Allergies occur when the immune system, which works to keep the body safe from bacteria, overreacts to a normally harmless substance (called an allergen). Allergens can be inhaled, eaten or injected (from stings or medicines), or they can come into contact with the skin. For some children, allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itching, skin rashes, wheezing or even a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Some of the more common allergens are:
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Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
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Form, both indoors and outdoors
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Dust mites that live in bedding, blankets and other things that hold moisture
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Animal dander from fur animals such as cats, dogs, horses and rabbits
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Some foods and medicines
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Poison from insect stings
Are allergies hereditary?
Allergies tend to run in families. If a parent has an allergy, there is a greater chance that their child will also develop an allergy. This risk increases if both parents are allergic.
How can I help my child?
It is best to identify and avoid the things your child is allergic to.
If your child has an allergic condition, try the following:
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Keep windows closed during pollen season, especially on dry, windy days when pollen counts are highest.
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Keep the house clean and dry to reduce mold and dust mites.
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Avoid having pets and indoor plants.
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Avoid things that you know cause allergic reactions in your child.
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Avoid letting anyone smoke near your child, especially in your home and in your car.
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See your pediatrician for safe and effective medications that can be used to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.
Allergic conditions, triggers and symptoms
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Food, medicine, insect stings, latex and others |
Skin, gut and respiratory symptoms that can get worse quickly. Serious symptoms may include difficulty breathing and poor blood circulation. |
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Cigarette smoke, viral infections, pollen, dust mites, fur animals, cold air, changing weather conditions, exercise, airborne mold spores and stress |
Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing (especially during activities or exercise); chest pressure |
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Skin contact with poison ivy or oak, latex, household cleaners and detergents, or chemicals in some cosmetics, shampoos, skin medications, perfumes, and jewelry |
Itchy, red, raised patches that may blister if severe. Most patches are found in areas with direct contact with the allergen. |
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Sometimes aggravated by food allergies or coming into contact with allergens such as pollen, dust mites and fur animals. Can also be triggered by irritants, infections or sweating. |
A patchy, dry, red, itchy rash in the folds of the arms, legs and neck. In infants, it often starts on the cheeks, behind the ears and on the chest, arms and legs. |
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All foods, but the most common are eggs, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, soy, fish, wheat, and shellfish |
Vomiting, diarrhoea, hives, eczema, difficulty breathing and possibly a drop in blood pressure (shock) |
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Pollen from trees, grass or weeds |
Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose; breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion; rubs or wrinkles the nose and face to relieve itchy nose; watery, itchy eyes; redness or swelling in and under the eyes |
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Food allergies, viral infections and medications such as aspirin or penicillin. Sometimes the cause is unknown. |
Itchy patches of skin, bumps (large and small), commonly known as bumps, that are redder or paler than the surrounding skin. Hives can be found on different parts of the body and do not stay in the same place for more than a few hours. |
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Primarily aggressive stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps and fire ants |
Anaphylaxis |
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Different types of medicine |
Itchy skin rash, anaphylaxis |
When do Does my child need to see an allergist?
In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend that your child see a board-certified allergy sufferera doctor specializing in allergies. The allergist will usually:
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Look for triggers for your child’s allergies.
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Suggest ways to avoid the cause of your child’s symptoms.
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Give you a treatment plan to follow.
More information
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
