When your body reacts adversely to harmless substances like pollen and soy, you are said to have an allergy. Most adults with allergies are aware of their symptoms and triggers because they have had them for a while. But, for children, you do not know they are allergic to something until they show symptoms. And, even then, you have to monitor them to determine the exact cause of the allergy. This situation makes childhood allergies very serious, and treatment centers like Garland Pediatric Practice are very important in helping solve the issues. Allergies can harm your child even before you realize what is happening. If you have noticed worrying symptoms like rashes, coughing, and wheezing from your child, here is a look at five allergies that could be causing them.
Seasonal Allergies
Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are characterized by an adverse reaction to pollen produced by plants or trees. Seasonal allergies are more common in some seasons than others, depending on the plants causing them. Overall, most children with seasonal allergies react negatively to different grasses and oak, cedar, birth, or ragweed trees. During allergy season, they may experience excessive itchiness, congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Food Allergies
Statistics show that about 1 in every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. The mechanism for food allergies is similar to seasonal allergies, except your child’s immune system is reacting adversely to certain foods. Most commonly, children are allergic to shellfish, milk, peanuts, and soy, although other food allergies exist. The symptoms can vary from a mild skin rash or scratchy throat to anaphylaxis. The latter is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies are similar to seasonal allergies, except they are triggered by things in your child’s environment. This goes beyond pollen in the air and can include pet dander, insect stings, and certain materials like latex. In most cases, environmental allergies involve pets. In fact, about 3 in every 10 people in the US with allergies identify the cause as cats and dogs. Cat allergies are twice as common as their counterparts, but both can cause eye irritation, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
Drug Allergies
Drug allergies are very rare, but they do happen, usually in one of two ways. The most common drug allergy is a true immune response to drugs and occurs when your child reacts adversely to medication. Alternatively, your child may experience a non-allergic reaction where their symptoms are a side effect of the drug and not an immune system reaction. You can identify a drug allergy in your child if they vomit, develop hives, swell, or faint upon ingesting a new medication.
Other Allergies
Like adults, your child may also be allergic to other objects and materials around them. For example, they may react adversely to latex, dust, certain soaps and lotions, and more. The best way to handle these allergies is to identify the cause and try to remove them from your child’s environment.
Help Your Child Manage Their Allergy Symptoms
While people of any age can have allergies, children are more vulnerable to allergy symptoms like skin rashes, coughing, and sneezing. Their immunity is still growing, and without proper medical care, things can turn dangerous fast. This is especially true of food allergies that can send your child into anaphylactic shock. If you have a family history of allergies or have noticed allergy-like symptoms in your child, you should consult a pediatrician about the best way forward. Your doctor can diagnose the allergy and help you and your child manage the symptoms and triggers.