My baby is 4 months old and she is having an allergic reaction to dust and cats what should I do to help her?

Question

We live out in the country next to a gravel road and the dust is bad. I dust all the time but she still has a hard time breathing on a windy day. Her father's mother has 3 cats and constantly insists on holding the baby and she is always covered in cat fur. I just really need to know what to do and if maybe there is medicine that I can give the little one or if she is just going to have to suffer until she is old enough to take benydril.

Answer 1

consider getting a hepa air purifyer especially one for her bedroom. Also check with your pediatrician - there may be other factors in the reactions other than allergy (better to be safe). As for the grandmother - time to get firm with her. Your baby's health is more important.

Answer 2

Do you have central a/c? If so, keep your windows closed and buy one of those special furnace filters that traps 99% of allergens. There's nothing quite like fresh air (I LOVE the way the house smells when the windows have been opened all day after having the heat/air conditioner on for a long period), but if it means that the dust in the fresh air will make her sick, you'll have to make some sacrifices.

Try buying a different vacuum cleaner, too. I believe Dyson makes one specifically for people with allergies. I know they make one for pet hair, too. You obviously can't vacuum the cats into it (LOL) but it would at least help with the hair on the furniture and carpet.

For people who have never had allergies, they don't understand how completely miserable it can be to suffer with them. Do you live with your boyfriend's mother? If that's the case, you can't exactly ask her to get rid of her cats since it's her house. If she lives with you, then tell her the cats have to go, or she has to go. I know that sounds harsh, but to me, human life is more sacred than an animal's life.

Have you actually taken her to the doctor to make sure these are real allergies? If not, I suggest that. Many adult medicines can be given to infants safely. My younger son was on Zantac (for acid reflux) starting when he was only a few weeks old. The same may hold true for allergy medications. It's best to ask your doctor.

Answer 3

Good that you have noticed the symptoms early. I'm not a doctor nor do i have a history of allergies so my knowledge is from books only.
I'd advise you to maintain a dust-free and cat-free room purely for the little-one and clean it twice a day. keep all the windows closed during the day and open them in the evening when the traffic (or wind in your case) dies down. Try to install dust-filters on your windows. Tell your MIL about the cat problem.

The problem is genetic or temporary, i cannot tell. Dont lose hope that all allergies are really allergies. Most babies have sensitive skin and lungs, we just have to take good care of them.

Answer 4

As someone who has had allergies and asthma since infancy I can identify. However, all of the dust and dander will work like immunizations in her little system. As a child I would have horrible asthma attacks after playing with my aunt's rabbits -- now I run a rabbit rescue.
I agree a filter system would help and also have your mother in law just change shirts before holding the baby. I had to have a talk with my mother in law about bathing in perfume for the same reason. Also talk to your pediatrician as there might be something she can start taking now.

Answer 5

Take her to the Dr.

Get an air purifier.

Get allergen reducing air filters for your AC.

Don't dust with a feather duster. Try using a vacuum cleaner attachment and damp cloths.

Tell Grandma that she her cat covered clothes may be making the baby ill. Have her bring a change of clothes to your home that you wash, dry, and keep there so there will be no cat hair on them..

Answer 6

I would talk to her doctor if you have not already. Remember she is your child it is our job to protect them if her grandma doesn't understand that she has allergies then you need to explain it to her again and nicely. Just tell her she can't hold the baby unless she changes her shirt and washes her hands, maybe if she realizes how sick the baby is she will listen, I am sure she does not want to put the baby at risk! Also get an air purifier that is designed for allergies, talk to an allergist you can find one in the yellow pages under doctors I am sure they can help. Also if you have a health food store near you, you can purchase natural remedies for her, i know a lot of people are skeptical about natural remedies I was too until I tried gripe water for my little guy and it helped. I hope I was able to help you.

Answer 7

She is too young to take benedryl. Do you have central a/c? If so you should keep all the windows and doors closed and use the a/c. Keep a pet hair roller handy for people with lots of pet hair or you can drape the mom with a blanket before she holds the baby. Hope this helps

Answer 8

First, talk to a doctor.

But in general, vacuum your house well. When driving, keep the air on and windows closed, or put a loose blanket over her carseat (breathable, but so it will keep dust out). Ask anyone who has handled cats to please wash their hands if they want to hold the baby - insist on it for the baby's health. Wash all clothes and toys regularly.

Answer 9

If the grandmother insists on holding her, knowing of her allergy, then you need to insist she "de-fur" herself. You also need to get an appointment with your pediatrician and insist that your daughter be referred to an allergy specialist so they can verify her allergies. As for medicines, the trip to the ped/allergist will solve that issue. They will be able to give you the correct medications for her. Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 10

change your furnace filter regularly! this cuts down on household allergens greatly. this is a little too much maybe, but having grandma keep a clean set of clothes at your house to put on when she comes over? and clean clean clean, because it really does make a difference in allergies if you have vacuumed and swept, dusted every day!it's a lot to have to do but it's worth it.