Asthma and allergies are a common problem, especially for children. Avoiding environmental triggers and enhancing indoor air quality are very important to keep your child comfortable and free of symptoms. Dr. Alexandra Kostur at Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics in Jacksonville, FL, provide comprehensive medical services for children, including diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergies.

What You Need To Know About Asthma and Allergies

There are many substances in the environment which can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma. Some of these triggers include:

• Plant and flower pollens
• Grasses, trees, and shrubs
• Dust and dust mites
• Mold and mildew
• Pet hair and dander

You can do a lot to improve indoor air quality, so your child can breathe better. These are a few helpful tips to enhance air quality in your home:

• Vacuum frequently or consider replacing carpeting with solid flooring
• Use hypo-allergenic sheets, pillowcases, and pillows
• Place HEPA filters in your house, especially your child’s bedroom
• Keep your pets off furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
• Keep doors and windows closed in spring and summer to avoid exposure to plant pollens

For mild, occasional symptoms, you can give your child over-the-counter allergy medications including antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. For long-term relief of asthma and allergies, you need to seek out the expertise of your pediatrician, who may recommend:

• Allergy testing
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Allergy injections
• Prescription antihistamines and decongestants

If your child has asthma, your pediatrician may recommend lung function testing and asthma treatment, including:

• Short-term rescue inhalers for acute asthma episodes
• Long-term asthma medications to manage asthma

Want To Know More?

To learn more about environmental triggers and how to help manage your child’s asthma by improving indoor air quality, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Kostur at Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics in Jacksonville, FL. You can reach them in the office by calling (904) 446-9991, so call today.