HOW ALLERGIES AFFECTYOUR CHILDREN

LET YOUR CHILDRENHAVE FUN INDOORS AND OUT

HELPING YOUR CHILDREN STAY SAFE WITH ALLERGIES

Studies show that in the past 5 years, the number of allergy sufferers has increased over 20%. Studies also show, that an average of 1 in 4 people have seasonal or food related allergies. During certain months, allergies can be a major deterrent for activities and vacationing, and cutting time short with friends or family. One of the most predominant statistics in allergies however, is the increase of allergic reactions in children. Children who suffer from seasonal allergies are just as prone to have food related allergies, due to the building of a child’s im-mune systems.

Children are very susceptible to a wider array of aller-gies, during their growth process. While going to school for instance, children share a cafeteria where foods are traded and school lunch is provided. This can seem like a normal situation for kids, but unknown allergies to peanuts, milk or even canned tuna, can cause severe allergic reactions. Without proper diagnosis, a child can unwittingly consume a product that adversely reacts in their system, causing a negative effect. Parents of chil-dren may have acquired an allergy through genetics, or perhaps developed one themselves, unaware of the cause of the allergic trigger.

Seasonal allergies also affect children and is sometimes a direct link to fatigue. This can be taxing on children and their ability to focus inside of school and extracurricu-lar activities. There is direct link between allergies and sleep loss, and in some cases depression. There are a variety of ways to diagnose these allergic triggers, and are readily available through your family allergist. We have enclosed a checklist to help you determine which allergies your children may be prone to. Help your child understand how allergies work, and how to make every day, an allergy-free day.

Here are some questions to ask your child about allergies. While a checklist is a great way to ask about allergies, make sure to contact your allergist about preventing allergies in your child’s daily activities.- Do you feel short of breath, itchy, or fatigued after eating any of the following items? Milk, Fish, Eggs, Sugar, Rice, Tofu, Ice Cream

- When you are playing outside, during the spring or summer months, do you ever experience any of the following? Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Itchy watery eyes, Hives, Rashes, Runny nose

- When you are playing at home indoors, do you experience any of the following? Trouble breathing, Rashes, Hives, Heartburn, Headaches

- At school, do you experience any of the following? Trouble paying attention, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Runny Nose, Nausea, Abdominal pressure

- What foods make you feel cramped, itchy, or sick? Are they foods out of a can, prepared foods, fruits, vegetables, school food?

Visiting an allergist is the best defense against allergies, and tests are readily avail-able. Take this checklist with you on your next visit, and ask about how you can bet-ter the quality of life, for you, and your child.

CHILD ALLERGY CHECKLISTHere is a checklist to help you diagnose some of your child’s allergies:

Have you spoken to your family allergist about your child’s allergies?

ALLERGY FACTS FOR CHILDREN

1. An average of 1 in 3 children will have allergic reactions to seasonal allergies.

2. Antihistamines are a good remedy to supress allergies. Make sure to administer the proper amounts for your child to eliminate fatigue and groggyness.

3. A child’s immune system is the most important defense against allergies. Proper rest, excersize and diet are all integral parts of leading a healthy lifestyle.

4. Holistic or natural remedies are available for children, but should be monitored. Mixing certain herbal or chemical compunds can raise other issues, or even more severe allergic reactions.

5. An average of 1 in 5 children will develop food related allergies. Keeping track of which foods your family consumes is a great way to diagnose allergies. Talking with a family allergist before hand can prevent food allergy reactions.

6. Making time to explain what allergies are to your children is invaluable. Being able to tell the difference between flu, cold, and allergy, can help your child diagnose the root of specific illness.

7. Children that share a cafeteria at school are prone to food related allergies. Setting limits on specific foods can help in the school setting.

Helping You Live

Better With Allergies!

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