When your child has allergies, her airways may become so constricted that she feels as if she is breathing through a straw. If allergies affect your child’s ability to breathe, you can take steps to open her airways and improve the quality of her breathing. Some breathing difficulties require medical intervention, however. Always talk to your child’s physician if you are concerned that your child’s allergies may be a symptom of a more severe condition.
Steam
If a chest filled with mucus and phlegm accompanies your child’s allergy symptoms, these can affect his ability to breathe properly. One of the factors that can open up your toddler’s airways and help him to breathe more effectively is steam. You can turn on a hot shower and close your bathroom door, allowing your child to breathe in the steam in 20-minute intervals every two to three hours, according to AskDrSears.com. If you pat your child on the back or chest, this can break up the mucus to help your child breathe easier. In addition to steam, moisture from drinking fluids can help to relieve dehydration that can accompany allergies, coughs and colds.
Keep Your Home Allergy-Free
Allergies are a reaction to allergens or irritants in the air; most are so small you can’t even see them. While you can’t reduce the amount of allergens in the air outside your home, you can take steps to reduce allergens inside the house. This includes putting a special filter over your air conditioner designed to reduce allergens. You also can check your toddler’s stuffed animals to ensure they are hypoallergenic. Toys stuffed with feathers, crushed nuts or fibers that have become moldy can contribute to allergies. Talk to your pediatrician about evaluating potential irritants, such as pets, feathers, fur, shag carpeting and dust.
Avoid Smoke
Cigarette and cigar smoke can be highly irritating for your toddler’s airways. To help your child’s airways open, you can take preventive and protective measures to keep your child away from smoke. This includes going to nonsmoking restaurants and other venues with your child. If you have family members or loved ones that smoke, you may wish to ask them to change into a fresh pair of clothes before coming in contact with your child to avoid secondhand smoke exposure. If your child is exposed to smoke and begins to cough forcefully, remove her from the room to open up her airways.
Asthma
While these measures can help to open your child’s airways, he may need medical interventions, such as a respiratory inhaler that delivers airway-opening medications to his lungs. This helps his airways return to their normal width more effectively and efficiently. Talk to your pediatrician if your child experiences wheezing episodes, labored breathing or frequently has trouble catching his breath. These symptoms can signal the need for medical intervention.
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