by Victoria Rose Perkins

Created on: April 04, 2009

To help your child avoid asthma triggers, it is imperative to know exactly what the triggers are that cause the attacks. To this end, your child needs to have complete allergy testing performed by a certified asthma and allergy specialist. This is what is known as the "scratch test".

There are two places on the body that the tests can be performed on. One is the lower part of inside both arms, or on the child's back. The younger the child, the more apt the tests will be performed on the back.

The specialist will first swab the area to clean the skin's surface. A special tool to scratch open the top layer of the epidermis (skin) can add up be a total of 60 scratches. Adults usually have the test done all in one visit. A child may take several, spread out visits. The scratch testing is done so skillfully, it is painless.

Next, a drop of the offending allergen will be placed on each scratch mark. Within 20 minutes, all areas that produce an itchy slightly raised red bump, will indentify the exact allergen/s that trigger the asthma attacks. The tests are accurate and will provide you with the information you need to begin a prevention plan.

Some of the things your child will be tested for: dogs, cats, horses, birds, various tree pollens, grass pollen, dust mites, molds, etc.

AVOIDING THE TRIGGERS:

1. Most asthmatics are allergic to dust and dust mites. To prevent attacks, get rid of any carpeting in the home, especially in the child's bedroom. Even with a hepa-filtered vaccuum cleaner, dust particles still settle on furniture and most surfaces. In fact, regular carpet cleaning does not get rid of all dust mites.

2. You should purchase special mattress covers and pillow case covers which prevent dust mites from escaping and being breathed in when the child sleeps. These are easily found online. Price ranges between $75-$150.

3. Some people think if they take a cat or dog out of the room, the child will be OK. This is a huge mistake. It is not the dog or the cat that triggers the asthma attack, rather its the cat and dog dander that is the culprit. Animal danders easily get air-borne and will eventually settle on furniture and curtains. When someone sits down, the unseen dander gets back in the air. Once breathed in, an attack is sure to follow.

4. Keep your child indoors when the lawn is being mowed. If your child has seasonal allergies (Spring and/or Fall) it is impossible to avoid all pollens. However, there are medications to help reduce the allergic reaction to these

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