Does your child suffer from allergies? Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your child has a cold, or if your child has allergies, which can be treated. Your pediatrician can help your child get relief from allergy symptoms, but it’s helpful if you know what to look for.
What You Need To Know About Allergies in Children
When your child is exposed to certain substances, an allergic response happens. Common allergens include seasonal allergens like grasses, trees, plant, and flower pollens; environmental allergens like pet hair, pet dander, dust mites, and mold; and food allergens like peanuts, shellfish, and dairy.
When exposed to these allergens, your child might experience itchy watery eyes, itchy runny nose, sneezing, coughing or wheezing, rashes, breathing problems, or sore throat or nausea. If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your child to see the pediatrician for allergy testing, which can include skin tests, challenge tests, or blood tests.
Your pediatrician may recommend several treatments to relieve allergy symptoms, including prescription-strength antihistamine or decongestant medications, nasal sprays containing steroids, sublingual immunotherapy, rescue inhalers and epi-pens, and allergy injections.
Remember that an allergic reaction can also be life-threatening, so you need to seek out emergency services if your child is turning pale, having severe breathing problems, or unable to speak.