Overview
Your home should be a fun, safe space for your little ones to play and grow. But for children with indoor allergies it can also be the source of allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Indoor allergies can happen any time of the year. However, since children often spend more time inside during colder months, indoor allergies can be especially troublesome in the winter.
Select an allergy to learn more:
CHILDREN'S ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
SNEEZING
ITCHY NOSE OR THROAT
NASAL CONGESTION
Pet Allergies
If furry friends give your child a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, it’s not their fur that causes the allergic reaction. It’s the proteins found in the animal’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine. These allergens are transported to the skin or fur, where children touch dogs and cats most often. These particles are so light that they can be transported in the air and carried on your child’s clothes and hair.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most people think of dogs and cats when it comes to pet allergies . But the allergy -causing proteins in pet dander can also be found in hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and more.1
Tips for Children with Pet Allergies
- TAME FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
Keep furry family members out of your child’s bedroom and be sure to teach your child to wash his or her hands after playing with pets.2 - SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB
If you have a pet, giving him or her regular baths can reduce your child’s exposure to their allergens . - BE PICKY ABOUT PETS
Consider babysitting or fostering a pet before adopting to see if he or she affects your child’s allergies . Cats may cause more allergy symptoms than dogs. But remember, even furry animals that don't shed can cause pet allergy symptoms. - PLAY SMART
If you are bringing your child to a playdate at a friend’s house, ask if they have pets so you can be prepared with allergy medicine if your child’s symptoms strike.
Dust Allergies
Overview
Dust mites are found in the dust particles that collect naturally around your home. These microscopic creatures live off dead skin cells, hiding in household fabrics, such as pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture, blankets, carpets and stuffed animals.
Dust mites are more prevalent in humid areas of your home and during the summer months. However, if you live in a warmer, more humid climate, they’re prevalent year-round.
DID YOU KNOW?
The average home may collect an estimated 18.4 kg of dust each year.3
Tips for Children with Dust Allergies
- REDUCE DUST BUNNIES
Toys, knick-knacks and other clutter can be magnets for dust mites and other allergens . Be sure to dust with a damp sponge or mop regularly and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or double bag. Store all your child's clothes in drawers and closets to help reduce dust build-up.3 - SLEEP TIGHT
To help reduce allergen build-up, wash all bedding and blankets regularly in hot water (at least 54.4°C).3 Always follow washing directions. Vacuum your child’s mattress every two weeks or use a special dust-mite cover for his or her mattress and pillow. You can also invest in hypoallergenic pillows, mattresses and furniture. 2 - TAKE STUFFED ANIMALS FOR A SPIN
Dust mite droppings can build up on stuffed animal fluff over time. To kill these microscopic allergy triggers, wash stuffed animals in hot water regularly. It’s also a good idea to limit the number of stuffed animals on your child’s bed to one or two favorites, so they’re exposed to fewer dust mites at night. 2 - DITCH THE CARPET
Wall-to-wall carpeting is soft and cozy on little feet, but it’s also a magnet for many indoor allergens, including dust, pet dander and mould . Consider replacing carpet with hardwood floors.2
Mould Allergies
Overview
Microscopic mould spores that float in the air like pollen can trigger children’s mould allergies . Indoor moulds shed spores all year and are found lurking in damp spots, such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics, refrigerators and windowsills. Since mould thrives in damp spaces, your child may experience allergy symptoms more during the summer months when it’s hot and humid.
Tips for Children with Mould Allergies
- CLEAN HOUSE
Help prevent mould with regular bathroom, laundry room and basement cleanings. Don’t leave damp laundry lying in the washing machine for long periods of time. Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles, grouting and fixtures with mould-killing and mould-preventing products. Use machine washable bath mats in the bathroom. - DEHUMIDIFY
Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50 percent. You can get a hygrometer (humidity monitor) at many hardware stores to measure your home’s humidity. 3 When it’s humid, place a dehumidifier in damp areas and your child’s bedroom to keep humidity in check. - LIGHTEN UP
Mould doesn't like sunlight, so try to keep the curtains or shades open during the day, especially in your child’s bedroom. - GO HYPOALLERGENIC Sweat can make pillows, mattresses and furniture filled with foam rubber mouldy. So be sure to check the label for “hypoallergenic."
REFERENCES
- Pet Allergy. Mayo Clinic. Accessed September 10, 2017.
- Indoor Year-Round Allergies in Children. Smart Allergy Mom® Toolkit. Accessed September 27, 2017.
- Allergy Dust Mites . ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri. University Physicians. University of Missouri Health Center.
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