Children sometimes also suffer from itchy, red, watery eyes; itchy, stuffy noses; and constant sneezes. These symptoms may lead parents and doctors to believe children are suffering from one or several allergens (allergies).

May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, and the pulmonology and pediatric and immunology specialists at East Tennessee Children's Hospital offer the following suggestions for children with allergy and asthma difficulties:

• It is impossible to completely avoid household allergens such as mold spores and dust mites, yet mold exposure can be minimized by making sure bathrooms have properly working exhaust fans and by cleaning any obvious sites of mold growth with a bleach solution.
  


• Clean bedrooms in the home thoroughly on a regular basis to ensure that dust and dust mites are kept to a minimum. This includes vacuuming, damp-mopping and dusting.
  


• Wash bedding in the hottest wash cycle on a weekly basis to kill dust mites, and if possible wash rugs weekly as well.
  


• If you own a pet, allow your child to play with the pet outdoors (it is best to keep the pet away from the face), but do not allow pets in your home, especially in the bedroom.
  

• Do not smoke around the child or in the child's home.
  


• If crowded day care situations can be avoided, make every effort to do so.
  


• Use dust mite control measures.
  


• Limit exposure to furry animals.
  


• Eliminate wood stoves and fireplaces.
  


• Breast feeding an infant strengthens the child's immune system against becoming overly sensitive to allergens.
  

"It is important to remember that while asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled by closely following a physician's orders," said Dr. John Rogers, Pediatric Pulmonologist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. "By properly following the instructions of a physician, asthma can not only be controlled but school absenteeism can be minimized, and children and families can enjoy a normal lifestyle."

Children with allergies and asthma should not be afraid to participate in sports and other physical activities. If your child's asthma and allergies begin to interfere with school, social activities, or sleep, contact a pediatrician.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatric medical center which has served the East Tennessee region for over 65 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

Editor's Note:   Children's Hospital's Healthy Kids program is a community education initiative of the Community Relations Department. The program serves as an education resource for parents by offering classes, literature and other opportunities for learning how to improve the health and well being of children. For more information or to sign up for classes, call the Healthy Kids Hotline at (865) 541-8262.