After you spot an allergic reaction in your child and receive the results from their allergy test, it’s time to consider their management options. The first step of allergy management is removing the allergen from your child’s life, also known as allergen avoidance.
Let’s look at a few ways you can limit your child’s exposure to common allergens.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are the most common trigger for anaphylaxis in children[1]. If your child’s allergy is severe, they should have an EpiPen on them at all times. In addition to the EpiPen, you can employ the following avoidance strategies:
- Tell their school about their allergy
- Pack their lunch
- Inform your waiter about your child’s allergies when dining in a restaurant (some foods may need to be cooked separately)
- Teach your child how to read an ingredients label so that they can check food on their own
Because food allergies can cause severe reactions, following the above strategies strictly is crucial.
Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies tend to appear in spring and may persist into fall, depending on the type of pollen that triggers their sensitivity. Because pollen floats through the air outside, avoiding it entirely isn’t possible, but you can limit your child’s exposure by doing the following:
- Check the pollen reports around Coppell or Southlake and schedule outdoor play when pollen levels are lower
- Dress them in long sleeves and pants if you know they’ll be rolling around in the grass
- Install allergy screens on your home windows or keep the windows closed
- Have them shower upon returning home
Pet Dander Allergies
Pet dander is a little easier to avoid than pollen. A few effective strategies include:
- Adopt hypoallergenic pets if possible
- Wash pets regularly
- Clean your house weekly
- Talk to the parents of any kids your child visits and ask them to keep their dog or cat in a separate room while your child is over
Mold and Dust Mite Allergies
Limiting exposure to mold and dust mites all comes down to cleaning and moisture control. Do the following:
- Run a dehumidifier to keep the humidity between 40% and 60%
- Sweep, vacuum or mop all flooring
- Wipe down high-moisture areas like the bathroom, kitchen or basement
- Put your child’s soft toys in the washing machine and spray down hard toys
- Dust the furniture
- Clean their bedding regularly
Call Us With Questions
If your child is allergic to something not listed here, call us at ENT for Children with any questions you have about avoiding their allergens or managing their symptoms.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2025, April 16). Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468 [mayoclinic.org]