“Natural Remedies for Your Child’s Allergies: Effective and Safe Solutions”
Introduction
Every parent becomes upset to see their child suffering from allergies, and they will do everything to help them feel better.
While there are prescription medications available, natural remedies for allergies in children can be just as effective, and may even be a safer solution for your child’s health.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most effective and safe natural remedies for your child’s allergies. We’ll also examine the causes of allergies, the symptoms to look out for, and some ways to prevent allergies from occurring.
While there are prescription medications available, natural remedies for allergies in children can be just as effective, and may even be a safer solution for your child’s health.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most effective and safe natural remedies for your child’s allergies. We’ll also examine the causes of allergies, the symptoms to look out for, and some ways to prevent allergies from occurring.
What Are Allergies?
When the immune system starts overreacting to a substance, this is harmless to the body, this is called an allergy.
The immune system protects the body from harmful substances, but in case of allergies, it identifies a harmless substance (an allergen) as a threat and attacks it.
Understanding the Causes of Allergies in Children
Children get allergies because of both their genes and their surroundings. Children get allergies because of both their genes and their surroundings.
It is possible that a child will develop allergies if there is a family history of allergies.
If they expose to allergens at early stages of life, there is also an increased risk of developing allergies.
Common allergens in children include:
Pollen
Pollen is a typical allergen in children that cause hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis.
Common symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Pollen allergies are seasonal and are most common in the spring and fall.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny insects that live in the dust at home.
They may initiate allergic reactions that manifest as sneezing, a runny nose, and irritated eyes.
Dust mites thrive in a humid environment.
Pet Dander
Pet dander is made up of tiny flecks of skin shed by animals such as cats, dogs, and birds. Sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes are some common symptoms of pet allergies. If there is family history of allergies, children are more likely to develop pet allergy.
Food
Food allergies appear when the immune system overreacts to food proteins. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and fish are food allergens in children.
Symptoms Of Allergies
When a kid becomes exposed to an allergen, histamines are released into the body, causing allergy symptoms such as:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rash or hives
• Lips, tongue, or face swelling
Natural Remedies for Your Child’s Allergies
Although there are certain medicines to treat allergies in children but natural remedies can be just as effective and may even be a safer option for your child. Here are some best natural remedies for your child’s allergies:
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your child’s health, particularly their digestive system. Low histamine probiotics help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms in children because they help in immune system regulation.
Some probiotic-rich foods include:
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
2. Local Honey
Honey is a natural therapy for allergies in children that has been used for hundreds of years.
The idea behind this remedy is that if your child eats local honey, he or she will be introduced to small amounts of pollen. Over time, this may help the child become less sensitive to the allergen.
Honey shouldn’t be given to babies under one year old because it can have germs that can cause infant botulism.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that boosts the immunity and reduces inflammation. At high doses, it is effective at reducing allergy symptoms.
Some foods that are high in vitamin C are:
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Kiwi fruit
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
4. Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment that helps fight free radicals and reduces inflammation. It has been shown effective to relieve symptoms pf allergy, especially those caused by hay fever. You can find quercetin in foods like:
• Onions
• Apples
• Berries
• Grapes
• Broccoli
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that can help reduce inflammation. They are effective in reducing allergy symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids rich foods are:
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Walnuts
• Flaxseed
• Chia seeds
6. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is a natural remedy to reduce nasal congestion, a common symptom of allergies. The steam helps to moisturize the nasal passages, making it easier for your child to breathe.
To do steam inhalation, simply fill a bowl with hot water and place your child’s head over the bowl, covering their head with a towel to trap the steam. Make sure that water is not too hot to avoid burning your child.
7. Nasal Saline Rinse
A nasal saline rinse can also help alleviate nasal congestion by flushing out allergens and mucus from the nasal passages.
You can purchase a nasal saline rinse kit at your local pharmacy or make your own at home using salt, baking soda, and distilled water.
To perform a saline nasal rinse, tilt your child’s head to the side over a sink and gently pour the saline solution into one nostril while your child breathes through their mouth. It should come out of the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.
8. Eucalyptus Oil
Anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties of eucalyptus oil help in reducing respiratory symptoms of allergies. To use for steam inhalation purpose, put few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water and have your kid inhale the steam.
Eucalyptus oil shouldn’t be used for below two years old kids as it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large amounts.
9. Neta Pot
A nets pot is a small pot with a spout that is used to rinse the nasal passages with a saline solution. It can help alleviate nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms by flushing out allergens and mucus.
To use a nets pot, fill it with a saline solution, tilt your child’s head to the side over a sink, and gently pour the solution into one nostril while your child breathes through their mouth. It should come out of the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.
10. Acupuncture
In this method, needles are inserted into specific positions on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms. This is traditional Chinese medicine technique which is effective in reducing symptoms of hay fever. While acupuncture is generally safe, it’s important to ensure that the practitioner is licensed and has experience working with children.
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Effective Prevention Strategies for Allergies in Children
Prevention is key when it comes to allergies in children. Here are some effective prevention strategies:
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of allergies in children. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect against allergic reactions.
Avoiding Allergens
Avoiding allergens is one of the most effective ways to prevent allergies. Here are some suggestions for avoiding common allergens:
• During pollen season, windows should be kept closed
• Use a HEPA filter to remove dust mites from the air.
• Pets should not be allowed in rooms or on furniture.
• Launder linens in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
• It’s best to stay away from allergen-containing meals.
Introducing Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods too early can increase the risk of food allergies. It is recommended to start solid foods to children at 6 months of age. It is better to give low histamine probiotics when needed.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can help reducing the severity of allergy symptoms. This method patients are desensitized by exposing small amounts of allergen over time. As a result of this, antibodies are produced in body against that allergen to protect them from reaction.
Conclusion
Natural remedies can treat allergies as well as prescription drugs and may be safer for your kid. From probiotics to acupuncture, there are many natural remedies available to alleviate allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to take steps to prevent allergies from occurring in the first place.
FAQs
1. Are natural remedies safe for children with allergies?
Although natural remedies are safe for children with allergies, but consult with a doctor especially if your child has a medical condition or is taking prescribed drugs.
2. Can natural remedies be used in conjunction with prescription medications?
• Natural remedies may be used in conjunction with prescription medications, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before doing so to avoid any potential interactions.
3. How often should I perform a saline nasal rinse for my child?
• Saline nasal rinses can be performed as often as needed to alleviate allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to use distilled water to avoid any potential bacterial contamination.
4. Which natural remedies should be avoided for children with allergies?
•Although most natural remedies are harmless for children with allergies there are a few to avoid.
Eucalyptus oil, should not be used on children of age below two. Essential oils which can cause skin irritation or allergies.
5. How do I find out what allergens my kid is hypersensitive to?
• Allergy testing can tell you exactly what your kid is hypersensitive to. This can be done through a skin prick test or a blood test, and can help you identify which allergens to avoid in the future.
