Child Allergy Development
Why do some children develop allergies? As with nearly every human trait, there is a genetic component and an environmental component. If both parents have allergies, there's a good chance that their child will develop allergies. Since we cannot control genetics, let's focus on what we can control: the environment.
The popular "hygiene hypothesis" states that a lack of early childhood exposure to germs increases the likelihood of developing allergic disease. As a young immune system develops, it must learn what to attack and what to leave alone. Pollen, for instance, does not present a threat to the body; however, some children become sensitive to pollen because, according to the hygiene hypothesis, their immune system did not have a chance to develop properly.
Children who grow up in ultra-clean environments and never "play in the dirt" are at greater risk of developing allergies and asthma; that's why allergies are more prevalent in modern societies. On the other hand, children who grow up on farms rarely develop allergic diseases.
Does this mean that you should stop cleaning your child's room, or send him or her to live in the backyard? Of course not! But your child would likely benefit by spending more time outdoors in nature, playing in the dirt, exercising, and breathing in fresh air.
Childhood allergy has increased tremendously in the past 50 years, and during that time, children in our society have been spending more and more time indoors, sealed off from nature. Some researchers suggests that a lack of sunlight plays a role in the development of allergies.
Over the past 50 years, not only have we started spending more time indoors, but our buildings have also changed. Homes and offices now have extremely tight seals for energy efficiency. These tight seals trap indoor pollutants inside, creating stale indoor air that's ten to a hundred times more polluted than outdoor air.
While it's important for children to play outdoors, it's equally important to keep their home environment clean and free of allergens. Allergies can only develop after repeated exposure to an allergen, so if your home contains large amounts of mold, dust, or cockroach allergen, then you're putting your child at risk.
We recommend placing an air purifier in your child's bedroom and covering the bed with allergy bedding. Allergy bedding should be your first step in the prevention and treatment of child allergy; these zippered pillow and mattress covers prevent dust mites from living in the bed, and they also block other allergens like mold, pet dander, and cockroach allergen.
Infant Allergy - Baby Allergy
A sick infant is a parent's worst nightmare. Keep your baby healthy by creating a healthy nursery with the Starlight Support Crib Mattress and an air purifier like the Austin Air Baby's Breath, available in pink or blue. The white noise from an air purifier may also help your baby sleep. If white noise helps your infant sleep, you'll love the SleepMate white noise generator.
Many infants have problems with eczema or dry skin. A humidifier should help tremendously. If your baby has sensitive skin, try Vanicream skin cream, recommended by dermatologists.
Household chemicals can cause serious damage to a young immune system. Instead of spraying toxic chemicals into your child's room, clean with safe, all-natural Ecodiscoveries Nursery Cleaner.
Child Asthma
Asthma is the most prevalent chronic condition among children and the most common cause of
hospitalization for children under 15. Over nine million children have been diagnosed with asthma, and they miss nearly 15 million school days a year due to asthma.
It is imperative that asthmatic children take their medication as prescribed and learn about their asthma triggers. You can help them avoid asthma triggers by preventing the build-up of allergens in the home.
Children need special asthma treatment equipment like the MedQuip Pediatric Nebulizer. Some equipment, such as the
Ducky masks for the PARI Vortex and the Bubbles Mask for the PARI Nebulizer, can make asthma treatment more fun for children. The Med-Ready Puffer Tote ensures that even the most active child will have his or her inhaler at all times.
Child Food Allergy
Young children cannot understand a life-threatening food allergy, and they cannot communicate the danger to others. Food Allergy T-Shirts let everyone know about the child's allergy.
As with any life-threatening allergy, an auto-injector (Epipen) is essential to your child's safety. Your child should have access to an Epipen at all times. The Protectube protects auto-injectors from the elements, and the Ana-Tote case makes it easy to carry them anywhere.
Child Sinus Care
Rinsing the nose with saline (salt water) is a popular, effective at-home treatment for sinus problems. Saline washes away allergens and germs, and this natural treatment is safe for children. Ayr Saline Nasal Mist restores moisture to swollen, irritated nasal membranes. Boogie Wipes, made just for kids, contain saline as well as soothing aloe.
Allergy Toys
Your child's favorite toy can house thousands of dust mites. We recommend washable toys, like Gund Stuffed Animals. Wash toys in hot water weekly to kill dust mites. If you already have an old stuffed animal that you absolutely cannot throw out or wash, place it in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
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