1. Air conditioning and fans
- Regular deep cleaning of ductings – at least 2-3 times a year
- Avoid use of pedestal fans and ceiling fans as they agitate dust settled on surfaces and bring it towards our noses.
2. Bed mattresses – strip off the bed sheets and vacuum the mattress inch by inch, the whole surface, regularly
3. Pillow stuffings – dry clean regularly – if more than, say 2 years old, preferably throw them away and get new ones
4. Curtains – get them laundered regularly
5. Blinds, if any – clean regularly
6. Soft toys
- Do not keep where the child sleeps
- Offer your child other toys such as of plastic, to play with in day time
7. Carpets, rugs and mats
- Avoid woolen, coir and cloth mats and carpets
- Use rubber or plastic ones instead
8. Household pests – cockroaches are known causes of respiratory allergies – make sure to eliminate them.
9. Smoke and volatile oils exposure
- Avoid smoking or vaping close to your child or inside the house
- Avoid burning incense or “bukhur” when your child is at home
- Avoid strong chemical air fresheners
- Avoid aromatic oils
10. Pets
- Avoid keeping furry animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters etc. as pets at home as their dander can cause allergies
- Avoid keeping pet birds as pets at home as their microscopic feathers can cause allergies
- Pets such as turtles etc. may be kept instead.
11. Humidifier – is useful where weather is dry – should be kept on the bedside table 2-3 feet away from the head at night when sleeping
12. Air purifier – may be used in extreme cases – use one which has a HEPA filter and change filter regularly
- Avoid the normal liquid form of milk if your child is having recurrent respiratory issues. Instead use formula milk if your child is under 3 years old and any non-formula milk powder if your child is above 3 years of age.
- Observe and see if any other foods trigger skin allergies or coughs in your child.
- Readymade foods and snacks contain many coloring agents, flavoring agents and preservatives. Make sure your child is not allergic to any of these.