Understanding child allergies: Common triggers, symptoms, and management

Childhood allergies are a prevalent concern for many parents, impacting the quality of life and overall well-being of their little ones. At Top Doctors, we understand the importance of providing accurate information to help parents recognise, manage, and alleviate allergies in children. In this article, renowned consultant paediatrician Professor Nick Makwana delves into the most common allergies in children, how to identify them, their duration, and effective management strategies.

Common allergies in children

1. Food allergies:

• Common triggers: Peanuts and tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
• Symptoms:
  • mild allergic reaction: Rash (hives), swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): tongue swelling, breathing difficulty, wheezing, going pale or drowsy
• Diagnosis: Skin prick test, blood test (Specific IgE), or an oral food challenge under medical supervision.

2. Environmental allergies:

• Common triggers: Pollen, mould, dust mites, and pet dander.
• Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or asthma exacerbation.
• Diagnosis: Allergy testing (skin prick test or blood test) by an allergist.

3. Insect sting allergies:

• Common triggers: Bee stings, wasp stings, or fire ant bites.
• Symptoms: Swelling at the sting site, hives, itching, or anaphylaxis (severe reaction).
• Diagnosis: A skin test or blood test for specific IgE antibodies.

How to identify child allergies

Recognising allergies in children can be challenging as symptoms often mimic other conditions. However, some signs may indicate an allergic reaction:

• Repetitive symptoms: If your child experiences consistent symptoms after exposure to a particular food / substance, consider an allergy.
• Skin reactions: Rashes, hives, or eczema that worsen after ingestion or contact with an allergen.
• Respiratory issues: Persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing without an apparent cause, or immediately after exposure to a potential allergen.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain after consuming specific foods.
• Behavioural changes: Irritability, fussiness, or lethargy following exposure to potential allergens.

If you suspect your child has an allergy, consult with a paediatrician or allergist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Duration of allergies in kids

The duration of allergies in children varies depending on factors such as the type of allergy, severity of symptoms, and management strategies. In general:

• Food allergies: Some children outgrow food allergies, especially to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat, by school age. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish often persist into adulthood.
• Environmental allergies: Symptoms may improve or worsen over time, with some children experiencing seasonal variations.
• Insect sting allergies: Sensitivity to insect stings may remain constant or decrease over time but rarely disappears entirely.

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers can help monitor allergy progression and adjust management plans accordingly.

Managing child allergies

1. Avoidance:

• Identify and eliminate triggers from your child's environment or diet.
• Read food labels carefully and inquire about ingredients when dining out.
• Implement measures to reduce exposure to environmental allergens at home, such as using air purifiers or allergen-proof bedding.

2. Medication:

• Antihistamines can alleviate mild allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing.
• Nasal corticosteroids are effective for controlling nasal congestion and inflammation due to environmental allergies.
• Epinephrine auto-injectors are essential for children with severe allergies prone to anaphylaxis.

3. Immunotherapy:

• Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy may be recommended for children with severe environmental allergies or insect sting allergies.

4. Emergency action plan:

• Ensure you have a written emergency action plan with clear instructions on managing allergic reactions, especially for school personnel and caregivers.

By understanding common allergens, recognising symptoms, and implementing appropriate management strategies, parents can help their children lead healthier, allergy-free lives.

For personalised advice and treatment options, book a consultation with Professor Makwana today via his Top Doctors profile.