Gain Insight into Childhood Allergies: Learn about their Causes, Identification, and Effective Prevention and Treatment Strategies.
All children can potentially have allergies, and the risk is higher if there is a family history. As a parent or caregiver, having knowledge on how to recognize and effectively manage allergies in children can bring peace of mind. To be prepared, it is important to learn more about how allergies develop in kids, the symptoms to look out for, and tips on prevention and management.
Allergies such as rhinitis, skin allergies, and sinusitis are becoming increasingly common, including in children. Over the past 50 years, the number of allergy-related conditions has risen globally. As a guardian, it’s important to take steps to protect children from developing allergies. The first step is to educate yourself.
What is an allergy
An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to substances that are typically harmless. The body perceives these substances as threats and releases chemicals, such as histamine, which cause symptoms. These symptoms can include itching, redness, swelling, and other unpleasant effects. Allergies can range in severity from mild to severe, and can affect people of all ages. Understanding and managing allergies is important for maintaining good health and well-being.
Allergy in Children
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergies in children can vary and can range in severity from mild to severe.
| Skin-related | Respiratory-related | Others |
| Itching of the skin, | Congested or obstructed nose | Swelling in the tongue, face, or other parts of the body. |
| Skin swelling | Sneezing | Dizziness |
| Red and/or scaly skin | Coughing/Wheezing | Nausea |
| Hives or rashes/bumps | Shortness of breath | Vomiting |
| Eczema | Water eyes | Tingling sensation in |
| Feeling of pressure in the face | Upset stomach | |
| In case of anaphylaxis, take your child to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. | ||
| Anaphylaxis is a serious condition in which breathing is hindered due to swelling of the airway, making it difficult to breathe, and potentially leading to a decrease in blood pressure. | ||
Diagnosis
If your child experiences any sudden or persistent symptoms, it may indicate an allergy. Regardless of their age, it is advisable to see a physician for a diagnosis. An allergist, a doctor specialized in allergies, can perform tests, such as a skin or blood test, to confirm the diagnosis.
What can you do
Prevention
Preventing allergy attacks by avoiding known triggers or allergens is an effective method. The following are common triggers and ways to avoid them:
| Allergen | How to avoid |
| Food products (peanut, egg, chicken, seafood) | To prevent an allergic reaction, avoid using ingredients that your child is allergic to. It’s important to review the ingredient list on packaged food before serving it to your child. |
| Pollen | To reduce exposure to pollen, avoid spending time outdoors when the pollen count is high, or have your child wear a mask. |
| Dust or dust mites | Regular cleaning of your home, especially in areas where your child spends time, and frequent washing of bedding and clothes can help keep allergens at bay. |
| Animal fur or dander | To minimize exposure to pet allergens, consider limiting your child’s interaction with pets in your home. Additionally, regular cleaning can help reduce pet allergens. |
| Insect bites | When in areas with high insect populations, have your child wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants to minimize bites and stings. |
| Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, chemicals | To protect your child from the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, avoid exposing them to it. Additionally, be mindful of the ingredients in household products like cleansers, detergents, and personal care items and avoid those with potentially harmful additives or chemicals. |
Treatment
Allergies cannot be completely cured, but the symptoms can be managed and controlled. While some children may grow out of their allergy, there is also a possibility that it may reappear later in adulthood.
Your physician may recommend specific treatments for your child based on their age and overall health, including:
- Antihistamines to control general symptoms
- Decongestants for nasal congestion and other cold symptoms
- Nasal sprays or steroids
- Inhalers for asthma
- Immunotherapy
- In case of an anaphylactic emergency, the initial treatment is epinephrine. If you have the epinephrine auto-injector available, use it as instructed by the doctor and then immediately go to the nearest emergency room for further evaluation.
Anyone can experience allergies, but children require the support of their parents or guardians during allergic reactions. Keep allergies under control by following these easy management and prevention strategies.
General disclaimer
A healthcare professional is best equipped to provide medical advice and information. In the case of a potential adverse drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report it to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph. It’s important to purchase medicine from a reputable drugstore or retailer.
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