J. - your story hits so close to home for me. I worked for four years to help my daughter reduce her allergy and asthma symptoms, and with much success. I did this too, alone, as I'm divorced and her father doesn't believe she has allergies, asthma, etc. In other words, what I did was only part-time (as she's with her dad often) - and the good news is it still worked.
** Also, I should note I'm in my 40s. When I was 5 yrs old, my parents were told I was a mess (alergic to everything, needing shots, having asthma, etc.) Basically, I'd need to live in a bubble. My mom was amazinging unconventional for that time and tried something - she had me go to a chiropractor for treatments. I went 2x a week for six months. Today, I have no astma (I run, play sports, bike, etc.) I rarely get sick and have no allergies around animals, food, etc. That certainly put me on a different path to help my daughter - here's more...
First, I contacted Dr. Boxer, an incredible pediatric allergist in Skokie. I have no idea if he is still around. There may be others in Illinois. I used Dr. Rapp's website - she's amazing too - to find such resources. Anyway, here's the method of treatment that has worked wonders for my daughter (now 8 yrs old)
- Naprapathic treatment. Unlike chiropractors, these folks loosen and adjust muscles, no cracking or snapping. I had my child visit a few times and they are able to open up her lungs, etc. It's amazing. I go to the Francis/Dudek group in Harwood Hgts, IL
- I also give my daugher a vibrator treatment on her back when I see the onset of a hard time. (You can get these fun vibrators at CVS, Walgreens.)It relaxes the back muscles and opens up the lungs. I'm told that when the allergies kick-in with the coughing, we constrict our back which constricts our lungs. By relaxing the back muscles, the lungs open up even more - allowing more air in, etc. This works!
- I've boosted her immune system with Colostrum and Vitamin C. I also give her childrens Allergy relief by NatraBio (whole foods, Mertz) and the homeopathic tablets from Boiron (the ones for stuffy nose, coughing, etc.) I also rub vicks on the bottom of her feet - really - and it reduces the coughing that accompanies allergies.
- Finally, I've learned that allergies can also be set off by stress. Well, that one I deal with in numerous ways!
I hope this is helpful.