Allergies in children have become more common in recent years as a result of lifestyle and environmental changes. These allergies are also, becoming more common throughout the world, affecting 25 to 40% of the global population.
Although the majority of these manifestations are minor, some are serious and require immediate medical attention. However, these allergies cause different symptoms depending on how we come into contact with the allergen.
However, there are an increasing number of cases of people suffering from allergies, with children being the most affected.
What are allergies?
Allergy is defined as the body’s excessive sensitivity to the penetration of a specific substance, such that when it comes into contact with the body, it reacts abnormally and typical allergy symptoms, such as respiratory or skin problems, appear.
Mold, pollen, mites, and animal dander are examples of common and harmless substances that can cause allergies in some children.
Although some allergies are inherited, they are also linked to environmental factors, such as the early discontinuation of breastfeeding or the early introduction of certain foods.
Symptoms of Allergies in children
The symptoms of allergies in children are very similar to those of common allergies. These can be more or less severe, but in most children, they are mild.
The symptoms differ depending on the allergen causing the reaction and the area of the body affected, and they are classified into three categories: respiratory allergies, skin allergies, and food allergies.
Respiratory Allergies
Respiratory allergies are caused by substances to which allergy sufferers are sensitive. Some would be pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet hair. The most common allergies are allergic rhinitis, asthma, and hives.
Symptoms of Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms of respiratory allergies are: runny nose, watery and/or itchy eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, hoarseness, and upper respiratory distress.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies create skin irritation, and some causes excessive sweating or disorders in the immune system.
Types of skin Allergies
- Dermatitis (eczema): is the type of allergy that occurs when the allergen comes into direct contact with the skin. It is worth noting that atopic dermatitis is a disease that usually appears in children and is due to immune dysfunction in the layers of the skin.
- Urticaria (hives, redness, and itching): is the inflammation that occurs in the skin after the release of histamine.
- Angioedema (swelling): it is an inflammation that occurs in the deep layers of the skin.
Food Allergies
Food allergies affect a large number of children. It is estimated that one in thirteen children suffers from this allergy, with the percentage in adults increasing to two out of ten.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergies are: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, infant colic.
General Symptoms of Allergies in children
General Symptoms of allergies in children: Dizziness, tachycardia, hypotension (low blood pressure), irritability (in infants), loss of consciousness.
Causes of allergies in children
Allergens, or substances that cause allergies, are classified based on their source and how they come into contact with the child.
Allergies appear for the first time in a large proportion of those affected during childhood, being the first in chronic childhood diseases. All children can be allergic, but those from allergic families are more likely.
However, some factors that can contribute to the cause of allergies in children are listed below.
- Environmental factors
- Medication
- Food
- The early discontinuation of breastfeeding
- Physical contact
Prevention of allergies in children
There is no specific way to avoid an allergic reaction in general. But it is best to avoid contact with allergens that cause allergic reactions. To avoid the appearance of allergic symptoms, some guidelines can be followed, such as:
- Washing clothes and sheets with hot water to reduce mites.
- Maintaining proper hygiene at home.
- Avoiding direct contact with animals.
- Objects that usually contain a large number of mites, such as curtains, carpets, and sheets, among others, should be eliminated.
- Avoiding foods that your child has shown an allergic reaction to.
- Check the family history for possible allergies.
Treatment for allergies in children
To treat allergies in children, the following guidelines may be useful:
- Avoid or minimize exposure to allergens.
- Use the appropriate medications prescribed by the specialist.
- Evaluate the possibility of using vaccines with allergens involved.
- Educate the child about his or her allergies, as well as the people who surround and care for him or her.
- Medication for allergies in children.
Moreover, the specialist who treats the case of each child, in particular, may consider that the treatment includes the administration of drugs to reduce the symptoms and combat the disease.
And the child affected will be under medical prescription, and each case will be analyzed according to the situation.
Frequently asked questions about allergies in children
1. What specialist treats allergies in children?
The specialists who will be in charge of the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of a child’s allergy case are experts in pediatrics and allergology.
2. Can there be complications from allergies in children?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and acute allergic reaction that tends to involve two or more organs. After exposure to the allergen, the reaction occurs within minutes to hours. It can even start with skin erythema and urticaria, which rapidly progress to cardiac and respiratory involvement.
3. Are allergies in children hereditary?
Despite a genetic factor, reactions to various substances and dietary allergens are determined by irritant and environmental allergen exposure, as well as infections.
As a result, it is recommended to implement early environmental and dietary control measures. This will reduce awareness and thus detect and manage biological symptoms.
4. What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?
Watery, red, or itchy eyes are the most common clinical symptoms, and they usually last for more than a week. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the most common type is allergic rhinitis (runny nose or itchy throat).
5. What diseases are associated with allergies?
Atopic dermatitis, asthma, food allergies, and rhinitis are frequently associated diseases. In general, they can coexist or evolve as one condition improves.
Final thought
Allergies can be very serious and can lead to a whole host of other health problems if they are not properly managed. It is important to identify and avoid environmental allergens as much as possible and to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your child.
It is important to take precautions if your child has an allergy. And, if you are concerned about your child’s allergies, you should consult with your pediatrician. They can assist you in determining the source of your allergies and providing appropriate treatment.
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