Allergens

Although not all children with asthma have allergies, and not all children with allergies have asthma, allergens can make asthma worse.

Allergy symptoms might comprise runny nose, asthma symptoms, itchy eyes, skin problems (eczema) and/or a rash.

Depending upon your child’s medical and family history, age and environment, allergy testing may be suggested.

Pollens
Pollens from trees, shrubs, grasses and weeds can cause allergy symptoms, and can travel many miles. Therefore trees, grasses and weeds in your general area can cause allergy symptoms.

Recommended Actions
Windows and outside doors should remain closed throughout pollen season, especially during the daytime.

Mold Spores 
Mold can rise in humid areas of the house, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Recommended  Actions

• Use an extractor fan in the bathroom or open a window to get rid of humidity following showering.
• Wipe down surfaces following showering.
• Clean bathrooms with a mold-preventing or mold-killing solution.
• Use an extractor fan in the kitchen to remove steam vapor when cooking.
• Throw away spoiled foods.
• Empty the trash on a daily basis.
• Keep indoor humidity low. The ideal humidity level is 30 to 40 percent
• Air conditioning can help decrease humidity.
  

Animal Dander
Animal dander (dead skin that is persistently shed), urine, feces and saliva from feathered or furry animals can cause allergy symptoms. Cats, dogs, birds, rodents (hamsters, gerbils) and horses are common examples of feathered or furry animals.
If you don’t already have a feathered or furry pet, it’s advisable not to get one because your child could develop allergies with frequent contact.

Recommended actions

• Remove pets from your home environment.
• If a pet is a must, keep it away of the allergic person’s bedroom at all times.
• Ensure the child’s bedroom door is closed and put a filter over air vents in their bedroom.
• Keep pets away from upholstered furniture and carpet as much as possible.
• Avoid visits to friends and relatives who have pets, where feasible.
• Consult your doctor about using an inhaled medication prior to visiting a home with a pet.
• Select a pet without fur or feathers – for example fish.
  

House Dustmites
Dust mites are insects, not visible to the naked eye, that survive in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing and stuffed toys. They survive primarily on human dander. Dust mites are common in humid climates.

Recommended actions

• Surround the mattress and box springs in a zippered dust-proof encasing. Dust-proof encasings have a layer of material that keeps the dust mites inside.
• Wash all bedding in hot water (130°F/50°C) weekly.
• Place pillows in zippered dust proof encasings and/or wash the pillows weekly with the bedding.
• Do not use a humidifier or evaporative (swamp) cooler.
• Keep the indoor humidity below 50 percent.
• Keep stuffed toys out of the bedroom or wash them weekly in hot water.
  

Cockroaches
Cockroach allergies are common in inner cities and humid areas.

Recommended actions

• Keep food out of the bedroom.
• Keep food and garbage in closed containers.
• Discard spoiled food immediately.
• Empty the garbage daily.
• Use poison baits, boric acid or traps to control cockroaches, and keep these out of children’s reach.
• If chemical sprays are used, the home should be well ventilated and the child with asthma should stay away from home until the smell dissipates.
  

Air filtration systems