Updated June 23, 2014
The ultimate goal of allergy treatment is preventing the symptoms from occurring in the first place. This usually includes learning how to avoid the allergen, whether it be pets, foods, insects or even certain chemicals. Preventing the development of allergies, asthma and food allergies in young children also is possible.
Prevention of Allergies, Asthma and Food Allergies in Children
The goal of any family prone to allergies is to prevent the development of allergies in their child. Various strategies have been shown to reduce the development of allergies and asthma, as well as to prevent or delay the onset of food allergies in children.
Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children
Prevention of Food Allergies in Children
Avoidance of Indoor Allergens
Common indoor allergens, including pet dander and dust mites, are typically year-round triggers of allergy and asthma symptoms. Therefore, avoidance of these triggers is an important aspect of the prevention and treatment of allergies.
Avoidance of Dust Mite and Cockroach Allergens
Avoidance of Cat Allergen
Avoidance of Dog Allergen
Avoidance of Outdoor Allergens
Avoidance of outdoor allergy triggers, such as plant pollens and molds, is difficult, as these allergens are blowing around in the air. There are some measures that can be taken, however, to minimize exposure to pollens and outdoor molds.
Avoidance of Pollens
Avoidance of Molds
Food Allergy Avoidance
Avoidance of the specific food trigger is the main treatment of food allergy. Unfortunately, it's sometimes next to impossible to avoid certain foods, such as peanuts, which are very common. Therefore, a person with food allergies needs to closely follow a diet free from the culprit food, while also knowing how to cope with an allergic reaction.
Basics of Food Avoidance
Specific Food-Avoidance Diets
Avoidance of Biting and Stinging Insects
People who are allergic to biting and stinging insects should take measures to avoid future stings and bites, such as avoiding walking barefoot outdoors, exterminating known insect infestations, not looking or smelling like a flower, and the judicious use of insect repellants. Learn more about the avoidance of specific types of insects.
Avoidance of bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets
Avoidance of fire ants
Avoidance of mosquitoes