Children With Allergies--7 Coping Strategies For Allergies

The number of children who suffer from allergies is on the rise, and as a result, an increasing number of parents are searching for ways to make their children's lives more comfortable. At best, this can be a difficult task.

So if you're searching for ideas, making the following changes can mean the difference between your child enjoying life and just surviving it. Here are seven strategies that will address the symptoms and, where possible, reduce their severity.

1. Reduce Congestion--Having a stuffy nose is miserable for anyone, and for many child allergy sufferers it can be a permanent state of affairs from spring until the fall. This is tiring and frustrating, but the good news is that there are a number of things which can be done to help alleviate symptoms. There are a number of nasal decongestants on the market , which have proven to be effective.

These medications can be pricey but are worth it in terms of the relief they provide. Be careful to follow the directions based on age and weight, and avoid giving double doses as this can lead to complications rather than relief. Be patient, as it often take 2 to 3 days to kick in and provide a noticeable lessening of congestion.

2. Keep Bath Time Regular-- Keeping children clean is an unending task, but when it comes to allergies, you may have an argument on your side to help them. A warm bath can do wonders for helping alleviate many of the symptoms. By sitting quietly, or not so quietly, in warm water, your child is likely to find their nose beginning to clear, as well as a lessening of eye discomfort. Bathing removes pollen from their skin and hair which can lead to a better night's sleep.

3. Select Really Soft Tissues--Have you noticed that as your child sneezes their way through the day, they seem to use a mountain of tissues? It might be tempting to buy cheaper tissues as they are working their way through such a vast quantity, but avoid doing this if you can. The reason is that young skin is very much more sensitive than adult skin.

The nasal area can be particularly sensitive for children, and normal tissues can actually be quite abrasive. Rubbing and blowing their nose so frequently each day can wear away this sensitive skin and make their noses sore both inside and out. Tissues which have been impregnated with a soothing lotion will help keep the outside of their little noses feeling good.

4. Use Cold Compresses--Pediatric allergies sometimes result in bloodshot and itchy eyes. Offer them a cold compress. Sitting down and holding it over their eyes for a few minutes can help soothe their eyes, reduce any swelling, soothe bloodshot veins, and reduce the itchiness that make them want to rub.

5. Make Water Available Constantly--Allergies cause the body to attempt to flush out irritants through the eyes and nose. And since dehydration can occur fairly quickly in children, keeping water available throughout the day keeps them well hydrated. And it will make their mouths and throats just feel better.

6. Trap Pollen--As your child races indoors, the pollen comes in with them on their clothes, in their hair, as well as on pets, and other family member. Changing into clean clothes and putting clothes in a hamper or laundry room to isolate them as much as possible indoors will help keep indoor pollen count lower.

7. Control Indoor Air Quality--This should be a 2 prong approach. Regulate humidity so that the air is moist enough not feel harsh to the allergy sufferer, but low enough to prevent mold and mildew spores from growing. And secondly, use a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier to remove particulates that often trigger allergies such as household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and viruses.