Pediatric Allergies: Symptoms
Allergies in children come with different signs of sickness and severities. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 50 million Americans struggle with allergies every year.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts adversely to allergens. Allergens are normal everyday substances that most people are unharmed by. They include but are not restricted to foods, medications, pollen, and bee stings.
Allergens come in different forms and are prevalent around us. Knowing the signs of common pediatric allergies can lead to early control and prevention.
Therefore, it is important to look out for common allergic symptoms that your child may have. The following are common child allergies and their symptoms.
Seasonal Allergies in Kids
Often known as ‘hay fever’ and ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’, seasonal allergies are one of the most common pediatric allergies. They are a common occurrence in children and affect more than 6 million American children every year.
Seasonal allergies in kids recur at the same time each year. They are caused by spores and pollen from molds and plants, mostly from late March to September. This is because, during these months, the pollen count is at its highest because of favorable climate.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics are:
-Conjunctivitis – persistent runny and itchy red eyes
-Coughing
-Nasal congestion
-Runny nose
-Sneezing
-Itchy throat and /or nose
If your child experiences wheezing and shortness of breath along with the symptoms above, call for immediate medical attention.
Child Seasonal Allergy Treatment
Seasonal allergies can turn into asthma if untreated. Your local Pediatrician should be able to help you best manage your child’s allergies. In serious cases, you may be referred to an Allergist.
Skin Allergy in Kids
Your child’s skin is a major part of their immunity. It may react adversely to allergens.
Skin allergies are very easy to identify. They are common in the form of eczema. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 10% of children worldwide have eczema.
These allergies also appear in the form of hives and rashes. These symptoms are often triggered by touching allergens. Skin allergies often affect the sleep of your child. It may initiate a pediatric sleep disorder if neglected.
Skin Allergy Symptoms
The following symptoms signify a skin allergy in child:
-Red scaly patches
-Itchy skin
-Skin Rashes
-Thick Leathery Skin Patches
-Hives
-Swelling
-Dehydrated skin
Red scaly patches with dryness often indicate eczema. Eczema is one of the most common skin allergies in kids. Symptoms triggered as a result of touching allergens include thick leathery patches and skin rash.
Child Skin Allergy Treatment
To control skin allergies, keep your child’s skin clean and hydrated. Doctors often prescribe a steroid cream for application. Since skin allergies affect pediatric sleep, an antihistamine may be prescribed as well.
Food Allergies in Children
According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), around 4-6% American children have food allergies. Unlike food intolerance, food allergies are a result of an abnormal immune response. Food allergies affect a number of bodily organs. They are common in young children.
Most food allergies are caused by the following 8 food items:
-Milk
-Eggs
-Peanuts
-Tree nuts (for example almonds, cashews, walnuts)
-Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
-Shellfish (like crab, lobster, shrimp)
-Soy
-Wheat
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, a piece as small as 1/44000 of a peanut can trigger food allergies in some children. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify food allergies in children for safety.
The severity and location of such allergies vary from child to child.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Since the location of food allergy varies, there are a series of symptoms your child may display. Often the following four main body parts/systems are attacked:
-Skin
-Gastrointestinal Tract
-Cardiovascular System
-Respiratory Tract
The following are the most common food allergy symptoms in children:
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Cramps
-Hives
-Swelling
-Eczema
-Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
-Itching or tightness in the throat
-Difficulty breathing
-Wheezing
-Lowered blood pressure
If your child experiences any of the following, immediately seek medical help.
Child Food Allergy Treatment
After a series of elimination diet plans, skin, and blood testing, one may identify the source of food allergies. The treatment of a food allergy requires abstinence from the allergen. However, medicines may be used for treating symptoms.
Pediatric Allergy Treatment at Kids Health Alliance
Our team of Medical Professionals at Kids Health Alliance offers Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy. If you believe that your child may be dealing with allergies, we would gladly help you identify the causes and best courses of treatment. Visit www.ocalapediatrician.com for more information or to schedule your first appointment.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805592/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/food-allergies-in-children
https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=5dbd67a7-f210-405d-ba37-47471b898dbd
https://www.healthline.com/health/common-childrens-allergies
Next Post