Children's Allergy Symptoms
Children display allergies when their body perceives that something in their environment is dangerous. These environmental triggers are called allergens. Possible allergens include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold, insects and food items. The body responds to the allergen by releasing histamines and other substances to fight the allergen. The chemicals released by the body cause allergy symptoms to occur.
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Respiratory Symptoms
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Children who are allergic to dust mites, animal dander, mold and pollen usually have respiratory symptoms. Allergies often cause a child to have a runny nose or a stuffy nose. Those children with a chronic stuffy nose may breathe through their mouth most of the time. The child may also sneeze and cough often. Children with allergies often rub their nose often.
Other Allergy Symptoms
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Allergies may also cause red, itchy and watery eyes. Sometimes allergies will cause the child's skin under their eyes to appear a purplish or bluish color. Children may develop problems such as eczema if they are allergic to things in the environment that touch their skin. Other skins symptoms include itchiness and rashes.
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Food Allergy Symptoms
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Children who are allergic to a certain food item may break out into hives. They may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergies may also cause patches of dry, scaly skin to appear on the child's arms, legs and face. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, cashew, walnuts, Brazil nuts, salmon, tuna, cod, crab, shrimp and lobster.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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Allergies can be diagnosed using either a skin test or blood test. Allergy treatment usually involves taking steps to remove the allergen from the environment when possible and also taking medications. Prescriptions antihistamines can prevent the child's body from reacting negatively to allergens in the environment.
Anaphylactic Shock
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Some children may have a severe reaction to an allergen called anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include facial swelling, throat swelling and trouble breathing. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate emergency treatment.
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