Pediatric Allergies in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Care

Common triggers in allergy

When children are exposed to the outdoors, they may be prone to various types of allergies. Even the food they eat can cause allergic reactions. Early identification of childhood allergies can improve a child’s quality of life.

What are Pediatric Allergies?

Children may experience rashes, colds, and itching due to certain external factors. We refer to this as pediatric allergies. These allergies predominantly affect children; they diminish the quality of their lives and possibly affect their performances in schools. Children suffering from allergies often fall sick, thus making it hard for them to live normal lives.

Common Triggers of Allergies in Children
• Outdoors: pollen from trees, plants, bites or stings from insects
• Indoors: pet or animal fur or hair, dust mites, mold
• Insect Stings: insect stings from bees, wasps, or fire ants
• Foods: nuts such as peanuts, eggs, milk and milk products of cow 
• Irritants include: cigarette smoke, perfume, car exhaust
• Latex: these are found in items such as balloons, which can cause rashes in children.

Allergy Symptoms in Children

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most common allergy-related illness in children. Nasal congestion (blockage), sneezing, postnasal drip, and a runny, itchy nose are among the symptoms. Children with allergies may also experience persistent ear problems and itchy, watery, red eyes.

Allergies can result in fluid buildup in the ear and ear inflammation, which can exacerbate ear infections and decrease hearing. 

Infections, drug use, and diet are the most common causes of hives (atopic dermatitis or eczema) in children.

Peanuts and milk are the most common allergens in children; eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts (including cashews and walnuts), and wheat are also often observed triggers. 

Breathing difficulties (asthma)

Management of pediatric allergies 

Even though it is not always possible to avoid every allergen, you can take precautions to reduce your child’s exposure and protect them from common child allergies,

Here are some simple tips:

Keep your home clean by dusting with a damp cloth and vacuuming.

Wash your bedcover every 2 weeks.

Close windows and use air conditioning to keep allergens out of your home. After outdoor activities, have your child shower and change clothes.

Steer clear of foods that cause allergies. Always check food labels to avoid allergens and ensure caregivers know your child's food allergies. 

If your child is allergic to pet dander, consider keeping pets out of their bedroom and bathing them regularly.

Treatment for allergies in children

Children with allergies can be treated by a pediatric allergist. Children's allergies cannot be fully treated. However, with the right medical care, the symptoms might be lessened. Based on your child's symptoms, the pediatrician may develop a treatment plan. It is advised to use antihistamines to treat runny noses and skin rashes. When your child has breathing difficulties or wheezing, inhalers can be helpful.

When to consult a pediatric allergy specialist?

It might be time to consult a pediatric allergy specialist if your child's allergies are still causing issues. If over-the-counter treatments fail to improve severe eczema, or if your child experiences instant symptoms like hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing after eating, or if persistent breathing issues or a runny, stuffy nose occur, seek expert advice promptly.

Why Choose Ankura Hospital for Pediatric Allergy Care?

Ankura Hospital provides specialised pediatric allergy care with experienced pediatric allergy specialists who focus on early identification, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans. Our child-friendly approach, expert medical team, and advanced care facilities help manage allergy symptoms effectively, improving your child’s comfort, health, and quality of life.