The immune system serves to protect the body against harmful invaders called antigens, such as bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. However, the immune system of some children reacts to harmless substances that do not normally cause a reaction in other children. In these children, the immune cells and proteins release chemicals that migrate to different parts of the body to attack the foreign substances or allergens. Allergy is the medical name for the exaggerated immune reaction. Food, pollen, dust mites and animal dander are some of the most common triggers of allergies in children.
Skin Symptoms
Chemicals such as histamine migrate to the skin and cause allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling and eczema. Hives are small, itchy red welts that whiten when pressure is applied. They are commonly the mildest symptom of allergies in children. The welts may appear anywhere on the body but usually disappear within 24 hours. Often with hives, painful swelling of the deeper layers of the skin occurs around the head, neck or face. Children with allergies may also experience itchy rashes called eczema forming around the cheek, face, scalp, back of hands and the soles of feet. The red, dry rashes may soon develop into scaly, brownish rashes oozing with infected fluid.
Nasal Symptoms
Histamine in the nose, eyes and throat may cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive children. Symptoms include red, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, frequent sneezing, or coughing to clear the throat. There could also be itching on the roof of the mouth and throat, postnasal drip, or sinus pressure or pain. Children with allergies may have dark circles under their eyes, breath from their mouth, and have snoring problems. They may also frequently rub their noses upward as signs of chronic itchiness of the nasal passages.
Respiratory Symptoms
Asthma is a common respiratory allergic reaction in children. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing out, coughing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. Coughing may become more frequent at night or early morning. Asthma attacks are signs of more severe allergic reactions in children. Breathing becomes more rapid and deep as the airways constrict, the pulse rate increases, and the lips and nails become bluish or pale in an asthma attack or episode.
Digestive Symptoms
Reactions in the gastrointestinal tract usually occur when allergic children ingest food that causes their allergies. Vomiting is a common allergic response as the body attempts to get rid of the food. Children who are extremely sensitive may experience stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea with vomiting within minutes of exposure. Swollen tongue, lips or throat may indicate swelling inside the gastrointestinal tract, and a sign of more severe allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe immune reaction that affects the entire body of allergic children. Anaphylactic reactions involve the skin and nasal passages, and the respiratory and digestive systems. Symptoms may include red, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, acute hives, extreme difficulty breathing, projectile vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. The lips and throat may swell and block the airways. The pulse may rapidly beat and cause a drop in blood pressure, dizziness or fainting. Anaphylaxis is a serious life-threatening allergic response and requires emergency medical response.
