Allergies in children cause a wide range of symptoms that often vary from those seen in adults. As explained by information from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) Children's Hospital, infants and toddlers are more likely to develop allergy conditions because their digestive and immune systems are not yet mature. Allergic disorders, including asthma are the most common chronic diseases in children and most adults with allergies experienced symptoms early in childhood. All types of allergies are commonly passed on in families and some children are more susceptible to allergy triggers such as pollen, dust mites and pollution.
Asthma
Some types of asthma, particularly in children, are allergy-related disorders that affect the lungs, causing symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and excess mucus production in the lungs, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms in children include cigarette smoke, infections, pollen, dust, animal fur and dander, cold air, exercise and stress.
Food Allergies
According to the UCSF Children's Hospital, eating, touching and in severe cases even smelling food allergens can trigger allergic reactions. The eight foods that commonly cause food allergies in children are peanuts, tree nuts such as pecans and walnuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. Symptoms in children with food allergies include vomiting, hives, skin rashes, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, eyes and throat and shock or a sudden drop in blood pressure after eating the food.
Eczema
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is the most visible allergy related disorder in children. It can be worsened in children that have other allergies, such as asthma and food allergies and is usually caused by contact with an allergen. Symptoms of eczema include patchy, dry, red and itchy skin that usually appears on the arms, legs. Cheeks, behind the ears and on the neck and may become inflamed.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is actually a group of symptoms caused by allergies to pollen, grass and weeds. This allergic disorder is also common in adults. Signs of hay fever in children include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, breathing with the mouth open (particularly when sleeping), congested sinuses, nasal itch, watery and itchy eyes and swelling under the eyes.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is also an allergy that is noticeable on children. It is more common in industrialized societies and occurs after contact with poison ivy or oak, laundry detergents, soaps and cleansers, household cleaners and chemicals in cosmetics, perfumes and air fresheners.
