Allergy Tips for Parents
If you have upper respiratory allergies, your kids may have them too.  Any child may develop allergies, but children from families with a history of the condition are more likely to become allergic.

It may not be possible to prevent your child from developing allergies, but there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms. 

Here are some tips for managing your child’s allergies:

• Make a list of things that trigger your child’s allergies so that you can find ways to avoid exposure.
• Talk to your doctor.  He or she can help you find ways to treat your child’s allergy symptoms.
• Make sure your child takes allergy medicines as directed.  A regular time and place for taking the medicines can help.
• Speak to your child’s teachers about his/her condition.  Tell the teacher what substances trigger your child’s allergies so they can be controlled.
• Tell the school nurse and caregivers about your child’s allergies and how they should be managed.
• Look for signs that your child is less alert or having trouble learning at school.  This could be a result of your child’s allergies.
• If your child has pollen allergies, stay indoors on warm and windy days. Most plants pollinate in the morning, so stay indoors until the afternoon.
• If your child has dust allergies, hardwood, tile or linoleum floors are better than carpeting where dust mites can live.
• Avoid stuffed toys and use toys that can be washed.
• Consider a pet that does not have fur to prevent your child from being exposed to dander. If you do have a furry pet, keep it out of your child’s bedroom and off of rugs and upholstered furniture where dander tends to accumulate.

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