Understanding Childhood Allergies: Common Triggers and Symptoms
Why is my child coughing and sneezing so much over the last few weeks? It’s a very common question coming up in our clinics almost every day right now. You may have noticed that fine yellow coating on your car almost every morning recently, signaling we are in the middle of allergy season. The pollen counts are tremendously high, and even kids who have never suffered from allergies before are starting to have symptoms now.
Allergies in children are increasingly prevalent and can significantly impact their health and quality of life. Let’s explore the nature of childhood allergies, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are adverse immune responses to substances that are typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can range from common environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander to certain foods, medications, and insect venom. When a child with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system perceives it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine to defend against it. This release of chemicals leads to various symptoms characteristic of allergic reactions.
Who Gets Allergies?
Allergies can affect anyone, but they often emerge early in childhood and may persist into adulthood. Children with a family history of allergies are at a higher risk of developing them themselves. Additionally, environmental factors such as pollution, dietary changes, and early exposure to allergens may contribute to the development of allergies in susceptible individuals.
Symptoms of Allergies
These can manifest in different ways depending on the type of allergen and the individual child's immune response. Common allergic reactions in children include:
Respiratory symptoms of sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Skin reactions such as eczema (dry, itchy skin), urticaria (hives), and contact dermatitis (itchy rash from exposure to skin) may occur
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation after ingesting certain foods or medications.
Anaphylaxis which is a severe, often life-threatening allergic reaction, marked by swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
How are Allergies Diagnosed?
Diagnosing allergies in children typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. Healthcare providers may inquire about the child's symptoms, family history of allergies, and potential triggers. The two most common types of allergy testing are:
Skin Prick Tests: A small amount of allergen extract is placed on the skin, and the skin is pricked to allow the allergen to enter. A positive reaction, indicated by redness and swelling, suggests an allergy to that particular substance.
Blood Tests: Blood tests measure the levels of specific antibodies produced in response to allergens, such as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Elevated IgE levels may indicate sensitization to certain allergens.
How are Allergies Treated?
The management of childhood allergies focuses on allergen avoidance, symptom relief, and, in some cases, immunotherapy to desensitize the immune system. Treatment options include:
Allergen Avoidance: Identifying and minimizing exposure to known allergens is essential for managing allergies. This may involve using allergen-proof covers on bedding, keeping indoor environments clean, and avoiding foods or substances that trigger allergic reactions.
Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and epinephrine auto-injectors (for severe allergic reactions) may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and manage allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy: Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or oral immunotherapy involve exposing the child to gradually increasing doses of allergens to desensitize their immune system and reduce allergic responses over time.
While allergies in children can be a challenge for both patients and parents, they can often be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. By consulting with your Pediatrician, we can work together to find the most effective strategy to help ease your children’s burden and help continue them continue to live their happy and healthy lives.