Allergies in Children

Millions of children have some form of food allergy, and these numbers have risen substantially over the last several years. Parents and caregivers cannot ignore this growing health concern.

A child's body reacts abnormally to harmless substances called allergens. These include certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines. Family history plays a crucial role in allergy development. For children without any family history, the chances are quite low. But when both parents do, the risk becomes significantly higher. Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and a runny nose are the prominent symptoms. Allergic rhinitis remains the most common childhood ailment that causes allergies.

Allergies can affect any child, whatever their age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish trigger the most severe reactions. These allergies often persist throughout life. Identifying your child's specific triggers becomes essential to manage and treat their condition effectively.

What are Allergies in Children?

A child develops allergies when their immune system reacts strongly to substances that most people tolerate well. The body releases chemicals like histamine to defend against what it sees as threats. These allergic responses can affect a child's skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

Types of Allergies in Children

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in children that affects the nasal passages and eyes. 
• Food allergies in children: Children can also develop food allergies, especially when they have sensitivity to peanuts, milk, or eggs. 
• Other types: 
  • Skin allergies (eczema)
  • Respiratory allergies (asthma)
  • Reactions to insect stings 
  • Medicines' allergy

Symptoms of Allergies in Children

Signs differ based on the allergen and where the reaction occurs. Symptoms range from mild irritation to severe responses. Children often experience:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose, nasal stuffiness
• Itchy eyes
• Skin rashes
• Breathing difficulties
• Digestive problems

Causes of Allergies in Children

Several allergens can trigger these reactions:

• Pollens from trees, grasses and weeds
• Animal dander, urine and skin oils
• Dust mites and cockroaches
• Moulds
• Foods (especially peanuts, eggs, milk)
• Medicines and insect stings

Risk Factors

Allergies can affect any child, but some kids face higher risks:

• A family's history of allergies makes children more likely to develop them. 
• Babies with eczema have five times the risk of developing food allergies. 
• Boys and children who start eating fish later (after 9 months) also show increased allergy risks.

Complications

Allergies need proper management to avoid health issues:

• Children might develop ear infections, sinus infections, and chest infections. 
• Long-term nasal congestion forces kids to breathe through their mouths, which affects their dental development and sleep quality. 
• Untreated allergies can also make existing conditions like asthma and eczema worse.

Diagnosis of Allergies in Children

Doctors need to conduct proper tests to identify the exact triggers of childhood allergies. Your child's doctor will get into their condition and review their complete health history before recommending specific allergy tests.

Skin tests are the quickest way to check for allergies. These tests involve touching diluted allergens to the skin through tiny pricks. A small, raised bump that shows up within 15 minutes signals sensitivity. 

Blood tests can measure IgE antibodies in the bloodstream and prove useful especially when you have severe reactions or skin conditions that rule out skin testing. 

Doctors might run challenge tests to confirm results by carefully giving small amounts of suspected allergens under close monitoring.

Treatment for Allergies in Children

A comprehensive approach with three key strategies helps manage allergies.

• Avoidance - Reduce contact with allergy triggers:
  • Keep your child inside during high pollen counts
  • Run the air conditioner rather than opening the windows
  • Make sure your child showers after playing outside
  • Protect bedrooms with allergen-proof covers
• Medication - Several treatment options help different symptoms:
  • Antihistamines help block histamine effects
  • Nasal sprays reduce swelling
  • Decongestants help clear stuffed noses (avoid giving to children under 4)
• Immunotherapy - Long-lasting relief options include:
  • Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy)
  • Under-the-tongue tablets (sublingual immunotherapy) 
  • Most children show improvement with immunotherapy within 12-18 months, though benefits can appear as early as 6-8 months.

When to See a Doctor

Your child needs medical attention if symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities. Rush to emergency care if you notice:

• Breathing difficulties or wheezing
• Severe food reactions, particularly hives or swelling
• Symptoms that don't respond to over-the-counter medications
• Frequent ear or sinus infections from allergies

How to Prevent Allergies in Children

A newer study published in 2015 by researchers suggests that early introduction of common allergens to infants works better than delaying them. Parents should introduce foods like peanuts, eggs, and milk between 4-6 months while continuing breastfeeding if possible. On top of that, it helps to limit exposure to tobacco smoke before and after birth to reduce asthma risk.

Home Remedies for Allergies in Children

Natural treatments can complement medical care for mild symptoms: 

• Steam inhalation clears congested sinuses
• Cool compresses help soothe itchy skin rashes. 
• Aloe vera gel or fragrance-free moisturisers can relieve mild skin reactions. 
• It's worth mentioning that natural remedies should never replace medical treatment for severe reactions - always ask your child's doctor before trying new approaches.

Conclusion

Childhood allergies create challenges for families dealing with this health concern. These immune system reactions affect millions of children worldwide, whatever their background.

Early detection of signs makes the most important difference. Stuffy noses, skin rashes, and food reactions can feel overwhelming. But identifying them properly guides better management. Tests from healthcare providers are a great way to get accurate information about specific triggers.

Parents should feel stronger, not scared. Many treatment options exist - from avoiding triggers to medications and immunotherapy. Children usually respond well to these approaches and show clear improvement within months.

Your parental instincts matter deeply. Mild symptoms might improve with home remedies like cool compresses or steam. But never wait to get medical help for severe reactions. Your watchfulness keeps your child safe.

Knowledge, medical support, and practical strategies help children lead healthy, active lives with allergies. The trip may have rough spots, but families manage these conditions successfully every day - yours can, too.

FAQs

1. Can allergies cause a fever in children?

The term "hay fever" might sound misleading because allergies don't actually cause fever in children. Your child's temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) likely points to something other than allergies. The immune system becomes overactive during allergic reactions and might make children more vulnerable to infections or viruses that cause fever.

• A fever with allergy symptoms might indicate:
• A viral infection such as a cold or flu
• A bacterial infection that needs antibiotics
• A sinus infection developed from ongoing allergies

2. How do I manage allergies in children?

Your child's allergy management plan should focus on three key approaches. The first strategy involves complete avoidance of triggers. The second includes medication options like antihistamines that block histamine effects, decongestants that clear nasal passages, and nasal steroids that control inflammation. The third strategy uses immunotherapy through allergy shots or sublingual tablets to build tolerance gradually.

3. How do you stop allergies in children at night?

Allergy symptoms often get worse at night. These strategies can help:

• Time medications properly - Give allergy medicine before bed since symptoms usually peak between 4-6 a.m.
• Make bedrooms allergy-free:
  • Cover mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof materials
  • Clean bedding in hot water weekly
  • Keep pets away from sleeping areas
  • Add air purifiers to improve air quality
• Help clear stuffy noses - Relief for congestion:
  • Use saline sprays to clean nasal passages
  • Ask about doctor-recommended nasal steroid sprays
  • Let your child sleep with their head slightly raised

Dr. Vittal Kumar Kesireddy

MBBS, MD, Fellow in Neonatology
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 40-68106529