POLLEN COUNT
A lot of children have some form of allergies, ranging from mild to severe. If your child has allergies, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan in place. Whether it’s taking an oral antihistamine during allergy season or having your child carry an EpiPen with them at all times, it’s important to be prepared when it comes to allergies.
If you are unsure whether your child has allergies, you should look out for certain symptoms. Here are the most common allergy symptoms seen in children. If your child experiences any of them, see an allergist for a diagnosis.
Itchy and Swollen Eyes
One of the most common signs of allergies is itchy and swollen eyes. If you see your child rubbing their eyes or if their eyes are visibly swollen, it could be due to allergies. Most people treat this through oral antihistamines, but some medical experts recommend the use of topical eye drops. To determine what is the best medication or treatment for itchy and swollen eyes and if it is a result of allergies, talk to an allergist.
Skin Reactions
The body’s largest organ, the skin, frequently reacts to allergens. One of the most common allergy symptoms is the development of hives on the skin minutes or hours after eating a certain food. Hives refer to itchy, red welts on the skin, and their size and number depend on the severity of the allergy. Hives are most common after consuming a food that you are allergic to. Antihistamines are a good way to get rid of them. If your child gets hives, talk to an allergist to get them tested, so that you know exactly what food is causing the reaction.
Congested or Runny Nose
Seasonal allergies as well as allergies to dust mites can cause congestion and a runny nose. Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is commonly known as seasonal allergies. It causes an overproduction of mucus in the sinuses. Nasal saline sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants are typically used to treat these symptoms.
Respiratory Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis and other kinds of allergies also lead to respiratory symptoms, and it mainly targets your child’s breathing. If you notice your child experiencing shortness of breath, rapid breathing, dry cough, or noisy wheezing, it could be due to allergies. These symptoms are often harmless, but there are instances when they can be detrimental to your child’s health and day-to-day functioning.
Stomach Problems
Another sign that your child may have an allergy is abdominal pain or stomach issues. Several types of allergies can set off intestinal symptoms in children. Therefore, if your kid complains about stomach pain, gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, see an allergist for testing – it could be caused by allergies.
Allergy and Asthma Specialist in Will County & DuPage County, IL
Finding out what your child is allergic to can save their life. At Oak Brook Allergists, we provide allergy testing for patients as a first step to developing a comprehensive and effective allergy management plan.
To schedule a consultation, call Oak Brook Allergists at (630) 574-0460 or request an appointment today. We look forward to serving you in any of our four locations in Northeastern Illinois.
