Like adults, kids are susceptible to headaches caused by stress and tension. However, some children's headaches are caused by allergens such as mold. MayoClinic.com says it's important to pay attention to your child's headache symptoms, and to consult a doctor if the headaches occur frequently. Your child's discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and lifestyle measures at home.
Causes and Symptoms of Mold Allergies
When your child's body is faced with an allergen, her immune system produces histamines that produce an allergic reaction. Breathing mold spores can cause symptoms in children that include -- but are not limited to -- itchy, watery, burning eyes, and itchy nose and throat. Mold is most likely to grow in poorly ventilated, damp indoor areas. It grows in moist conditions and can be found, for example, in wet areas such as bathrooms, carpeting, under cabinets, behind baseboards, inside walls and in unvented clothes dryers.
Children and Allergies
Exit Allergy says that since children have low immune systems, they tend to have a higher risk of allergic reaction to mold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2010 that 8.6 million child respiratory allergy cases were documented within a year's time. Allergies often run in families. Nevertheless, allergy prevention can begin early in your child's life. Infants should be protected from tobacco smoke, airborne pollutants, and indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold. However, if your child already suffers from a mold allergy, there are steps you can take to ease his discomfort.
Eliminating Mold
Reduce your child's exposure to mold by killing it at the source. Remove and discard any moldy paper, drywall and carpet padding. Disinfect moldy surfaces with a solution of 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Concentrations as high as 1½ cups of bleach per gallon of water are recommended for wood and concrete that could not be thoroughly cleaned, according to North Dakota State University Extension. Leave surfaces wet for around 15 minutes to disinfect. Ensure adequate ventilation and wear gloves during cleaning.
Treating Sinus Headaches
To keep your child from suffering more headaches, treat the underlying sinus inflammation. Consult with your doctor. He might prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle changes. The University of Maryland Medical Center says irrigating your child's nasal passage with salt water might help. Also, UMMC says several dietary supplements and herbs might help treat a sinus infection and support your child's immune system. Other UMMC suggestions include using a humidifier and saline nasal spray, as well as inhaling steam two to four times a day. The medical center also recommends employing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga or guided imagery.
References
- North Dakota State University Extension; Remove Mold for a Healthy Home; Kenneth Hellevang, Ph.D.
- MayoClinic.com; Headaches in Children; March 3, 2011
- Children's Hospital Boston: Allergies
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinus Headache
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Allergies and Hay Fever
