How to Avoid Common Allergies
In case you didn’t already know, but, Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the most challenging places to live if you have allergies with Knoxville ranked as number 35 out of the top 100 list by the Asthma, and Allergy Foundation of America. Below you will find key tips to help minimize the impact seasonal, food or environmental allergies may have on you and your little ones.
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES
When we think of allergies, most of us think of environmental or outdoor causes, including:
- Trees
- Pollen
- Grasses
- Weeds
- Animals
- Insects
- Dust
Here are a few tips for avoiding environmental/seasonal allergic reactions:
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen count days, and use air conditioning instead.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen hours, typically early morning to midday.
- Change you or your child’s clothes and wash the face and hands after spending time outside.
- Don’t let your child sleep with pets or a stuffed animal, as those can harbor dust mites.
- Change air filters often in the home.
- Be mindful of those with allergies while dusting or vacuuming, as those activities can flare up dust and other allergens.
- Take a daily over-the-counter medication during peak allergy periods, including summer and fall.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Common foods that cause allergic reactions include:
- Milk
- Soy
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
When it comes to food allergies, it is important to avoid the food at all costs. Here are a few additional tips:
- Read food labels. In the United States, manufacturers must say on the label if their food product contains any of the most common food allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, etc.
- Ask questions about your food. Cross-contamination is a risk when you dine out. Foods you’re allergic to can get into your food when kitchen staff use the same surfaces, utensils, or oil to prepare different foods.
- If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, you may want to avoid places that use lots of peanuts, peanut oil, or tree nuts in their foods. If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, you may need to avoid places with open stovetops or steam tables where fish or shellfish is cooked.
- Always carry medication. Be prepared for an accidental allergic reaction and carry a medication with you at all times.
Allergy Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions: Seasonal Allergies
Knoxville, TN Allergy Testing and Treatment
Sources
HelpMommy – https://helpmommy.com/why-do-we-have-allergies-to-pollen/
HelpMommy TikTok – Allergy series with Dr. Cliff James
KidsHealth – https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/food-allergy-coping.html
