Allergies in children can cause significant discomfort, and sometimes life-threatening reactions depending on what type of allergy your child has. Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents is here to help you navigate allergy symptoms, triggers, and bring your child some much-needed relief.
What are allergies?
While children’s allergies are similar to adult allergies, children are less able to verbalize their symptoms, making it more difficult to determine what kind of allergy they’re dealing with. Most allergies are discovered in youth, and many are hereditary in nature.
In very basic terms, an allergic reaction occurs as a result of an overactive immune system. Cells throughout your body are designed to protect your body. They do this by seeking and destroying what they consider to be foreign, dangerous substances. This is helpful in cases of virus and bacteria, but sometimes your immune system will have this same reaction to relatively harmless things, like dust or pollen. This overreaction of the immune system is what we call an allergic reaction.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms in Children
It’s one of the toughest questions to answer: Is my child experiencing viral symptoms? Or is it allergies?
While it’s not always discernable, there are a few ways to recognize allergies when your child is experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common allergy symptoms include:
- Red, itchy skin or patches of bumps that don’t clear
- Hives
- Cold-like symptoms that are recurring or chronic, including runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and throat clearing (especially if they happen at the same time each year)
- Sniffling, itchy nose, drippy nose
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Tingling or itching in the throat and mouth
- Respiratory symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing
- Intestinal discomfort and symptoms, like diarrhea or abdominal cramps, with no apparent cause
Common Triggers and Risk Factors
There is a wide variety of allergy triggers in the world around us, and determining what those triggers are for your child can make a world of difference in their lives. At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we’ll work to determine what your child’s allergy triggers are, and if necessary, refer them to a specialist for further testing.
Indoor Allergens
- Pet allergens
- Dust mites
- Indoor molds
- Indoor plants
- Cockroaches
- Cleaning supplies
- Cigarette or fireplace
- smoke and residue
- Candles or scented items
Outdoor Allergens
- Pollen
- Mold
- Pet dander in certain
- cases
- Factory or cigarette
- smoke
What causes an allergic reaction?
When our bodies encounter allergens that we have a particular sensitivity to, our immune system will “overreact,” meaning the cells in our body designed to protect us will attack those substances, even if they’re not actually something dangerous. This response is what triggers an allergic reaction.
How are allergies diagnosed?
When you bring your child into Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents for suspected allergies, we will go through a few steps designed to rule out any easily-diagnosed allergies. This will look like a discussion of medical history, daily behaviors and foods, and a physical examination. If your provider needs further information for diagnosis, they will likely refer your child to a trusted specialist for testing.
How are allergies treated?
It’s important to learn what you or your child is allergic to, so that you can avoid those allergens as best you can, but we know that full avoidance isn’t always easy or realistic. In these cases, providers will recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Antihistamines
- Steroid nasal spray
- Injections
- Immunotherapy (oral or injection)
If your child is determined to have life-threatening allergies, he or she will likely be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen® or Auvi-Q®) to be used at the first sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
If your child is experiencing allergy symptoms that are causing them significant continued discomfort, we recommend calling Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents and scheduling a visit. Symptoms that warrant urgent care or sick visits can include:
- Sneezing, watery eyes, or nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Mild wheezing
- Skin rashes or hives without signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing)
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to get emergency care as quickly as possible, whether by dialing 911 or going directly to the emergency room:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing that gets worse quickly
- Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
- Symptoms of a drop in blood pressure (weak pulse, clammy skin)
- Sudden vomiting or diarrhea after consumption of or contact with an allergen
FAQs
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How do I know if it’s allergies or a cold?
It’s difficult to tell without visiting a provider, but some key indicators include:
- Allergies tend to occur suddenly, while cold symptoms tend to come on gradually over a few days
- Allergies often cause itching, colds do not
- Colds often cause body aches, allergies do not
- Symptoms that don’t go away after a few weeks are likely to be allergies
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What are the most common allergens in children?
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Can allergies cause asthma?
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Are allergy shots safe for kids?
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When should I bring my child to urgent care for allergy symptoms?
Book an Appointment Today
If you’re in the Omaha area and concerned about your child’s allergy symptoms, call our office today to book an appointment with one of our experienced, friendly providers.