Different allergies produce a range of different symptoms and these can point to what type of allergy a child is suffering from. Below is a list of the most common allergy symptoms among children.
An allergy is the result of an overactive immune system, that launches a full-fledged attack on a simple substance. This simple substance known as allergen, and is usually harmless. The immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies from the allergens. Allergies in children can be caused by dust mites, the small microscopic insects that feed on the dead skin cells and therefore are present all around us.
Pollen grains are the second most common cause of allergies in children. Such allergies are mainly seasonal. Other allergens include fungi and fungal derivatives, pet dander as well as dairy, grains, nuts, and other food products.
Symptoms of Allergies
The illustration below shows places that allergy sufferers may experience symptoms. Allergic symptoms may appear in only one part of the body, such as runny nose and sneezing, or they might affect several areas, for example, breathing difficulties and skin problems.
Itchy Nose
When a child has a cold, the nose is going to be stuffy or runny, but usually not accompanied by an itch. If your child is rubbing his nose often, you can be fairly certain that the stuffiness is due to an allergy. Allergies that cause this specific symptom are usually a reaction to airborne allergens such as dust or pollen.
Genetics
If you, your spouse, or your other children have allergies, there’s a chance that your child will have allergies, too. If you may be allergic to different things, the chance of an allergy is elevated. Be aware from infancy and beyond.
Skin Irritations
A rash seems in the areas where the skin folds such as knees or elbows is generally a sign of an allergic reaction to something the child has touched. Such rashes also often appear around the eyes. Be aware as to the dryness of the affected skin – an allergic reaction causes the skin being dry and flaky as well. Allergens that cause rashes are stuff that the child touches such as poison ivy.
Breathing
Trouble breathing might be a symptom of an allergic reaction. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, anxiety, or any of the symptoms described above. However, if your child has trouble breathing, whether or not other symptoms are present, she or he may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, a serious allergic reaction.
Chronic Cough
Whenever a child first shows signs of a cough, you’re safe to assume it is a virus. However, when the cough is persistent and is constantly on the return, you are probably dealing with an allergy. Allergy-based coughs will also be usually dry; any phlegm which comes into the mouth from coughing when it’s an allergic reaction is usually because of increased fluids in the sinuses which is also the result of the allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Allergies in Children
Frequent Sinus Infections
If your child seems to be having a chronic cold, you should consider that the symptoms are most likely because of an allergy and not an actual cold. An average allergic reaction induces extra fluids within the sinuses. These fluids block the passage method in which would normally allow germs and bacteria to pass through on through. Because the germs and bacteria are blocked within the sinus cavity, they cause infection. So while the child may indeed be struggling with a cold, it is most likely a cold that won’t disappear because of an allergy.
