Help Your Child Breathe Easier: Home Care Tips for Allergic Rhinitis
My Son’s Rhinitis Journey (And What Helped)
Did you know that allergic rhinitis can run in families? Research shows that if one parent has an allergy, there’s a 30–50% chance their child will too. And if both parents have allergies, that risk can be even higher.
In our family, my husband has both rhinitis and sinusitis, and I’ve developed a dust allergy—which is technically a form of allergic rhinitis—after moving to a more humid environment. I never had these symptoms growing up, but the change in climate really triggered mine.
Even though his symptoms aren’t severe, it breaks my heart every time I see him rubbing his eyes or struggling to sleep well. As parents, we know how important restful sleep is for growing kids—both for their focus during the day and their long-term development.
I tried all the usual tricks—humidifiers, hanging laundry in his room, changing pillowcases and bedsheets regularly—but the symptoms kept coming back, no matter how clean I kept the room and bedding. In fact, I later learned that too much humidity can actually worsen the problem by promoting mold and dust mites.
Then I came across an interview with an allergist from Seoul Asan Medical Center, and what he explained made so much sense. I’ve since started applying his tips at home—and while my son’s symptoms haven’t disappeared, they’ve definitely improved.
I haven’t taken him for allergy testing yet (he’s still too young for the skin prick test), but I plan to when he turns five.
So today, I wanted to share what I’ve learned. Because if you’re going through something similar—you’re not alone.
Help Your Child Breathe Easier: Home Care Tips for Allergic Rhinitis
Reduce symptoms like itchy eyes and stuffy noses—starting with the bed they sleep in.
Does your child wake up congested, sneezing, or rubbing their eyes? If so, they might be dealing with allergic rhinitis, which is common in children and often triggered by dust mites hiding in bedding and soft furnishings.
While air purifiers and humidifiers can help, the most effective allergy relief often starts with how you clean and care for your home—especially your child’s sleeping space.
🌬️ Be Mindful of Humidity
When your child’s nose feels dry, it’s natural to reach for the humidifier. Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 40–50% is ideal.
But here’s the important part:
Too much humidity (over 60%) creates the perfect environment for dust mites and mold, both of which can worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma. Monitor your room humidity with a hygrometer if possible.
🛏️ Dust Mites: The Hidden Trigger
Dust mites are microscopic creatures (about 0.3 mm) that feed on human skin flakes. They thrive in warm, humid places—especially bedding, pillows, and mattresses.
Studies show that up to 80% of children with year-round allergies are sensitive to dust mites. Their droppings and body parts can become airborne and trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.
Here’s what many people don’t realize:
It’s not the live dust mites that cause allergic reactions—but their waste and microscopic remains after they die.
As dust mites live, reproduce, and die, their bodies dry out and break into fine powder-like particles. These tiny particles float in the air and are a major trigger of allergic rhinitis—especially when they accumulate deep inside bedding and mattresses.
Even if your sheets look clean, dust mite debris can build up over time and become airborne with every toss and turn. That’s why consistent, high-temperature washing is key.
🔀 Wash your child’s bedding—sheets, pillowcases, and blankets—at 60°C weekly.
This temperature is proven to kill dust mites and rinse away allergens effectively. No need for strong detergents each time—just hot water is often enough.
If your child has frequent symptoms, consider using a breathable, allergen-blocking mattress cover as an added layer of protection. But the most important habit starts with deep-cleaning the bedding regularly.
✅ 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Dust Mites at Home
1. Wash Bedding in Hot Water (60°C+)
✔ Dust mites die at 55°C and above.
✔ Wash sheets, pillowcases & blankets weekly.
✔ Detergent isn’t always needed—hot water works on its own too.
2. Use Allergen-Proof Mattress & Pillow Covers
✔ Zip-up encasements made of tightly-woven, breathable material (like Tyvek) block allergens while allowing airflow.
✔ Wipe down dust-mite-proof mattress covers with a damp cloth each time you change the bedsheets, and replace the covers every 2–3 years for best protection.
3. Choose the Right Pillow
✔ Memory foam resists mites better than feather/cotton.
✔ Washable pillows are great—just ensure they can withstand high heat.
4. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter
✔ Regular vacuums may release allergens back into the air.
✔ HEPA filters trap microscopic debris—essential for allergy relief.
5. Use Air Purifiers as a Support Tool
✔ Great for pollen, pet dander & airborne allergens.
✔ But they can’t clean bedding—so think of them as a complement, not a solution.
👃 What About a Dry, Irritated Nose?
If your child’s nose is crusty or inflamed:
Saline nasal rinses or sprays are generally safe and gentle for young children and can help clean and moisturize their nasal passages. They help flush out irritants and relieve dryness without medication. For very young kids, saline sprays (which deliver a gentle mist) are often easier to use than rinses.
If dryness or irritation persists, it’s best to consult your pediatrician before using any medicated nasal sprays, as some are not recommended for young children.
Final Thoughts from Native Summer
At Native Summer, we know parenting is full of challenges—especially when it comes to our children’s health. That’s why we believe in sharing not just helpful products, but real-life tips that empower you to care for your child with confidence.
Small changes—like washing bedding in hot water or adjusting humidity—can make a big difference over time.
And even if you’re doing it all on your own (like I am), trust me: you’ve got this.
Let’s help our little ones sleep better and breathe easier—one day, one bedtime, one wash cycle at a time💛