One of the perrenial problems that my family faces year in and year out is allergy. I happen to come from a long line of people who suffer from allergic rhinitis and my husband, although not afflicted, comes from a long line of asthmatics. So it is not surprising that both our kids are asthmatics with rhinitis on the side just to make things juicier.
Its no joke, believe me. My youngest child was diagnosed with asthma at the tender age of 6 months and her baby book is peppered with words like “nebulize” and “steroids.” My eldest was recently diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and also suffers from skin asthma. She was the same kid who had the unfortunate luck of contracting contact dermatitis after getting a henna tattoo in Boracay. Now her dermatologist warns us against so many things like hair dye, dust, heat, certain foods…and the list goes on.
At this time of the year when pollen count is at its all time high, we are armed with all kinds of medication that would put and medic in awe. We also happen to have 2 nebulizers…make that 3 one of which is hospital grade. And the vacuum cleaner is working double duty with all the dust that seems to accumulate at a high rate for reasons I cannot fathom. The beds and pillows are fitted with anti-dust, anti-dust mites, anti-allergen covers and are further sprayed with anti-allergy spray. Whew!! What else? Oh yes, and we take try take them to the beach or anywhere away from the city so their lungs can rest.
Do you have any other allergy preventing tips?
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leirs
January 7th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Believe it or not Mold causes Allergies. Mold spores grow in moist areas. We reduced the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen, therefore we have reduce the mold. I had my husband fix all the leaks inside and outside of our home. I instruct the maid to always dry perenial potential breeding ground so that we won’t have any issues with moldy surfaces. Unfortunately we live in a condo and plants can carry pollen and mold too, so we decided not to have houseplants.I am planning to buy dehumidifiers which will also help.
Rowena Wendy Lei
January 7th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
It is important to be aware whenever you eat or drink anything. When I was a little girl, I noticed that my throat would itch every time I’d eat shrimps. I’d get swollen lips whenever I ate crabs. Since then I’ve grown wary and so I really try to stay in tune with how my body reacts to things I consume. I carry a tablet or two of antihistamine just in case so I can be worry-free during my adventures as a foodie. When foods like dumplings are served, I make it a point to ask the waiter what the filling is made of so I can avoid eating stuff I know I’m allergic to.
Meikah
January 7th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Oh this is tough, Cookie! What about the school environment? I think you also need to tell the teachers that your kids are prone to allergy.
As the doctors say, you prevent allergies by getting rid of allergens. So clean up the surroundings really. What you’re doing is good.
My eldest had primary complex on his first month. He was treated for six months. Then he would get asthma attacks every now and then. But when we bought a nebulizer, his attacks went and what they have now are the occasional coughs. I’m happy that he has outgrown his asthma.
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Christian Homeschooler
January 7th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
It was during middle school that for some reason I started being allergic to shellfish and just about anything fishy. The best tip that I could share is to get yourself checked and get a diagnosis.
This proved helpful, especially when another allergic reaction came about right after college. I was diagnosed allergic to medicine containing sulfa and from then on, no medications with sulfa for me. The one time I did not check what meds I was given, I almost died, I was palpitating like crazy and I rashes were wild all over my body, just for me to find out the medicine I was taking contains sulfa.
It really is best to get a diagnosis done as soon as any allergic reaction arises and keep in mind what you are supposed to stay away from. It will be one’s best defense. Otherwise you will be left clueless and worse, it could cost your life.
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