Did you know that many of our children are allergic to different elements? It is estimated that 30% of the population is allergic to something. A slight irritation in the neck that does not want to leave or frequent discomfort in the gut are found as frequent symptoms.
Long ago, allergies could not be avoided, although there are now vaccination mechanisms that can greatly reduce symptoms. Some of them can even avoid them completely, although it will depend on the person. The best, always, will be take precautions against allergens.
Allergens and their detection
An allergen is an element that our body identifies as something bad , although it doesn't have to be. For example, citrus fruits for some people. Citrus fruits are not harmful to humans, but some bodies are thought to be attacking them, and they take out all their weapons to defend themselves.
From this disproportionate measure the visible symptoms of allergies arise. Most of them are not dangerous at all, but they do cause discomfort. Especially in the little ones, who don't understand why they can't eat something, or why parents tell them not to scratch. If they itch!
Since none is beneficial to the body, and cause discomfort and sometimes serious problems, it is best to know what is allergic. In Spain, these tests are carried out by specialized nurses in hospitals in allergology departments. There are two basic types:
- Contact tests: through small concentrations of typical allergens on the skin (such as animal hair or mites).
- Provocation tests: observing the children after eating some food.
To access these tests you must first go to the family doctor or pediatrician , that will refer us to the specialist.
Food allergies are easy to detect because symptoms often appear after ingestion. But the contact ones, which have to do with allergens that we can't see, are usually more complicated.
Environmental allergens: mites, hair, mold ...
Environmental allergens can be transported by air and inhaled through breathing. Many of the groups belong to this group most common allergens like: pollen, spores of mushrooms and mold, pet hair and dust.
Almost all allergies of this type usually have their origin at home, and these allergens love living with us at home. They can be found in different areas of the thing such as furniture, kitchen, floor, bathroom and other surfaces
Great focuses are the fabrics (bed, sofas, cushions, carpets, curtains ...), where The mites are at ease. They are not bad per se. In fact, they help us gradually shed skin. But for allergic people it can be a problem. They are also usually found on the ground and in suspended dust (they are very small).
Another cause of skin allergies are the mushrooms. They are neither plants nor animals but, like mites, they grow with moisture. The bathroom and kitchen are his favorite place, although they also appear in the basement of the walls and corners.
Of course, allergic reactions to your hair or feathers can also occur in homes where there are pets. The most common is the allergy to dog or cat hair because they are common, but many have also been found associated with small rodents (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters ...), horses, domestic birds (parakeets, canaries, goldfinches ...), reptiles and Even farm animals.
Prevention is the key
As much in the life of our kids, the best weapon we have to take care of them is prevent different problems before they arise. One of the unknown benefits of bleach is that it neutralizes and eliminates allergens. It is always associated with disinfection without realizing the benefit in eliminating those annoying agents that cause allergies. Like pollen, mold, pet hair, and dust mites.
To the dust mites They love bedding, sofas, mattresses and pillows. Some jokers, come on. So that they do not become strong in their positions, get used to frequently dusting these areas with a damp cloth, to use a vacuum cleaner with particulate filters and to wash stuffed animals at least once a month, weekly if the child sleeps with them, and carpets.
Mold is very easy to remove with a product that contains bleach as Star 2in1. Generally we find mold in the shower curtain, on the walls, in the joints ... To avoid their appearance it is advisable to ventilate a lot and expose them to the cold (for example, in the morning) and reduce the humidity by opening the windows. This is especially useful in bathrooms and kitchens, where condensation is very high.
Pets They are more complicated, because they are part of our family and many children are behind them all day. Sometimes, even playing on the cushion where they sleep, or crawling on his blanket. But there are actions that we can take to prevent, such as regularly cleaning those fabrics disinfecting them with bleach in case they are light colors, or brush the dog or cat frequently. In addition, excessive washing is not usually good for our animals.
That the child avoid wallowing around the place where the pet usually sleeps, not letting their hair accumulate in areas where children are usually, as well as sweeping and disinfecting the ground usually helps a lot to avoid any contact with the animal's hair (and with the bacteria they contain).
Photographs | iStock / bhowie, iStock / utah778, iStock / RobHainer, iStock / adogslifephoto
