7. Learn to tell the difference between symptoms of allergies, asthma and the common cold. Some of the symptoms overlap and it can all get quite confusing. Treatments are different, so you'll feel better if you can tell the difference and address the symptoms the right way. Learn more here
8. Try out some "allergy-friendly" products. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation has developed a certification program to test certain products, including toys, to validate that they will not worsen allergy symptoms. Learn more about this program here
9. Learn about things that can make allergy symptoms worse. In #4 above, I talked about common allergy triggers. But there are other things, sometimes called irritants, that can't really set off the immune system changes that allergy triggers do. However, these things can make your allergy symptoms worse. They include:
- Aerosol sprays
- Air pollution
- Cold air (outside or from air conditioning)
- High humidity
- Irritating fumes
- Tobacco smoke
- Wind
- Wood smoke
10. If you're a parent of a child with allergies, become an allergy advocate at your child's school. It's important to make sure that school is a safe environment for children with allergies and asthma, but teachers and other school staff don't always understand the dangers. So, volunteer to teach them about allergy and asthma triggers and how to reduce them in the classroom, etc. Start by reading this article from the AAFA.
