Allergies in Children

What is an allergy?

Allergies happen when the part of the body that fights off illnesses (the immune system) overreacts to a usually harmless substance (called an allergen ) that is eaten, breathed in, injected, or touched. An allergy is not a disease but a description of a way that the immune system reacts. This allergic reaction can affect different parts of the body, resulting in diseases or conditions such as

• Anaphylaxis—A severe and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction.

• Asthma—When the airways swell and spasm and cause air passages in the lungs to narrow. Asthma may be triggered by an allergic reaction, although a nonallergic trigger can also be the cause (such as an infection or exercise).

• Contact dermatitis—An itchy rash caused by skin coming into contact with things such as poison ivy and oak and certain chemicals in items such as creams, cosmetics, and jewelry.

• Eczema—Also called atopic dermatitis; a chronic itchy rash.

• Food allergy—An allergic reaction to food that can range from stomachache, to skin rash, to a serious medical emergency such as anaphylaxis.

• Hay fever—An allergic reaction in the nasal passages causing a runny, itchy, and stuffy nose and sneezing. Hay fever can occur at certain times of the year or all year long. Symptoms such as itchy, red, and watery eyes often occur along with the nasal symptoms.

• Hives—Itchy welts that may be caused by foods, a virus, medicines, or other triggers.

• Insect sting allergy—Potentially severe reactions from the stings of bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, or other stinging insects.

• Medication allergy—Symptoms such as rashes or more severe problems from various prescription or nonprescription medicines or vaccines.

What causes allergies?

Children get allergies from coming into contact with allergens. Allergens can be inhaled, eaten, or injected (from stings or medicine), or they can come into contact with the skin. Some of the more common allergens are

• Pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds

• Molds, both indoor and outdoor

• Dust mites that live in bedding, carpeting, and other items that hold moisture

• Animal dander from furry animals such as cats, dogs, horses, and rabbits

• Some foods and medicines

• Venom from insect stings

Allergies tend to run in families. If a parent has an allergy, there is a higher chance that his or her child will also have allergies. This risk increases if both parents are allergic.

How can I tell if symptoms are from allergies or a cold?

Allergies affecting the nose can result in the following symptoms:

• An itchy, runny nose with thin, clear nasal discharge; a stuffy nose; or both

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Repeated sneezing and itching of the nose, eyes, or skin that lasts for weeks or months

• No fever

• Often seasonal symptoms; for example, only in spring, in summer, or in fall before frost

• Sleepiness (Usually, however, children with nasal symptoms caused by allergies do not "act sick.")

When do allergic symptoms in children first show up?

Some allergic conditions show up early in life. For example, eczema often occurs in the first few years after birth, while hay fever usually appears during preschool or early grade school. For some children, allergies lessen around the time of puberty. Others will continue to have problems into adult years.

Do drug treatments help?

There are many medicines to treat allergic conditions. Medicines include antihistamine pills or syrup, eye drops, nasal sprays, asthma treatments, and creams or ointments. Some are available over the counter. These medicines can help relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, wheeze, cough, and rashes. Allergy medicines may have minor side effects such as sleepiness and irritability. Before using any allergy medicines, carefully read the warnings on the label. If any of these medicines does not relieve your child's symptoms or if the side effects are too strong, call your pediatrician. Your child may need a different medicine or dose. Although medicines can be helpful, it is also important to identify allergy triggers and remove them when possible.

When does my child need to see an allergist?

In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend that your child see a board-certified allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies. The allergist will most likely

• Look for triggers for your child's allergy.

• Suggest ways to avoid the cause of your child's symptoms.

• Give you a treatment plan to follow.

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may be recommended. These shots contain small amounts of the substances to which your child is allergic. This therapy allows your child's body to become less sensitive to these substances. Allergy shots can help decrease symptoms of hay fever and asthma and prevent anaphylaxis from insect sting allergies. However, they are not available for food allergies.

How can I help my child?

Identifying and avoiding the things your child is allergic to is best. If your child has an allergic condition, try to identify and avoid triggers in the following ways:

• Keep windows closed during the pollen season, especially on dry, windy days when pollen counts are highest.

• Keep the house clean and dry to reduce mold and dust mites.

• Avoid having pets and indoor plants.

• Avoid things that you know cause allergic reactions in your child.

• Prevent anyone from smoking anywhere near your child, especially in your home and car.

• See your pediatrician for safe and effective medicine that can be used to help alleviate or prevent allergy symptoms.