How to Tackle Childhood Allergies?

Zaara, a twelve-year-old girl, was upset and disappointed that she could not make it to the school basketball team. Thanks to her asthma, which becomes worse once she is out in the sun or exposed to dirt and dust. Her parents tried their best to cheer her up, but nothing seemed to work. Sniffles and coughs seemed to be her constant companion and closer than her closest friends.

A lot of kids go through these kinds of frustration due to allergies that are neither their fault nor under their control. But no parents like to quit. Being a parent is a constant fight to make the world a better place for your kids. Well, all your struggles should end here. The next few paragraphs will take you through a series of do’s and don’ts if your kid suffers from any kind of allergies. The very first step is identifying the causes correctly.

What Triggers Childhood Allergy Symptoms?

To identify and understand the common childhood allergy signs and symptoms, you need to know about the triggers of allergies first. Some common triggers which cause reactions when outdoors are pollen, insect stings or bites, dust, mites etc. Indoor childhood allergy symptoms can be due to moulds, animal fur, pests, pet dander, etc. The types and varieties can be elaborated as below:

Childhood Seasonal Allergies

Childhood hay fever or allergic rhinitis caused by seasonal changes are most prominent among kids. They occur during seasonal changes when spores are released from the mould or algae along with pollens from weeds and grasses.

The symptoms of this common childhood allergy are shortness of breath, a wheezing sound when the child tries to breathe hard, a dry cough with clear mucus, and mild asthma. Along with these, a child may show symptoms like sneezing, itchy throat, runny nose, accompanied by red, itchy and watery eyes or allergic conjunctivitis. Notice if your kid has a recurring cough and cold every year at the same time.

If yes, consult a paediatrician to understand the trigger and the remission process.

Did you know you can take your child to outpatient care in a hospital covered under the family floater plan of Care Health Insurance without having to worrying about the treatment expenses?

How? Under our Care Supreme plan, 4 OPD visits out of 14 specified specialists are covered where you can consult a paediatrician as well.

Childhood Skin Allergies

The skin is the largest and most exposed organ in the human body. Hence, it is one of the common places to explore a child's allergic conditions. Three major kinds of childhood allergies are expressed through the skin reaction.

a. Eczema

This is especially common in children with asthma and other food allergies or even if these conditions run in the family. In infants, eczema shows up on the face and head as red rashes and later spreads to arms and legs. The skin is dry, definitely itchy, and sometimes can have dry, thick, leathery patches on cheeks, nape of the neck, chest, abdomen and back. Scratching the itchy parts can aggravate the condition and cause repeat skin infections. It can be caused by certain soaps, detergents, types of fabric, excessive sweating and even some common foods like eggs, nuts, soy, etc.

b. Allergic Rash

Commonly called contact dermatitis, as the name suggests, this is contracted when a child touches or comes in physical contact with any allergen he/s is sensitive to. It may be a metal, like nickel in earrings or buttons, cosmetics like creams and powders, chemicals and dyes used for colouring clothes or shoes, mouthwashes, plants like poison ivy, topically applied medicines like antibiotics and skin numbing anaesthetics. The symptoms are similar to eczema and cause severe itching, skin bumps, redness and sometimes thick scaly patches on the skin.

c. Swelling or Hives

Hives are raised and itchy red welts or patches that parents frequently observe on their children as the  most common childhood allergies that can persist for minutes, hours, or occasionally even days. Their appearances are erratic, and hence, it is difficult to identify an exact trigger point. However, some usual triggers can be foods like eggs, milk, wheat, soy, nuts and strawberries or medicines like antibiotics, insect bites, rubber or latex, pet dander, and even some viral fevers. Along with Hives, your child might have another type of swelling around the softer areas like eyes, mouth and genitals. These are called angioedema, and they usually occur in hives. Generally, hives are not life-threatening, but you should consult a doctor if your child is unable to breathe due to swelling in the throat, nose or tongue.

>> Also Read: How can Allergy Testing Help in Managing Allergic Reactions?

