Allergies are common in children and adults. In fact, studies show that 36% and 44% of children may have at least one allergy. Various stimuli, such as food, pollen, pet dander, mold, or insects, can trigger allergy symptoms. Fortunately, in addition to preventing certain stimuli, there are many effective treatments that can help relieve allergy symptoms. Understanding more allergies can help parents get the relief they need for their children. And the first step in treating allergies is to make sure your child is really allergic, because allergy symptoms are often considered a cold. Learn more about common pediatric allergies, causes, symptoms, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Causes of allergy.
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system recognizes foreign substances (food, bee venom, pollen, etc.) as pathogens and must fight them. The triggers for these allergies are not really harmful, but the body reacts as if it were a rapid reaction to histamine. The severity of histamine varies from person to person and causes symptoms aimed at removing this perceived risk from the body.
It is not clear why people develop allergies, however, the incidence in the general population is high and the prevalence is constant across the country, even if the specific allergens that cause allergic reactions vary. There are many risk factors, including family history, race (higher rates for black children), sex (higher risk for boys) and exposure to allergens. Interestingly, the late introduction of some potential allergens (such as peanuts) is associated with an increased risk of developing allergies.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the most common type of allergy in children is allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. This type of allergy is caused by inhaling small particles, such as dust particles or seasonal pollen. This usually results in sneezing, a stuffy nose, and itchy eyes.
Symptoms of allergy.
Many parents think of runny nose or itchy, watery eyes when they think of allergies, but there are many other symptoms that can be caused by allergies. Your child’s symptoms will also depend on the type of allergy and the severity of their immune response.
The most common symptoms of allergies.

  • Itchy eyes
  • Itching in the nose, mouth or throat
  • Post nasal drip
  • With red, swollen eyes, tears and itching
  • Excessive rubbing of the nose (allergy salute)
  • Runny nose with clear discharge
  • Sneeze
  • Stuffy nose (sheep)
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Allergic crease (crease near baby’s nose)
  • Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes)
  • Contact dermatitis (itchy red skin rash)
  • Fatigue
  • Hacking cough
  • Headache
  • Hive (an itchy red rash that comes and goes, common with food allergies)
  • Intestinal problems, including pain, nausea, or diarrhea

Diagnosis.
Sometimes, it is very clear that the child is allergic. Other times, their symptoms may be more subtle. Either way, if you suspect your child has an allergy, it is wise to see a doctor to make sure you are treating the problem properly. A pediatrician can review your child’s symptoms to determine if there is a possibility of an allergy and provide treatment guidelines. Your doctor may also refer your child to an allergist. An allergist will do an allergy test to determine the cause of your child’s allergy. You may also be asked to keep a symbolic diary to find out what your child is allergic to.
In addition, other conditions such as asthma and eczema often coexist with allergies and can worsen if allergy symptoms are not well controlled. Therefore, it is important to make sure that an effective care plan is in place.
Common types of allergies.
Children may be allergic to various stimuli. Treatment of allergies depends on the type of allergy. In general, the first line of defense is to avoid contact with the allergen in question. However, it can be difficult to stop exposure completely, especially with wind-driven stimuli such as pollen.
Food allergies.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), approximately 5% of children suffer from food allergies. While a person can be allergic to almost any food, the vast majority of children with food allergies are allergic to one of the following:

  • Cow milk
  • Eggs
  • fish and shellfish
  • Misery
  • Sesame
  • Soy
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat

Seasonal allergies.
You can often tell if your child has a seasonal allergy if their allergy symptoms start or get worse during a certain season each year, although it is sometimes difficult to detect. You may also find that your child’s symptoms of seasonal allergies are better on days when it is raining and worse when there are dry and strong winds because seasonal allergies spread more easily in these conditions.
Classic triggers for seasonal allergies include:

  • Grass (late spring and early summer)
  • Outdoor mold (season depends on where you live and can be year-round in some areas)
  • Ragweed and other weeds (late summer and autumn)
  • Trees (early spring)

Indoor allergies.
Most causes of seasonal allergies are out there, but children with year-round or permanent allergies can find them in household items such as pet dander (allergies to dogs and cats), cockroaches, dust particles, and household molds. You may have allergies. It is important to learn to control these allergens to reduce allergies in your child’s home. Thorough cleaning and dusting, removal of pets, removal of mold, and pest control are all possible ways to reduce exposure to these stimuli.
Other allergic triggers.
In addition to food, dust, and pollen, other common allergens may include food or medicine supplements, such as food dye tartrazine (yellow number 5), sulfites, adhesives, and topical medications such as pneumococcal and bactericidal. (Antibiotics), PABA (sunscreen) and lidocaine (topical itching cream).
Insect bites and stings, such as bees, are another common cause of allergies. Some children are also allergic to latex, some medications such as antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfa, and plants such as poison ivy.
When allergy medicine is sought, it is often recommended to take it daily, especially during their allergy season. This is because after activating the body’s immune response, it is easier to prevent and control the symptoms than to reduce them.