Allergies in children: causes, symptoms, types and what parents can do

By: Stanislaw J. Gabryszewski, MD, PhD, FAAP

Allergies occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body from germs, overreacts to a usually harmless substance. That substance is called an allergen.

What is an allergic reaction?

Allergens can enter the body in several ways: through contact with the skin, inhaling them, eating or drinking them, or through injections.

When this happens, the immune system can release chemicals that cause symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and stomach problems such as vomiting. Sometimes allergies can cause a serious and life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Common Allergy Triggers in Children

Children can be allergic to many different things. Some of the most common allergens include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

• Mold spores, both indoors and outdoors.

• Dust mites that live in bedding, carpets, and soft furniture.

• Animal allergens from skin flakes, saliva, or urine (pee) of furry pets

• Food and food ingredients.

• Medications such as antibiotics or pain relievers.

• Insect bite poison

Environmental allergies (airborne allergies)

Environmental allergies occur when children react to allergens in the air. These allergens can be found indoors or outdoors. They can be seasonal (like pollen) or occur year-round (like dust mites or animal dander).

Common environmental allergens

Typical symptoms of environmental allergies.

Environmental allergies are called allergic rhinitis. They are sometimes called hay fever, although they are not actually caused by hay and do not cause fever.

Other allergic conditions in children

Food allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a specific food protein. The most common food allergens in children include:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Misery

• tree nuts

• Soy

• Wheat

• Fish

• Seafood

• Sesame

There are different types of food allergies. Some cause immediate symptoms, while others cause later symptoms. These symptoms may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, wheezing, or swelling of the lips and face. Some food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Eczema is a chronic, itchy skin condition that often begins in childhood. It can be aggravated by humidity or climate changes causing dry skin, sweating, irritants, allergens, infections or even stress.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin touches something that irritates it, such as poison ivy, nickel jewelry, soaps, detergents, fragrances, or skin care products.

Hives (hives)

Uticaria is a skin condition that causes itching, raised welts (hives), and sometimes swelling. The cause of hives is often unclear. They can be triggered by infections, foods, medications, heat, cold, pressure, or other factors.

Asthma

Many children with asthma may develop worse symptoms if they are exposed to certain triggers. These include allergic triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet allergens. They may also have other triggers, such as exposure to smoke and pollution.

Allergies to insect bites

Some children have severe reactions to stings from insects such as bees, wasps, wasps, or fire ants. This can cause hives, swelling, breathing problems, or anaphylaxis.

Drug allergies

Some medications can cause allergic reactions. These reactions can be mild, like a rash, or more severe and affect the entire body. Always tell your child’s doctor about any past reactions to medications.

Are allergies inherited?

Allergies are usually hereditary. If a parent has allergies, their child is more likely to develop allergies. The risk is even greater if both parents are allergic. However, whether or what allergies they develop differs from person to person.

How to know if my child has allergic triggers

The way allergies are diagnosed differs depending on the type of allergy. Sometimes explaining what happened when your child was exposed to a possible trigger is enough information. In other cases, allergy testing may be necessary. Start by discussing your concerns with your pediatrician.

How to reduce allergy triggers at home

Once it’s clear what your child’s allergy triggers are, reducing exposure to them can help reduce symptoms.

Some practical steps to help prevent allergy symptoms

• Keep windows closed on high pollen days and use air conditioning if possible to improve indoor air quality.

• Wash your hands and face after playing outdoors during pollen season or after playing with a furry pet.

• Change your clothes and shower after spending time outdoors during pollen season.

• Use mattress and pillow covers designed to block dust mites, and wash bedding regularly in hot water.

• Keep indoor humidity low.

• Vacuum regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, if available.

• In the case of food allergies, avoidance must be strict. Read food labels carefully and keep foods containing the allergen out of your child’s reach.

Medications and treatment for allergies in children.

Talk to your pediatrician before starting allergy medications. Allergy treatment depends on the type of allergy. For example, for environmental allergies, children may benefit from antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. For asthma, children may need treatment with inhaled medications.

Children with anaphylactic food allergies will need a prescription for epinephrine and a written emergency action plan.

Some children with persistent allergy symptoms may also benefit from specialized treatments, such as immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots), which teaches the immune system to tolerate the allergic trigger.

When should my child see an allergist?

Your pediatrician may recommend a referral to a board-certified allergist if:

• Symptoms are severe, ongoing, or difficult to control (for example, severe environmental allergy symptoms or frequent asthma attacks).

• The trigger for symptoms is unclear.

• There is concern about food allergies, drug allergies, insect sting allergies, anaphylaxis or any other allergy problem.

An allergist can:

• Helps diagnose allergic conditions.

• Perform allergy testing when appropriate and identify allergy triggers.

• Recommend specific avoidance strategies.

• Create a personalized treatment and safety plan

Remember

Your pediatrician is the best place to start managing your child’s allergy symptoms. If you have questions about symptoms, triggers, or treatment options, don’t hesitate to ask. Sometimes allergy management may also require the collaboration of an allergist.

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