Childhood Food Allergies

Food plays a pivotal role in causing allergies the affects the toddlers most. The most common childhood food allergies have basic intestinal symptoms. If your child experiences frequent loose motions, stomach cramps, excess fatigue, and headaches you can safely presume that they are symptoms of allergic reactions.

Mild to moderate reactions involve immediate symptoms like a flushed red face, with hives around the mouth, tongue and eyes which gradually spread to other parts of the body along with mild swelling of lips and watery eyes, runny nose with itchy sore throat and tongue. Nausea, vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhoea may also happen often.

Delayed symptoms of most common food allergies in childhood can be seen within hours or even within days. A flaring or extreme situation of eczema with redness and patchy scales on the skin with developed hives, redness and skin rashes. Frequent vomiting is due to frequent indigestion, diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach pain. Increased anxiety and distress, leading to mood swings, can give rise to mental issues.

The main culprits that are known to contribute to 90% of food allergies are eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts like cashews and almonds, shellfish, seafood like prawns and crabs and many more. Hence, the food manufacturers must list the items used on the package along with allergy warnings.

Pet Allergies of Children

Children love pets and spend most of their time at home with them playing. If you see them sneezing, coughing or wheezing immediately after being in touch with your pet, it is wise to get tested for pet allergies. The pets themselves might not spread allergies, but their saliva, fur, dander, or urine might be allergens to your child.

Surprisingly, various immunological studies have shown that children growing up on traditional farms have stronger immune systems to asthma, hay fever and other pet allergies. Farm living effects on childhood asthma and allergies are quite effective and positively prominent, as early contact with farm animals, consuming unprocessed cow milk, and contact with animal fodder or environmental dust, among others, have proven to be the most desired protective exposures. It makes their immune system adaptive and hence can be modulated to guard children from the effects of allergens.

Allergy Diagnosis of Children

If you find that your child is suffering from any of the above symptoms, keep a note of the repetitive symptoms, their frequency, severity and instances when they happen. Then, consult your healthcare provider for further examination. The following tests help to identify allergy reasons:

1. Skin test

This measures the IgE antibodies to some allergens like food, pollens pet dander, or weeds. A tiny amount of diluted allergen is placed on the skin and the area is pricked or scratched. If a small swollen bump appears then the child is allergic to the specified allergen. An intradermal test can also be an option, where diluted allergens are injected just under the skin. Skin test results can be received almost immediately after it is performed.

2. Blood Test

It is time-consuming and may cost more. However, it needs to be performed when a skin test is not an option. If your child has recently experienced a severe skin reaction and is still recuperating, or if a child has a certain difficult skin condition, having a blood test is the only way out. A positive blood test needs to be interpreted by your healthcare provider, who is aware of your child's medical history, family history and environment. Since these tests are expensive, it is good to have them covered with your health insurance plan that can finance diagnostics, lab tests, and outpatient consultancy. You can focus on your child without having to worry about anything else.

3. Challenge Tests

This test is the best way to determine the severity of the allergic reaction. The diluted allergen can be given to the child orally or can be breathed in. Skin and Blood  tests can only explain whether a child can react to the allergen. Challenge tests can actually explain what reaction the child might experience.

Childhood Allergy Treatment

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any kind of treatment. The three most effective ways to combat allergies in children are avoidance, medication and, of course, immunotherapy. Make your child stay indoors, control dust in your child’s bedroom, and have a bath and wash clothes after your child has played in the garden. Medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants and allergy shots can also give immense relief in severe conditions. However, consultation with your paediatrician is a must before any medication.

To Wrap it up

Childhood allergies can make a child feel distraught, lonely and withdrawn mentally. But with love, support and encouragement, parents can not only control or cure the physical symptoms but build a strong mind which can help the child in the long run. As our valued customer, Care Health Insurance will be your partner in the journey whenever there is a need to go for a diagnosis or consultation and even hospitalisation during severe cases.

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