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Common Allergies in Children to Watch Out For
Dec 02, 2022
Allergies in kids show up with all sorts of symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, itching, etc. These symptoms also vary in severity and tend to change all the time. Allergens are lurking around everywhere and can even sneak into the school lunch of your child. Even weather changes can cause allergies in kids. As a responsible parent, you should look out for signs of the most common allergies in kids. If you do notice any symptom, it is probably the time to visit the best pediatrician.
If your child does have an allergy, you should know that he/she is not the only one. A vast majority of people in Chennai have allergies, which usually show up in childhood or infancy. Allergies can hinder your kid's ability to function well in school, sleep properly, and even play. You need to know exactly what to look out for and how to determine if the symptoms your child is showing is that of an allergy.
Note: Some children may also demonstrate an inability to tolerate citrus foods.
The Rising Prevalence of Pediatric Allergies
Food and skin allergies in children have grown in prevalence over recent years. Respiratory allergies, which are most common among kids, have been occurring at somewhat a similar rate over the years. The prevalence of allergies also tends to vary with age:- Younger Children: Skin allergies and skin-related symptoms are much more common.
- Older Children: Respiratory allergies and symptoms like wheezing become more frequent.
What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?
If your kid is allergic to a certain substance, which could be normal for others but not for his/her body, the immune system tries to defend against the substance. The immune systems react to the substance as it would if it were fighting a foreign invader, triggering an allergic reaction. The offending substance, known as an allergen, can be pet dander, pollen from trees or grass, or even food.Basic Signs and Common Triggers
If your kid has itchy, runny, swollen, or red eyes that don't get better for over a couple of weeks, or a chronic runny nose, your child might have allergies. Other subtle signs include scratching the ears or experiencing a tingle or an itch in the throat or mouth. These are typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Pay close attention if these signs recur every year around the same time.Common Allergic Triggers
- Outdoors: Plant pollen, tree pollen, insect stings, or insect bites.
- Indoors: Animal or pet fur, pet hair, mold, and dust mites.
- Irritants: Perfumes, car exhaust, and cigarette smoke.
- Foods: Eggs, peanuts, milk, and milk products.
4 Most Common Types of Childhood Allergies
1. Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)
Commonly known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies affect over six million children every year. These happen during seasonal changes when outdoor molds release spores and grasses, weeds, or trees release pollen into the air.Symptoms to Watch For:
- Sudden and persistent sneezing
- Nasal congestion and a clear, runny nose
- Itchy throat and/or nose
- A hacking, dry cough accompanied by clear mucus
- Red, itchy, and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
2. Skin Allergies
The skin is the largest organ of the body and an active part of the immune system. Around 10% of children globally experience eczema, while many others experience allergic hives, swelling, and rashes.Common Categories of Skin Allergies:
- Eczema: Red, scaly, and dry patches that cause intense itching.
- Contact Dermatitis (Allergic Rash): Redness, severe itching, and thick, scaly patches that develop over time after touching an allergen.
- Hives and Swelling: Red welts appearing on the skin that can range in size from the tip of a pen to a large dinner plate.
3. Food Allergies
Food allergies involve an immune system reaction that affects multiple organs, which makes them distinctly different from a food intolerance. Intestinal issues like repeated incidents of diarrhea, frequent stomach cramps, excessive fatigue, or unexplained headaches can all indicate a food allergy. It may also affect your child's behavior, making them unusually restless or crabby. The following eight foods contribute to as much as 90% of all childhood food allergies:| Allergen Group | Common Examples & Hidden Sources |
| Dairy & Eggs | Milk, milk products, and eggs. |
| Tree Nuts & Peanuts | Peanuts (can be found in cereals), almonds, walnuts, and cashews. |
| Seafood | Fish (bass, flounder, cod) and shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster). |
| Wheat & Soy | Wheat and soy (often hidden in thickeners or flavorings inside processed foods). |
Outgrowing Food Allergies
Fortunately, many children eventually outgrow their food allergies. Clinical tracking shows:- 80% of children outgrow milk allergies.
- 80% of children outgrow soy or wheat allergies by age 5.
- Two-thirds (66%) of children outgrow egg allergies.
- 20% of children outgrow peanut allergies.
- 10% of children outgrow tree nut allergies.
4. Pet Allergies
Symptoms can be provoked by household pets, even those that are short-haired and do not shed. The allergy is not caused by the animal's fur alone, but rather by its saliva, dead skin cells (dander), and urine. If your child sneezes or wheezes after playing with a pet, they should be evaluated for pet allergies.Diagnosis and Clinical Treatment
If you suspect your child has allergies, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician. The doctor will evaluate their medical history, track symptom timing, and perform a physical exam.- Diagnostic Testing: If a definitive diagnosis cannot be made initially, the pediatrician will recommend allergy skin tests or blood tests and refer you to a specialist allergist.
- Skin Allergy Care: Many skin reactions can be managed by keeping the skin clean, healthy, and properly moisturized. If symptoms persist, doctors may prescribe a specialized topical cream or an oral antihistamine to control itching and improve sleep.
- Food Allergy Management: An allergist can pinpoint exact triggers using blood tests, skin prick tests, and structured elimination diets.
Managing Allergies at School and Home
While it is impossible to shield your child from allergens entirely, establishing a clear management plan will drastically minimize exposure and alleviate discomfort.Navigating the School Environment
- Inform the School: Share a comprehensive allergy action plan with the administrative office and the school nurse. If your child has severe allergies or asthma, discuss immediate access to emergency medications like adrenaline or epinephrine.
- Classroom Pets: Animals kept in classrooms can trigger asthma, coughing, rashes, or breathing difficulties. Alert teachers if your child has a known pet allergy.
- Chalk Dust Irritation: Have your child sit further away from the blackboard to avoid inhaling loose chalk dust.
- Physical Education: Asthma should not keep children out of sports. Ensure your child takes their prescribed controller medications regularly. Symptoms triggered during exercise often indicate poor control, which can be managed by using a rescue inhaler before physical activity.
At-Home Prevention Strategies
- Inform Peers and Caregivers: Make sure friends, classmates' parents, and grandparents understand your child's allergy triggers and know what to do in an emergency.
- Practice Regular Washing: Help your child build a habit of washing their hands and face immediately after coming home. They should also change into fresh clothes to remove outdoor pollen or dander.
- Have Open Discussions: Talk to your child directly about their allergies. When they understand what causes their symptoms, they can proactively avoid stray animals, dust, or risky foods.
- Prioritize Sufficient Sleep: Chronic allergy symptoms can disrupt rest, causing daytime fatigue and poor school performance. Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep to help their immune system recover.
