Managing Asthma and Allergies in Kids: Tips for Parents [Printable Tip Sheet]

Coach Patty, HealthSmart! Kids
5 days ago
4 min read

a little red-haired girl wiping her nose with a tissue

May is recognized as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a perfect time to learn more about how asthma and allergies can affect your family. Whether it’s seasonal pollen, pet dander, or food allergies, these conditions can have a big impact on your child's daily life. Understanding what triggers asthma and allergy symptoms, and knowing how to manage them, can help your family breathe easier and live more comfortably.

In this post, we’ll explain asthma and allergies, share tips on how to manage them, and offer simple strategies to improve your family’s health and well-being.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects your child’s airways, making it hard for them to breathe. When someone has asthma, their airways get inflamed and narrowed, which can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. For kids, it can be particularly challenging since they may not always know how to communicate their symptoms or understand what triggers their asthma attacks.

Common Triggers of Asthma:

Allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander are all common asthma triggers.
Cold Air or Weather Changes: Sudden temperature changes or cold, dry air can irritate your child’s airways.
Exercise: Physical activity can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms, especially if your child isn’t using their inhaler as prescribed.
Strong Smells or Chemicals: Smoke, cleaning products, perfumes, or strong odors can also cause asthma flare-ups.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when your child’s body overreacts to something it sees as harmful, like pollen or pet dander. When this happens, their immune system releases chemicals like histamines, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Allergies can be seasonal, like with pollen, or year-round, like with pet dander or dust mites.

Common Allergens:

Pollen: During the spring and summer, trees, grass, and weeds release pollen, which can trigger allergy symptoms.
Dust Mites: These tiny organisms, found in dust, can trigger allergies, especially in bedding and carpets.
Pet Dander: Proteins in the skin flakes, saliva, and urine of pets can cause allergic reactions.
Food Allergies: Some foods, like peanuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish, can cause severe allergic reactions.

How Asthma and Allergies Are Connected

Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. Many kids with asthma also have allergies, and allergens can be a major asthma trigger. For example, pollen can cause both allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups. Understanding how asthma and allergies are related will help you with better managing both asthma and allergies in your kids.

a child's parent helping them use their inhaler

Tips for Managing Asthma and Allergies in Your Kids and Family

Create an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment

Keeping your home clean and free of allergens can reduce your child’s exposure to asthma triggers and allergens.

Use Allergy-Proof Bedding: Dust mites are a common trigger. Consider using dust mite-proof pillowcases and mattress covers.
Regular Cleaning: Vacuum carpets with a HEPA filter, and wash sheets, curtains, and stuffed animals in hot water to remove dust mites.
Control Pet Dander: If you have pets, bathe them regularly and keep them out of bedrooms to minimize dander buildup.

2. Know the Triggers

Tracking your child’s asthma and allergy triggers can help you avoid or reduce their exposure to these irritants.
Seasonal Allergies: If pollen is a trigger, keep windows closed during peak pollen times, especially in the morning. After outdoor activities, have your child change clothes and shower to wash off pollen.
Indoor Allergens: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in bedrooms and living areas, and keep humidity levels in check to prevent mold and dust mites.
Food Allergies: If your child has food allergies, always read food labels, ask about ingredients when eating out, and carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed by the doctor.

3. Work with Your Pediatrician

Regular check-ups with your child’s pediatrician or an allergist are key in managing asthma and allergies. Your doctor can help you develop a personalized action plan for managing asthma attacks and allergies.

Allergy Testing: If your child shows signs of allergies, talk to your doctor about allergy testing to identify specific triggers.
Create an Asthma Action Plan: Your doctor can help you create a plan for managing asthma symptoms, medications, and emergency responses. Be sure everyone who cares for your child knows the plan.

4. Use Medications as Directed

If your child is prescribed medication for asthma or allergies, make sure to follow the directions closely.

Daily Maintenance: Some asthma medications need to be taken daily, even when your child feels fine. This is key to preventing flare-ups.
Emergency Medication: Always have an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector on hand in case of an emergency, and ensure everyone who cares for your child knows how to use it.

5. Encourage Healthy Habits

Keeping your child healthy overall can help manage asthma and allergies.

Balanced Diet: A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your child’s immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps strengthen your child’s lungs and improve overall health, but make sure to take precautions if exercise or cold air is a trigger.
Breathing Exercises: Teach your child slow, deep breathing techniques to help stay calm during asthma flare-ups or allergic reactions.

6. Know When to Seek Emergency Help

Sometimes, asthma and allergies may require urgent medical attention.

Asthma Emergency: If your child is struggling to breathe even after using their inhaler, or if they are wheezing heavily or unable to speak, seek emergency care right away.
Severe Allergic Reactions: If your child has difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or shows signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), use an epinephrine auto-injector and get help immediately.

Final Thoughts: Helping Your Child Breathe Easier

Asthma and allergies are common conditions, but with the right strategies, you can help your child manage their symptoms and live more comfortably. By keeping your home allergen-free, knowing what triggers your child’s asthma and allergies, and working closely with your pediatrician, you can ensure your child breathes easier and feels better.

This Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, take the opportunity to learn more about how these conditions impact your family and how to manage them. Small changes can make a big difference in your child’s health and well-being.