How to Know If Your Child Has Allergies?

Identifying if your child has allergies can be easy to spot. The allergy will vary by person depending on what your child is allergic to. Seasonal allergies mean you experience allergic reactions to an allergen often found in the home or outdoors. The onset of seasonal allergies depends on your geographical location. Seasonal allergies are more prevalent during the spring and fall. A food allergy means that you are allergic to certain foods or an ingredient within the food.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe your child after he's been introduced to new allergens. For example, if he eats something and breaks out in hives, he could be allergic to that food or an ingredient within the food. Another example would be if you've taken your child outdoors for the first time and you notice that he is sniffling more when he comes back in, he may have seasonal allergies. There is a wide range of reactions to these allergens. Everyone may experience different reactions.

• 2

  Watch to see if your child is sneezing or coughing more. If you notice that your child is sneezing more often than usual, he could possibly have an allergy to something in the home or outside of the home. Observe the times that your child is sneezing most and look for any common allergens as named above. Make an appointment with your child's doctor and explain your observations and his symptoms. For example, if you notice that he is sneezing every time the cat is in the room, then stops sneezing when the cat leaves, he may be allergic to the cat's fur.

• 3

  Check to see if your child has a runny nose. If you notice that your child constantly has a runny nose, he could be allergic to something in the environment. Observe when his nose runs most often. Does he have a runny nose after using a certain perfumed lotion? If so, he could possibly be having a reaction to that specific product. If you think the lotion caused a reaction, make sure to let your doctor know. If this happens each time he uses that particular lotion, then most likely he is having a reaction. Discontinue use and inform his doctor.

• 4

  Observe if your child has itchy, watery eyes. If your child starts complaining of itchy, watery eyes, you will want to visit his doctor. The eyes may become irritated from allergens, such as pollen, dirt, dust, animal fur, grass and many other environmental allergens. Sometimes, the eyes may appear to be red and swollen as well. If this is the case, make sure your child does not rub his eyes because it could cause further irritation.

• 5

  Watch for common foods that may cause an allergic reaction. Some foods, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, wheat, eggs and seafood are pretty common. Introducing foods one at a time when a child is young will help you determine which foods he's allergic to. Do this by introducing only one to two new foods each week, allowing at least 3 days between each new food. This way, if the child has a reaction, you will know exactly what caused the reaction. Talk to your doctor about how soon to introduce your child to certain foods. Some foods should not be introduced until a certain age. Call 911 immediately if your child has breathing problems after ingesting food. Be able to tell the medical staff exactly what the child consumed and the quantity. Inform your physician and any family members who care for your child of these food allergies. You should also write a letter to your child's day care provider or school to inform them of the allergies.