Allergy In Children
Children who cough and sneeze, develop a stomachache, nausea or cramps, rashes, or hives after eating certain foods may have an allergy. These symptoms are quite discomforting, and no parent would like to see their child go through this frequently.
Any child can have allergies, but it is more common in children with a family history of allergies. Controlling everything your child eats or gets exposed to may be impossible, so monitoring the child’s symptoms is important.
Identifying allergies early in childhood will help improve the child’s quality of life, prevent spending most of your time caring for your child, and reduce the number of missed school.
Symptoms of allergy in children
Common symptoms of allergy in children include:
- Sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or coughing
- Hives or skin rashes (eczema or atopic dermatitis)
- Stomach upset
- Difficulty breathing (asthma)
Common triggers of allergy in children
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Outdoors
Common outdoor allergy triggers for children are insect stings or mites, and plant pollen
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Indoors
Mould, dust mites, animal or pet hair, or fur
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Foods
Eggs, milk and its products, peanuts
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Irritants
Perfume, car exhaust, cigarette smoke
If you think your child is allergic to something, schedule an appointment with an allergist and record the child’s symptoms and when they occur before the appointment.
Common conditions from allergy in children
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Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic rhinitis affects many children, accounting for most allergy cases in children. The symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion (blockage), postnasal drip, and an itchy nose. Children experiencing this allergy may develop red, itchy, watery eyes and chronic ear problems.
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Although the common name for allergic rhinitis is hay fever, it doesn’t occur from exposure to hay and does not cause fever.
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Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose in children often occurs from allergic reactions. Some children may have congested nose that prevents them from breathing properly, so they breathe through their mouth, especially while sleeping.
This may lead to restlessness at night, and breathing through the mouth can affect teeth growth and alter facial bones. Early treatment for allergies that cause nasal congestion may prevent further complications.
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Ear infections
Certain allergies can cause inflammation in the ear and accumulation of fluid, leading to decreased hearing and ear infections. A child with a hearing impairment while learning to talk may have speech issues. Allergies may also result in earaches, fullness and popping ears, and ear itching. Immediate care from an allergist is necessary if your child experiences these symptoms.
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Food allergies
Millions of children experience a form of food allergy. In some cases, sensitive babies may develop an allergy to food the mother eats while breastfeeding. Babies can undergo treatment for allergies, and the mother will need to avoid eating certain foods to relieve the baby.
The most common food allergies in children result from milk and peanuts. Other allergy triggers in children include fish, soy, eggs, shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab, and crayfish), wheat, and tree nuts like walnuts, pecans, and cashew.
The most severe allergic reactions are shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and peanuts. Allergies can last for a lifetime, but many children outgrow allergies to wheat, soy, milk, and eggs.
Parents who have children with food allergies should be aware of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that affects breathing, sends the body into shock, and causes a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Due to this condition, children with food allergies get a prescription for epinephrine that can be administered with an auto-injector immediately after symptoms occur.
Schools and allergies
Informing your child’s school of any severe allergy is important. Give the child’s school a copy of the required action plan for asthma and allergies. Ensure you describe the child’s access to medication such as epinephrine for when an emergency occurs.
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School pets
Pets in schools can cause an allergy. If your child experiences asthma or allergy symptoms while at school, such as sneezing, runny nose, a rash, coughing, or difficulty breathing, a class pet could be the cause.
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Physical education and asthma
Sports and physical education are vital aspects of a child’s school experience. A child with asthma doesn’t have to avoid physical activities completely. Children with allergies and asthma can participate in different sports, provided they follow the doctor’s advice.
Developing asthma symptoms during sports is a sign of poor control, so ensure your child regularly takes the asthma control medications. In most cases, the child will need to administer a prescribed inhaler before the activity to control the symptoms.
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Dust irritation
Children who have allergic reactions may have to sit far from the blackboard to prevent irritation from chalk dust.
If you notice an allergy in your child, feel free to visit Private Blood Tests London for an allergy test near me. Call us now on 020 7183 0244 for an appointment with our allergist. Our allergist will carry out the right diagnosis and offer suitable treatment for your child.