Allergies in children

The signs and symptoms of allergies in a child are:

• Chronic symptoms resembling the cold that last more than a week or two[1][3]
• Cold-like symptoms that appear during the same time each year
• Repeated difficulty breathing, wheezing and breathing
• Cold-like symptoms that happen at night
• Cold-like symptoms that happen during exercise
• Chronic rashes or patches of skin that are dry, itchy, look like scales
• Cold-like symptoms that appear after eating a certain food
• Hives
• Swelling of face, arms or legs
• Gagging, coughing or wheezing, vomiting or significant abdominal pain
• Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth, throat or ears[1]

Ragweed is a plant and some are allergic to its pollen.

Each home contains possible allergens that can develop into allergies after exposure to:

• Dust mites
• Dogs and cats
• Other furry pets
• Cockroaches
• Mice and rats
• Plants
• Indoor smoking[5]
• Mold[1]

Vitamin D deficiency at the time of birth and exposure to egg white, milk, peanut, walnut, soy, shrimp, cod fish, and wheat makes a child more susceptible to allergies.[4] Soy-based infant formula is associated with allergies in infants.[6] Though, in recent years they have been becoming more common in children ages 4 and older.

A child's allergy is an immune system reaction. The child is reacting to a specific substance, or allergen. The immune system of a child responds to the invading allergen by releasing histamine and other chemicals that typically trigger symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, eyes, skin, or stomach lining. In some children, allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma—a disease that causes wheezing or difficulty breathing. If a child has allergies and asthma, controlling the allergies is important because the lack of treatment may make the allergies worse.[3] Compounds such as phthalates are associated with asthma in children.[7][8] Asthma in children is associated with exposure to indoor allergens.[9] in early childhood may prevent the development of asthma, but exposure at an older age may provoke bronchoconstriction.[10] Use of antibiotics in early life has been linked to the development of asthma.[11] Exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds may be a trigger for asthma; formaldehyde exposure, for example, has a positive association.[12]

Testing is available to help identify any environmental or food allergies.[1] Caregivers and clinicians can assess the child for the development of an allergy by noting the presence of signs and symptoms and history of exposure.[1]

Some older children can be taught to use their prescribed Metered-Dose Inhaler.

Metered-Dose Inhaler Mask (Child)

Avoiding allergens will help prevent symptoms. Allergies that a child has to the family pet can be controlled by removing the animal and finding it a new home. Exterminating cockroaches, mice and rats and a thorough cleaning can reduce symptoms of an allergy in children. Dust mites are attracted to moisture. They consume human skin that has come off and lodged in, furniture, rugs, mattresses, box springs, and pillows. The child's bedding can be covered with allergen-proof covers. Laundering of the child's clothing, bed linens and blankets will also reduce exposure.[1]

Exposure to allergens outside the home can be controlled with the use of air conditioners. Washing the hair, taking a bath or shower before bedtime can be done to remove allergens that have been picked up from outside the home. If grass or grass pollen is an allergen it is sometimes beneficial to remain indoors while grass is being cut or mowed. Children with allergies to grass can avoid playing in the grass to prevent allergic symptoms. Staying out of piled leaves in the fall can help. Pets returning into the home after being outdoors may track in allergens.[1]

For most children, avoiding the triggers is very helpful. If it is not, can try over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines (Benadryl) but it is very important to speak to the Pharmacist first before choosing any of the allergy medications available. If symptoms persist, take the child to see the doctor for diagnosis and prescription medication (if warranted).[3]

Up to 5% of infants that are fed cow's milk-based formula will develop an allergy to cow's milk.[13] Over half of cases in children in the United States occur in areas with air quality below EPA standards.[14]

• Walker, Marsha (2011). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. ISBN 9780763766511.