Their parents are told to replace the bedding with synthetic pillows and blankets. A study of 475 English children with asthma found that the most prevalent risk factors for asthma attacks were pet ownership and nonfeather bedding. Insignificant factors were parental smoking, gas cooking, and mold growth in the child's room. Synthetic bedding may contain hazardous volatile organic compounds. These compounds irritate the mucosal membranes of the nose, making them more permeable to inhaled allergens.
More allergens mean more asthmatic symptoms and breathing problems.
PediaTrick Heating A Hot Ear One way to lessen the midnight ear pain of a child with an ear infection is to blow warm air into the ailing ear. A hair dryer set at low heat and speed does a good job. If a hair dryer isn't available, a few drops of warmed mineral placed in the ailing ear may be equally effective. The warmth usually lessens the pain so the child can sleep until the next morning. If the pain persists, the child soon be seen by his doctor.