Understanding Allergies in Children: Symptoms and Management

What Are Allergies In Children?

Allergies happen when a child's immune system—what protects the body from sickness—overreacts to things that aren't actually harmful. Normally, our bodies fight off harmful things like germs. However, sometimes the immune system mistakenly thinks harmless things, like dust, pollen (from plants), or mold, are dangerous. When a child has allergies, their body treats these harmless things (called allergens) as threats. To fight these allergens, the body produces special antibodies named immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies stick to certain cells in the body called mast cells.

When allergens connect with these antibodies, it causes mast cells to release chemicals like histamine. Histamine is what leads to allergy symptoms in chid. For example, if these chemicals irritate the nose, it can cause sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes (these are nasal allergy symptoms). If this happens in the lungs, it can lead to asthma symptoms, which might include coughing and trouble breathing.

Symptoms of allergies in a child

An allergic reaction can occur in various parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, stomach lining, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These areas contain immune system cells that work to protect against germs that enter the body through breathing, eating, or touching the skin. Here are the main symptoms of allergies in children:

• Nasal Symptoms: Your child might have a stuffy or runny nose, sneeze a lot, or feel itchy in their nose, ears, or the roof of their mouth. This often happens when they breathe in things they're allergic to.
• Eye Symptoms: Allergies can make their eyes red, itchy, and watery. This can be uncomfortable and may cause them to rub their eyes.
• Skin Symptoms: Allergies can also cause problems with the skin, like red, itchy patches or hives (which are raised, itchy bumps on the skin). Sometimes, they might also develop a rash.
• Breathing Issues: If your child has asthma and is allergic, they might have trouble breathing, cough a lot, or wheeze (a whistling sound when breathing).
• Anaphylaxis: In rare cases, a child can have a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency and can cause symptoms like trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (which can make them feel faint), or even death. If you notice these severe symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.

Causes Of Allergies In Children

There are many things that can trigger these reactions, which are called allergens. Here are some common ones:

• Pollens: Tiny particles from trees, grass, and weeds that float in the air, especially during spring and summer. They can make children sneeze or have itchy eyes.
• Natural rubber latex: This is found in items like balloons or gloves. Some kids are allergic to it.
• Molds: These are tiny fungi that can grow in damp places, like bathrooms or basements. Breathing in mold can cause allergies.
• Dust mites: Tiny bugs that live in house dust. They can be found in mattresses, pillows, and carpets, and they can cause allergies.
• Animal dander: This comes from pets. It includes tiny bits of skin, urine, or saliva from cats, dogs, and other animals.
• Foods: Some food allergies in children are found most of the time. children may be allergic to certain foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, or shellfish. Eating these can make them feel sick.
• Medicines: Sometimes, children can have allergic reactions to medications.

Which children are at risk for allergies?

Child allergies can happen to anyone, whether they are a child or an adult, and it doesn’t matter where you come from or how much money you have. There are high chances to have signs of allergies in kids than adults, but people of any age can develop allergies at any time. Sometimes, even when someone hasn’t had allergies for a long time, they can come back. Allergies often run in families. This means if someone in your family has allergies, there is a higher chance that you might have them too. However, the reason why this happens isn't completely known yet. Children who have other health problems, like eczema (which causes itchy skin) or asthma (which makes it hard to breathe), are more likely to also have allergies.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed In A Child?

When a child is suspected to have an allergy, the doctor does a few things to find out:

• Health History and Exam: First, the doctor will ask about the child's health history and do an examination to look for any signs of an allergy.
• Skin Test: This is the most common way to test for allergies. The doctor puts a tiny amount of a potential allergen (like pollen or cat hair) on the child's skin and then makes a small scratch or prick in the skin. If the child is allergic, a small bump will form, kind of like a mosquito bite, usually within 15 minutes.
• Intradermal Test: Sometimes, the doctor might inject a small amount of allergen just under the skin. This test is more sensitive and can detect allergies that the normal skin test might miss.
• Blood Test: If skin tests can’t be done (maybe because of a skin problem), the doctor might take a blood sample instead. This test checks for IgE antibodies in the blood that show if there's an allergy. This process is called the RAST test. It usually takes longer to get results and can be more expensive. A positive result doesn’t always mean the child has an allergy, so it's important for a healthcare provider to explain what it means.
• Challenge Test: This test is more in-depth and is done by an allergist. It involves giving the child a tiny amount of the suspected allergen to eat or breathe in. This test helps the doctor understand how serious the allergy is, whereas the other tests only show if there might be an allergy, not how severe the reaction could be.

Helpful Tips For Parents

Our best child specialist in thane at Dr Hiranandani Hospital suggest some tips for getting the most out of a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Before you go, understand why you are visiting the doctor. Think about what you hope to achieve during the appointment.
• Before the visit, list any questions you want to ask the doctor. This way, you won’t forget anything important during the appointment.
• While at the appointment, write down important information, like any new health problems (diagnoses) or medicines suggested by the doctor. Also, note any special instructions the doctor gives you for your child.
• If the doctor prescribes a new medicine or treatment, ask why it is needed and how it will help your child. Also, ask about any possible side effects (unwanted effects) of the medicine.
• Inquire if there are different ways to treat your child's condition. This helps you understand all the options available.
• If the doctor recommends any tests or procedures, ask why they are necessary and what the results could mean for your child's health.
• Understand what might happen if your child doesn’t take the prescribed medicine or doesn’t have the suggested tests. This way, you are aware of possible outcomes.
• If your child needs to see the doctor again, make sure to write down when the next appointment is, what time it is, and why you’re going back.
• Learn how to reach your child's healthcare provider if you have questions after the office is closed. This can be helpful if your child gets sick or you have concerns outside regular office hours.

Related: Addressing Behavioral Issues in Children: Tips for Parents

Understanding allergies in children is crucial for effective management and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. By identifying triggers, avoiding allergens, and utilizing appropriate medications, parents can help their children cope with allergies and minimize their impact on daily life. If you suspect your child has allergies or if symptoms persist, consult at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, the best hospital for Paediatrics in Thane, is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for your child's healthcare needs. With the right approach, children can thrive while navigating their allergies with confidence and resilience.