Common allergies in kids explained

Many parents would have been worried about the allergies in their children; it is quite common in children from families that have a history of such reactions. The child may sneeze or cough a lot or may develop rashes, hives, stomachache, cramps and nausea after eating certain foods. Identifying childhood allergies early helps improve the quality of life of the child, reduces number of missed school days and would help you avoid using sick time and vacation time caring for the child.

Showing up as rashes in the skin or hives, with or without difficulty in breathing, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes and a stomach upset, common allergens include outdoor ones like tree pollen, plant pollen, insect bites and stings, indoor pollutants like pet and animal hair and fur, dust mites and molds, other irritants like cigarette smoke, perfume and car exhaust and foods like peanuts, eggs, milk and milk products. Two of the most common food allergies in children include milk protein or cow milk allergy and nuts allergy.  

Children having milk allergy are given soy milk after consulting the doctor. However it is to be known that the mere avoidance of milk by the breastfeeding mother and child does not help; the baby could still experience allergy by taking foods like cereals, pasta, commercial baby foods, and bread and cakes that all contain milk. Consult a pediatrician regarding diagnosis of milk protein allergy.

Every 1 out of 100 children are affected by serious allergies to nuts that show up as asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergic conditions; the risk is higher in children that have a family history of these diseases. It is found that consumption of peanuts during pregnancy could make the baby born susceptible to this allergy; the same applies to consumption of nuts by the breastfeeding mother. However recent research indicates that nuts taken in moderation during pregnancy and breastfeeding do not affect the baby.

It would be now advisable to have a look at some of the allergic reactions that a child could have.

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is an allergy that shows up in children as a runny and itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion; the child could also have itchy, watery, red eyes and chronic ear problems.

Nasal congestion or stuffy nose, another allergic reaction makes the child breathe through his/her mouth especially while sleeping; the child would miss on good quality sleep until the congestion and breathing from the mouth is treated. Breathing from the mouth would affect the growth of bones in the face and teeth; this calls for early diagnosis and treatment.

Allergies that cause ear infections lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the ear that result in decreased hearing, and poor speech. Earache, itching in the ear, popping and fullness call for the prompt attention of an allergist.

A discussion of allergies would be incomplete without food allergies; more than 6 million children in US suffer from this allergy. This calls for breastfeeding mothers to avoid eating foods their babies are allergic to. The most common allergies among children are peanuts and milk, with other triggers being eggs, fish, shellfish, crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimp, soy, tree nuts like pecans, cashews and walnuts and wheat; severe allergies from peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish last a lifetime, while children outgrow the allergy for milk, eggs, soy and wheat.

Parents need to be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis in a child with food allergy; it could cause impaired breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and send a body into shock; they are prescribed epinephrine to be administered with an auto-injector as soon as symptoms develop.

Inform your child’s school about his/her allergy and also give a copy of your child’s action plan to the school nurse or the administrative office. Discuss your child’s access to medication, including epinephrine in case of an emergency.

School pets that are furry could also cause allergic reaction in children that show up as allergy or asthma symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, a rash, runny nose or sneezing in school. Preventing allergies in school also means avoiding dust irritation by sitting away from the blackboard to avoid irritation from chalk dust.

Physical education and sports form an important part of a school day; if your child has asthma symptoms ensure that your child is taking the prescribed controller asthma medications on a regular basis, with medication administered by an inhaler prescribed to be used before exercise to control symptoms.

To conclude it is very important to make an appointment with an allergist in case you suspect your child has an allergy. Maintain an allergy diary helps to keep track of what symptoms your child experiences and the allergens.

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