Allergies to things in the child’s environment; generally speaking, these do not include allergies to pollens and their seasonal allergies, which are categorized differently; environmental allergies in children refers more towards things found in the physical environment of the home, school, etc.  Theoretically, environmental allergens are things that can be removed, but in reality that can be very difficult.

There is some cross-over between seasonal allergies and environmental allergies in children; some of the allergens that cause seasonal allergies become trapped in the home or physical environment and therefore may be categorized as both a seasonal and an environmental allergen.  For example, pollen is truthfully a seasonal allergen, but when pollen accumulates inside the home, it can be considered an environmental allergen; even after the season has passed for that allergen, an environmental allergy to the pollen can remain inside the home.

In addition to trapped seasonal allergens, chemicals and substances inside the home may be considered environmental allergens capable of causing environmental allergies in children.  This includes fumes from paints and chemicals and things the child comes into physical contact with (touches).

There is a long list of things that have the potential to cause environmental allergies in children, but the three most common are

• Mold
• Dust and dust mites
• Pets—dander and proteins excreted into the home environment

Insects, such as cockroaches, can also be the cause of environmental allergies in children.

Diagnosing Environmental Allergies In Children

Having an accurate diagnosis of environmental allergies in children is the first step towards elimination, reduction, and prevention of exposure to environmental allergens.

Environmental allergies in children will be diagnosed first by location.  When it seems that reactions are primarily limited to a certain building, such as a school or household, environmental allergens will be searched out.  If other allergies are known, concentrations of those allergens may be looked for first.

Environmental allergens can sometimes be narrowed down by symptom, as different types of allergens are likely to cause different types of reactions.  For instance, a skin reaction might indicate that skin contact with an environmental allergen is being made.  Nasal allergy symptoms might point towards something in the air.

Removing Environmental Allergens

Removal of environmental allergens is key to preventing and minimizing environmental allergies in children.  Once the triggering allergen is identified, attentions can be focused on getting the allergen causing environmental allergies in children out of the building to whatever extent is reasonable (noting that not all allergens can be completely removed).

• Stop using chemicals and paints if they are the problem, or ventilate during use and keep affected children out of the home or building
• Prevent children from coming in contact with offending chemical allergens
• Maintain a regular cleaning regimen that includes daily vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner
• Thoroughly clean the home/building each season
• Encase mattresses and bedding in dust covers beneath bedding
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture, thereby preventing mold growth
• Employ room or whole-house air filters or purifiers
• Have heating and cooling systems, including ducts, cleaned annually
• Change HVAC filters monthly during seasons of use
• Remove allergen-trapping carpets, draperies, and slatted blinds and replace with more allergy-friendly fabrics and styles
• Limit fan use in windows during allergy seasons
• Close windows to keep out seasonal allergens
• Open windows to air the home or building of trapped allergens

Essentially, managing environmental allergies in children is no different than managing other types of allergies; all that matters is the identification of the allergen so that its presence can be controlled.  Even absent of a positive identification, though, it is possible to manage environmental allergies in children by focusing on those areas which seem to bother the child the most, and as with most allergies, a good cleaning routine can go a long way towards relief of environmental allergies in children.