Patients with severe asthma or reactions to insect bites should carry emergency kits. Desensitization may be indicated for frequent or severe allergic attacks. Medical alert jewelry should list allergies and symptoms along with the hemoglobinopathy. Education involves careful coaching about the avoidance of allergens in foods or the environment. Avoiding smoking, keeping the house dust free, and use of hypoallergenic bedding needs to be stressed.
House pets are to be discouraged.
In Current Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment. Hathaway WE, Groothuis JR, Hay WW, and Paisley eds. Allergic Diseases from Infancy to Adulthood. Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology.