- The most common of allergies in children, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), is simple hay fever. However, says ACAAI, though symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing are often associated with spring, hay fever or allergic rhinitis can occur any time of year or year-round.
- ACAAI states that the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal drip and congestion, can become chronic nasal congestion, which changes the way affected children breathe while sleeping. This continued abnormal air flow due to congested airways can even cause the facial structure of children to develop in a more elongated pattern than is normal.
- Allergies and their accompanying signs can lead to infections, most commonly ear infections in children. Ear infections can be anything from simple annoyances to danger to the development of normal hearing.
- Allergic reactions vary incredibly from child to child and according to the cause of the allergy. Common signs of allergies, according to University of Maryland Medicine, include the symptoms of hay fever, as described above; frequent ear infections; skin conditions such as dermatitis, characterized by dry skin, itchiness, rashes and dry patches; and asthma.
- The causes of allergies are many. University of Maryland Medicine identifies several of the most common offenders: pollens, molds, dust mites, and animal hair; chemicals and medications; food; and insect stings.
- According to University of Maryland Medicine, the two common ways of determining which signs are caused by allergies are skin tests and blood tests. Skin and blood tests measure the child's response to specific allergens to determine the most likely causes of allergic reactions so they can be avoided.
