Although some teenagers and adults can develop new allergies, most allergies become apparent in childhood. Children experience allergic reactions when their bodies produce physical reactions in response to an object or substance in the immediate environment. This is a misguided attempt of the body to ward off the potential danger of the allergen. Parents and children who learn about allergies can better determine when an allergy is present and seek appropriate treatment.
Types
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that six types of common allergies exist, including asthma, hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives and contact dermatitis. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander may trigger asthma, hay fever or eczema. Although people may be allergic to any type of food, those foods that contain eggs, peanuts, milk, nuts, fish, soy, peas, wheat and shellfish are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Viral infections, medications, plants, household cleaners or detergents and chemicals in perfumes or cosmetics also may produce an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
The signs or symptoms of an allergy often depend upon the type of allergy, explains the AAP. Asthma may produce wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and a sensation of tightness around the chest. Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and watery, itchy or swollen eyes are often symptoms of hay fever. Eczema consists of patches of dry, red, itchy skin that usually occurs on the creases of the legs, arms or neck. Hives look like small bumps that are usually red or paler than the surrounding skin. They do not stay in the same spot for more than a few hours and often reappear in different places on the body. Contact dermatitis often produces a red, raised, itchy rash that occurs where the skin touched the allergen, and may blister if the reaction is severe. Food allergies may produce vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, hives, eczema and, possibly, a drop in blood pressure.
School Considerations
Parents and school personnel should work together to manage a child's allergies and prevent serious medication complications, suggests the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This may include creating a written action plan, eliminating the allergen from the school environment, or providing key school officials with the child's allergy medication and explaining the proper way to administer the medication. Parents should ask the school officials about possible modifications if the child experiences learning difficulties due to his medical condition.
Misconceptions
Although children can inherit the tendency to be allergic, many do not inherit a specific allergy, explains the medical advisory board of BabyCenter.com. For example, a parent with a severe peanut allergy may be more likely to have a child with an allergy, but the child may be allergic to pet dander and not peanuts. However, since the predisposition to being allergic to something does appear genetic, parents with allergies should carefully monitor their children for allergy symptoms and consult a doctor or allergist when necessary.
Warning
Children with allergies may experience anaphylaxis, which is severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include hives, itchiness, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, redness of the skin, slurred speech, wheezing, abdominal pain or cramping, difficulty breathing or swallowing, coughing, diarrhea, confusion, anxiety, dizziness, light-headedness and fainting. This reaction usually occurs quickly after exposure to the allergen, according to MedlinePlus. Parents or caregivers who suspect a child may be going into to anaphylactic shock should call 911 or take the child to an emergency room immediately.
