Allergies are a common medical condition that affects millions of Americans, including adults and children.
- Environmental factors like air pollution, pollen, or dust mites can increase the likelihood of allergic reactions in children.
- Genetics also play an essential role in determining how likely someone is to experience allergies; for example, if one parent has allergies, their child has a 50% chance of developing them too.
- A weakened immune system can make it easier for allergens to trigger an allergic reaction.
- Food sensitivities like milk, wheat-based foods, eggs, soy products, and nuts are common triggers of allergies in children.
Allergies are a common medical condition that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50 million people in the United States are estimated to have allergies. This number includes adults and children, and it continues to grow as more people develop allergic reactions to various substances they encounter over time.
Allergies and Your Children
As a parent, watching your children suffer from allergies can be a source of worry and frustration. After all, you want to protect them from any harm that could come their way. But why do children keep having allergies? It’s time to uncover the underlying causes of your child’s allergies so you can take steps to help them.
Environment
The environment greatly influences our overall health—including allergies. If your child is exposed to certain environmental factors such as air pollution, pollen, or dust mites, they may be more likely to experience an allergic reaction. Even something as simple as keeping the windows closed during high-pollen days can make a difference in reducing exposure and reducing allergy symptoms.
Genetics
Genetics also play an essential role in determining how likely someone is to experience allergies. For example, studies have shown that if one parent has allergies, their child has a 50% chance of developing them too. And if both parents have allergies, that number increases to 75%. So if either you or your partner have experienced allergy symptoms in the past, your child may be more susceptible too.
Immune System
Another reason for your child’s allergy symptoms could be their immune system. The immune system helps protect us against foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, but it can also cause reactions when exposed to specific allergens like dust mites or pet dander. A weakened immune system can make it easier for these allergens to trigger an allergic reaction, even if they usually are harmless substances.
Food Sensitivities
Finally, food sensitivities play a significant role in triggering allergic reactions in some people—especially children. Common triggers include milk and milk products, wheat-based foods (such as bread and pasta), eggs, soy products, nuts and peanuts, fish and shellfish, all of which should be avoided or at least limited if your child has been diagnosed with food sensitivities/allergies.
Tips for Reducing Allergies
If your children are suffering from allergies, there are a few steps you can take to reduce their symptoms.
Keep Their Clothes Clean
One of the most important things you can do to reduce your child’s allergic reactions is to keep their clothes clean. Ensure to wash any clothing worn outside, as it may contain pollen or other allergens. If you don’t want to spend too much time cleaning your children’s clothes, consider hiring a local dry cleaner to help you out. They can easily take care of the task for you.
Dust Regularly
Another way to help reduce allergy symptoms is by dusting your home regularly to remove any potential triggers. Pay close attention to fan blades, blinds, and other areas that can easily collect dust over time. If you have pets in your home, vacuum regularly, too.
Keep an Eye Out for What They Eat
Allergic reactions can be triggered by the food we eat. Therefore, it’s important to watch what your children are eating and ensure they’re avoiding any foods that cause reactions. This can be difficult since kids often want to try different things. However, if you start them with healthy options and avoid potential triggers, you can help reduce their allergy symptoms.
Choose Allergy-Friendly Bedding
Finally, choosing the right bedding for your child can go a long way in keeping them allergy-free. Consider purchasing hypoallergenic material whenever possible, as these are designed to help reduce allergies and make sleeping easier on sensitive skin. This includes sheets, blankets, and even pillows.
By following these tips and being aware of potential triggers in your environment, you can help reduce the symptoms of allergies for yourself and your children. It may not be easy to avoid allergens completely, but with a little effort and knowledge, you can ensure that everyone in your home is healthy and happy.
