Relieving Child Allergies without Medications

There exist a number of natural and alternative methods for relieving child allergies which are causing discomfort for the child; however the choice of the method suitable for your child is dependent on the type and cause of allergies and also the allergy symptoms.

Alternatives for Relieving Child Allergies—Seasonal Allergies

The most troublesome symptoms concerning seasonal allergies are symptoms related to the sinuses and the lungs.  Buildup of mucus and congestion are responsible for secondary sinus and ear infections and are the main source of discomfort from seasonal allergies; the net results are sinus pain, runny and/or stuffy nose, itchiness in the eyes and nose, headache, and difficulty in breathing.  In case you are able to breakup the congestion the allergic reactions will reduce to a tolerable level thereby reducing or eliminating the reliance on medications.

Some of the useful alternative methods for breaking up sinus and chest congestion and easing the discomfort of seasonal child allergies are as follows.

	Humidification - The objective of the humidification is to increase the humidity at home by increasing the moisture content at home; this addition to humidity to air at home helps in better breathing; further it also moisturizes mucus and nasal passages. The net result is that the child can breathe easily and clear its congestion. Normally the humidity at home should be kept around 40%. In dry seasons one has to humidify air by adding water whereas in seasons when excess moisture exists it requires dehumidification since moisture is ideal for mold growth which is also an allergen.
	Warm bath – the child should be given a warm bath in order to relieve the child from both discomfort and aching muscles caused by excessive coughing and sneezing Provision of humidity around 40% helps to clear congestion and mucus.
	Hydration – The child should have enough water that can thin and clear the mucus; further keeping sufficient water in the child’s body helps in flushing the allergens from the child. To facilitate this child should be well hydrated.
	Nasal irrigation is carried out by using a saline water solution which helps in thinning and clearing mucus and congestion in the nose; saline rinses reduce nasal inflammation and opens blockages caused by swelling. It is not practicable to perform a true nasal irrigation on a young child without them inhaling the water; alternatives such as nasal saline sprays, saline drops or droppering the solution with a bulb-syringe is usually the best.
	Warm and cold compresses are warm or cold face cloth which relieves child allergies and sinus symptoms. Warm compresses are also useful in breaking down congestion and ease pain and pressure; cold compresses reduce inflammation.
	Mints and inhalants – for clearing sinuses and relieving congestion from child allergies, mints, lozenges and inhalants like steeping eucalyptus are used; however care has to be taken to keep the child away from hot water. Best way to do this is to boil the eucalyptus and allow the scent to fill up the room.
	Raising head of bed – keeping child’s head in an elevated position while sleeping by raising the head of the child prevents post-nasal drip, promotes drainage and makes resting easier.

Alternatives for Relieving Child Allergies—Skin Allergies

Skin allergy relief normally refers to easing skin damage, pain and discomfort.

	Washing – wash thoroughly the part of the child that comes into contact with a known skin allergen to minimize the reaction
	Compresses – apply warm or cold compresses to the affected area that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation; warm compress should be applied for pain and cold compress for swelling.
	Warm baths – give warm water bath to the child to reduce skin discomfort; however hot water should not be used since it causes further drying and skin damage. A bath with oatmeal repairs the skin and relieves itching associated with skin allergies.
	Lotions and creams to moisturize – use moisturizing creams and lotions to repair the dry skin such as eczema. Lotions should not contain high levels of water which dries the skin.
	Lotions and creams to dry – use lotions such as calamine for drying blistering allergic skin rashes.
	Hydration – keep the child’s body hydrated to flush the system of allergens and also to moisturize and repair the skin.

Alternatives for Relieving Child Allergies—Food Allergies

As regards to food allergies no natural solution is available; only action one can take for relieving food allergies is avoiding the allergenic foods which constitute the allergic trigger that causes this allergy in children; In case the child food allergies cause skin rashes or congestion one could relieve those symptoms associated with the food allergy by following the above steps. You must realize that hydration is an important factor in flushing offensive food allergens from the body.

In addition to the above mentioned methods, a number of herbal and homeopathic remedies are available for relieving these allergies; however they have not been well-studied for safety.  Although such methods and products have their utility you should discuss with the child's doctor prior to use.