ALLERGY BRIEFS

Getting allergies under control

January 14, 2004

For those allergic to dust mites, hardwood floors and a HEPA filter are certainly wise choices. Other dust mite control measures include mite-proof covers for mattress, box springs and pillow, as well as washing bedding in hot soapy water once weekly. See:
Laundering a dust mite for more about laundry temperatures.

If she is having continuing bouts with tonsillitis and enlarged adenoids, this certainly contributes to the overall problem. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy should improve things considerably.

It is doubtful that a 3 1/2 year old could do the pulmonary function testing required for a firm diagnosis of asthma. But often a cough is the first indication of asthma, especially in children. Most authorities I've sat under are saying symptoms of asthma should be treated as asthma in children even if the diagnosis is uncertain. As you've said, the oral steroid inhaler helps. If she doesn't have asthma, she has still been helped by the treatment. If she is developing asthma, treating her early can go far in preventing or slowing the permanent lung damage that can occur as asthma progresses.

The steps you have taken are all excellent. If you combine these with the other measures against house dust mites listed above, that should certainly go a long way toward helping your grandchild breathe easier.

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