Allergies in children are a common occurrence. The most common trigger that causes allergies are pollens, dust particles, certain food items, medicines etc. An allergy can be defined as the immune system’s reaction to an unknown or foreign substance. Usually, allergies can be treated with the help of medication and simple home remedies. However, in some severe cases, they might also turn out to be life-threatening. It has been stated that allergies are one of the most common reasons for children missing school (1). Read on to know more about allergies, causes, triggers, treatment options, and prevention techniques.
Types Of Allergies In Children
Allergies can be classified based on the part of the body affected and the mode of transmission of the allergen. Some major types of allergy that affect children are: We will tell you about each type of allergy, its causes, symptoms, and natural remedies.
Seasonal or Respiratory Allergies
Seasonal allergies may occur at any time of the year. They strike when the child gets exposed to environmental allergens including pollen, dust, smoke etc. These can affect around 40% of children (2).
Causes of seasonal allergies
The causes could vary from one child to another. Some of the basic ones are:
Pollen from grass and trees and exposure to pesticides and fertilizers could be the causes for seasonal allergies in spring (3).
Ragweed and grass are the primary triggers in summer for allergies (4). Pigweed, cocklebur, burning bush, tumbleweed, and lamb’s-quarters may lead to fall allergies (4). During colder days of winter, children are mostly indoors. Dust, latex in clothing, and mold are the common triggers for seasonal winter allergies (5). Hay fever is a common trigger for seasonal allergy. It could occur in any season. The pollen could be from weeds, grasses, and trees (6). Dust in the atmosphere, such as dust blowing in the sports field, smoke, or pollution smoke from vehicles. Dust in carpets, curtains, bedding, comforters. Animal fur, bird feathers and stuffed toys with fur. This is specially common in children playing with cats, dogs etc. Sometimes, allergic reaction occurs after the use of perfume, talcum powder, burning perfumed incense. Insect bites can cause a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies
The following are some of the common symptoms of seasonal allergies:
Sore throat
Sneezing and runny nose Watery eyes Congestion and chronic cough Dry and hacking cough, bouts of cough Itchy nose and eyes Blocked nose Wheezing, grunting Increased respiratory rate. Disturbed sleep and behavioral issues Fatigue Sinus and ear infections Asthma
Relief From Seasonal Allergies
Some of the remedies that may help provide relief to the child with seasonal or respiratory allergies(7).
Skin Allergies in Children
Skin is the largest organ of the body and it can be affected by allergens (8) (9).
Causes of skin allergies
Various substances and compounds could trigger an allergic reaction of the skin.
Symptoms of skin allergies
Some of the common signs of skin allergies are (10) (11):
Dry or itchy skin Redness on the skin
Rashes at the joints such as elbow, behind knees and ears, and on wrists White or red bumps called hives, develop on the body Change of skin color around lips, cheeks, or eyes Blisters or burning sensation The rash is maculo papular and blanches on pressing. It appears all over the body. It is important to differentiate this rash from chicken pox, measles etc. The child complains of intense itching.
Natural relief from skin allergies
Natural remedies may help treat some skin allergies or provide relief from the symptoms (11) (12) (13):
Food Allergies in Children
According to the Food Allergy Research & Education, one in 13 children in the US has a food allergy (14). When the child’s body reacts specifically to certain foods, it is called food allergy. It happens when the immune system confuses food compounds to be pathogens and mounts an immune response. Food allergies could range from mild to severe (life-threatening).
Causes of food allergies
Each child can be allergic to different food, but some foods cause allergies more commonly than others (15).
Milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and tree nuts may cause mild allergy symptoms. Peanuts, shellfish, and fish may cause severe symptoms in some children. Cow milk allergy. Gluten allergy.
Symptoms of food allergies
The symptoms of a food allergy may start within a few minutes or hours after eating the food. Mild symptoms could affect the nose, mouth, gut, or skin. Severe symptoms could affect the throat, lung, mouth, gut, skin, heart, or other organs (15).
Nausea, vomiting, cramps, and discomfort Vomiting and diarrhea Swelling and itchiness in the mouth, on the tongue, near lips, or in the throat Wheezing or difficulty in breathing Coughing or runny nose. Eczema or hives
Natural relief from food allergies
Other Allergies in Children
1. Pet allergy
Pet dander (such as fur, feathers, or flakes of skin), urine, and saliva could be potential allergens (16). The symptoms of pet allergy may include a skin rash, runny nose or sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, and itchy or red eyes. The treatment varies based on the severity of the symptoms. The mild ones may go away by washing hands with soap and water. Vacuuming and keeping the house clean can help get rid of the pet dander. However, the severe symptoms may be treated by allergy shots (prescribed by a doctor). The child should preferably avoid the pet to prevent allergies in the long run.
2. Medicine allergy
Certain medications could cause mild to severe allergic reactions in children. The symptoms may include pimples or redness from different kinds of steroids, purple or red rashes from antibiotics (that have phenolphthalein, tetracycline, or sulfa), purple area due to certain blood-thinners, and blisters due to sulfa, penicillin, or some antibiotics (17). Allergic reactions are very common with antibiotics mainly penicillin groups. Always note what drugs your child is allergic too and avoid it next time. Based on the severity of the symptom, drug allergies in children may be treated with epinephrine, antihistamines, or corticosteroids as prescribed by the doctor. If the medication is temporary, then the symptoms go away on suspending the dosage. Parents can also discuss with their child’s doctor about alternative medicines that are unlikely to trigger an allergy.
When To Call A Doctor?
It is good to see a doctor if your child shows severe symptoms of an allergy. Also, if natural allergy remedies do not provide relief, then consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
