely safe for kids and will confirm for everyone which triggers are present.
Control the Environment
Once you know what everyone is allergic to, the next step is to prevent contact with triggers. Here are some common ways to do that:
- Track pollen counts if you or a family member has a pollen allergy and stay indoors on high-pollen days if possible. The local weather forecast always includes a pollen count.
- Keep your home allergen-free by keeping windows closed, cleaning regularly and using HEPA air filters.
- Shower and change clothes whenever you come home after being in contact with a known allergy trigger (e.g., if your child was at a friend’s house with a pet and someone else in the family has an animal dander allergy).
Educate Your Kids
Teach your kids to take responsibility for their own health by educating them about their allergies. Explain what allergies are (“your body thinks that pollen is a germ and creates symptoms to get rid of it”) and teach them to recognize common symptoms of an allergic reaction. Encourage them to ask you questions and to report back to you if they have a bad allergy day. Also, give them an action plan on what to do if they have a severe allergic reaction outside of the home, such as at school.
Organize Medication
It’s common to manage allergies with medications, particularly over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays. Your family may also need emergency medications, such as an inhaler or an EpiPen. It’s good practice to keep medications out of reach of children, but keep these medications in a central location so you, your spouse and any older kids can find relief when necessary.
Keep the medicine station well-organized so anyone can find what they need, and you can keep a close eye on your supply levels. The last thing you want is to realize that you’re out of antihistamines right before your child’s outdoor soccer game. You might consider sorting them into daily, quick-relief and emergency categories.
Have an Allergy Team Behind You
As a parent, you’re juggling a lot on a day-to-day basis; if managing the family’s allergies is proving to be overwhelming, or if you or a family member has severe allergies, get the help of an allergist. They can give you expert advice on tracking symptoms, prescribe medications and advise on long-term allergy management. Call us at Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to learn more!
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