Pediatric Allergies

What are pediatric allergies?

Pediatric allergies refer to allergic reactions in children of any age. Normally, your child’s immune system works effectively to fight health threats. But some children can experience an immune reaction to certain substances.

When their immune system sees harmless substances as dangerous ones, it generates chemicals called histamines. These histamines cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous physical reactions.

What are the most common pediatric allergies?

Some common allergies in children include:

Food allergies

The most common foods that spark allergic reactions in children are peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. The most severe allergies are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Environmental allergies

Common causes of environmental allergies in children include tree pollen, plant pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. Some children also react to cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and perfume.

Insect allergies

Any stinging insect can potentially cause an allergic reaction. The most common examples in kids are honey bees and fire ants, and yellow jackets, hornets, and other wasps.

Skin allergies

Some children experience allergic skin reactions to certain substances. Some common allergens in children include metals, detergents, latex, and some plants.

Drug allergies

Children can have an allergic reaction to some medications, with penicillin being a typical example. Other medicines that can cause a reaction in children are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and some vaccines.

Although each allergy has different symptoms, knowing some common signs of allergic reactions can help you better respond when your child’s having a reaction.

What are the symptoms of pediatric allergies?

Pediatric allergies cause wide-ranging symptoms, including:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Itchy or uncomfortable rashes or hives
• Abdominal cramps
• Stomach upset
• Skin swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing

The symptoms can be unique to the allergy. But in general, any of these symptoms seen regularly requires an allergy evaluation at ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC.

How are pediatric allergies treated?

Allergy treatment depends on the specific allergy and how severe it is. In most cases, the team works with parents and children to help them avoid allergens. Many children need medication or allergy shots to control their symptoms.

If your child has a life-threatening allergy, like some food or insect allergies, they need to always carry an epinephrine injector, sometimes called an EpiPen®. This shot can relieve symptoms, but it’s still essential that you seek emergency care after administering the epinephrine.

To get help for your child’s allergies, call ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC today or schedule online.