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Allergy Symptoms in Kids

Many of you may experience allergy symptoms. There are a variety of allergies and symptoms, and as a parent, you should be aware of the different types of allergies that may affect your child. This knowledge will help you differentiate between an allergic reaction and a cold. If you are able to identify your child's allergic reaction and its source, you can decrease the number of these reactions.

  1. What Are Allergies?

    • Allergies come as a result of a disorder of the immune system. Allergies are usually indicated by hypersensitivity to certain allergens. Your child may be exposed to an allergen by consuming it, touching it or inhaling it. The body reacts to exposure to an allergen by releasing histamine into the affected area. The results of this release produce the symptoms of your child's allergy.

    Contact Allergy

    • A contact allergic reaction is generally the result of contacting an allergen with your skin. The reaction is usually indicated by an itchy rash, or red patches or bumps on the area of skin that touched the allergen. Some of the causes of contact allergies are dyes, chemicals and environmental stimuli such as poison ivy. Because children touch everything, it may be difficult to identify the source of the allergy. There are many tests available to identify the sources of contact allergies.

    Allergic Rhinitis

    • This allergic reaction comes when your child inhales an allergen. Your child may have seasonal allergies to pollen and spores that result in allergic rhinitis. This reaction can also happen year-round due to exposure to pet dander, dust or even certain insects, such as roaches. The symptoms of this allergic reaction include sneezing; red, itchy eyes; congestion; or a runny nose. Your child may be experiencing seasonal allergic rhinitis if his symptoms worsen while he is outside or with the season changes. Your child may be experiencing environmental allergic rhinitis if her symptoms worsen while indoors or during housecleaning.

    Hives

    • Hives can be caused by many different allergic reactions. They look like red splotches and cover large areas of the body. Food allergies will often result in hives. Some common food allergens are nuts, dairy and shellfish. Hives tell you that some stimuli have caused an internal allergic reaction. Insect bites, medication allergies and even stress may cause hives in your child. Repeated incidences of hives may indicate the need for a doctor visit. The usual treatment for hives is an antihistamine.

    Asthma and Allergies

    • Asthma caused by allergies is the most common source of asthma in the United States. Contact, food and airborne allergies can all result in asthma symptoms. Allergies can result in asthma symptoms because allergies inflame the same areas that result in asthma symptoms. Allergies can irritate the airway, also causing asthma attacks. With the inflamed airway can come tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and wheezing, which are indications of an asthma attack. By avoiding allergens that trigger your child's asthma, you can help to avoid these attacks.

      There are many symptoms of allergies and many treatments. By becoming aware of your child's allergens and avoiding regular contact with them, you can lessen the severity and frequency of allergy attacks.

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