According to KidsHealth, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, including children. An estimated two million school days are missed yearly as a result of children's allergies. An allergic reaction occurs when a child's immune system has a hypersensitivity to a particular substance that doesn't affect most children, according to Baby Center. Toddlers whose parents have allergies or asthma are more likely to develop allergies during childhood. An allergic reaction should be evaluated by the child's pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cause
The most common causes of allergies in toddlers are certain foods, airborne allergens and insect bites, according to KidsHealth. Toddlers may be allergic to milk products, eggs and certain nuts. Airborne allergens that affect toddlers are pollen, mold spores, pet dander and dust mites. Insect bites, such as bee and wasp stings, can cause minor to major allergic reactions.
Symptoms
One of the most common allergy symptoms in toddlers is nasal congestion, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Children with allergies experience a runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, coughing, sinus headaches and a stuffy nose. Other symptoms may include eye irritation, a scratchy throat, eczema, hives and other skin rashes.
Severe Symptoms
A rare condition that occurs in children with allergies is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, typically related to insect bites, foods and drug allergies in toddlers that could be life-threatening. If a toddler develops these symptoms, call 911. Anaphylaxis symptoms in toddlers are hives, closing of the throat, drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, dizziness, fainting and wheezing, according to KidsHealth.
Treatment
Baby Center states that there is no cure for allergies, but parents can educate toddlers on how to avoid allergy triggers. Consult with a pediatric allergist to determine and identify allergens. If a toddler is allergic to dairy products, her school or daycare should be informed to avoid accidental exposure. A pediatrician may recommend allergy shots or the use of over-the-counter children's antihistamine. Maintain a clean home and avoid going outdoors when seasonal pollen and mold are at their height.
Misconception
Allergies and the common cold have similar symptoms and need to be evaluated by a pediatrician to determine the cause, according to MayoClinic.com. Allergies occur as soon as the toddler is exposed to the allergen, while cold symptoms slowly develop and subside after five to seven days. Allergies will not cause a fever in a toddler. If a fever develops, talk with a doctor.
