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Signs & Symptoms of Allergies in Toddlers

The problem with diagnosing a health problem in a toddler is the child's inability to communicate how he feels. Often several different conditions may have similar symptoms, making it quite confusing to figure out the problem without a trip to the doctor. Allergies are a common problem among children of all ages, and it may be possible to differentiate the symptoms from common cold symptoms if you know what to look for.

  1. Longer Duration

    • A cold tends to look a lot like an allergy in toddlers. The coughing, runny nose and general feeling of fatigue and fussiness can be contributed to either one. However, there is one telltale sign that will make it obvious that it is not simply a cold. The sign is time. A cold generally lasts from a week to 10 days, according to BabyCenter.com. If symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, it is unlikely that the common cold is the cause. Allergies stick around as long as the irritant is around them. Particularly bad seasonal allergies could begin in the early spring and last until the end of the fall.

    Consistent Stuffy or Runny Nose

    • If a toddler's nose tends to be stuffy or runny most of the time, then allergies may be the problem. Toddlers with allergies will have trouble breathing out of the nose and will often breath through the mouth until it becomes habit. The child may also use his finger to push upward on the end of his nose quite frequently to provide relief.

    Color Of Mucus

    • With a runny nose, a toddler is going to need a consistent wipe to keep mucus off clothes, hands and anything he touches. Notice the color of the mucus and see if it is thick and yellow or green. If it is, then it may be an infection of some kind. However, if it is thin and primarily clear then allergies are likely the culprit, according to BabyCenter.com.

    Sneezing

    • Just like adults, toddlers will have a sneezing reaction to the things his body is trying to reject. If a toddler tends to sneeze a lot, especially in certain circumstances, it may be an easy allergy diagnosis. In addition, it'll probably become somewhat obvious as to what he is allergic too.

    Eye Symptoms

    • A toddler's eyes will often be red from rubbing and the eyeballs may be glassy or even tearful. Severe allergies may also produce what is known as allergic shiners, which are dark circles under the eyes, according to BabyCenter.com.

    Food Allergies

    • If an allergic reaction happens after the toddler eats a new food, it is a cause for immediate concern. In extreme cases anaphylaxis can occur, which can be deadly in some cases. The swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, quickly developing skin rashes or boils or shock may result from a food that a child is allergic to. These symptoms should be responded to immediately and severe reactions require immediate medical care. This reaction is also sometimes associated with insect stings or penicillin, according to eMedicineHealth.com.

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