Signs of Allergies in Kids Q&A

It is common for children of all ages to suffer from allergies. Children with allergies often experience runny noses and congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, a skin rash, itchy throats and ears, and difficulty breathing. Children may need several exposures to an allergen before they develop an allergic reaction to it.
 
Allergies can develop gradually over time. If a child has a food allergy, they may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms of allergies can range from mild to severe, and the severity of symptoms depends on the allergen and the child’s sensitivity.

The majority of kids develop allergies between the ages of 3 and 5, although allergies can develop at any age. Having a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema may increase the likelihood that a child will develop allergies. Preventing allergic reactions begins with identifying potential allergens in the child’s environment. Common children’s allergies include but are not limited to, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and certain foods.

Colds and allergies can cause similar symptoms in children, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. However, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Colds typically last between a week and ten days, while allergies can last for weeks or even months. Colds can cause a low-grade fever, while allergies don’t usually cause one.
 
Mucus from a cold may be thick, yellow, or green, while mucus from allergies is usually clear or thin. Colds do not usually cause itchy, watery eyes, while allergies do. A cold may cause a productive cough with phlegm, while allergies do not typically cause coughing.

Food allergies are among the most common types of allergies affecting children. Children are most likely to be allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Food allergies can cause symptoms such as hives, swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. Children with food allergies should avoid the allergen and carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure.
 
Another common type of allergy in children is a seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Airborne allergens such as pollen, grass, and weeds cause seasonal allergies. A runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes are some of the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are two common treatments for seasonal allergies.
 
Children are also prone to allergies to pets, such as dogs and cats. There are a number of symptoms of pet allergies, such as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Avoiding contact with the pet and keeping the home clean can help reduce symptoms of pet allergies. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended to help reduce the severity of symptoms over time.
 
Another type of allergy common in children is dust mite allergy. There are tiny creatures called dust mites that live in household dust and can cause allergies in some children. Allergies to dust mites can cause sneezing, runny or stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and rashes on the skin. In order to reduce dust mite allergies, bedding should be washed in hot water regularly and vacuumed frequently.
 
Insect sting allergies are less common in children but can be very serious. Some children may develop allergies to insect stings, such as those from bees, wasps, or hornets. Symptoms of an insect sting allergy may include hives, swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.
 
Allergy testing and treatment for children are available at Piniella Asthma + Allergy. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.