Children are often the ones affected with various types ofallergies. In the US alone, there are over a million kids who have allergies.
As common as it may seem, we still should not take it in a relaxed manner
because there are allergies that can be severe.
What is an Allergy?
An
allergy is the result of the over reaction of the immune system. The immune
system’s function is to protect the body from harmful substances called
antigens which can be viruses, bacteria or other foreign substances. But there
are times when our immune system over reacts with certain antigens and launches
a massive attack to the allergen. Our immune system makes immunoglobulin E
(IgE) antibodies and these antibodies are what stimulate the mast cells and
basophils producing chemicals that attack the allergen. When these chemicals
are produced including histamine, an allergic reaction happens.
Allergic
reactions happen each time a child is exposed to an allergen. An allergen may
affect a child while another child is not. The most common allergies that
children have are due to food, dust mites and animal dander.
Allergy
symptoms in Children
Skin
Because
allergic reactions can happen to any part of the body, the skin is perhaps the
first place where manifestation of allergy can be seen. Histamine which is
produced during an allergic reaction moves to the skin and causes hives,
redness, swelling and itchiness. Hives are red, small itchy welts that when
pressed turns white. They are the mildest symptom of allergy among children.
These welts can appear at any part of the body but usually disappears within 24
hours. Children who have allergies may also experience eczema which are itchy
rashes that usually appear on the scalp, face, hands and legs.
Nose
Nasal
symptoms among children often include red and watery eyes, runny or stuffed
nose, coughing to clear the throat or frequent sneezing. There are also times
when other children experience itchiness on the roof of the mouth and throat,
sinus pressure or pain and postnasal drip. Children often rub their nose
upwards which is a sign of itchiness on their nasal passages. They often
experience allergic symptoms have dark circles under their eyes, breath through
their mouth and often snore when sleeping.
Respiratory
One of
the most common types of allergy among children is asthma. We often find
children with asthma to suffer from wheezing or have whistling sounds when they
breathe. Sometimes symptoms also include chest tightness, difficulty breathing
and coughing usually during night or early in the morning. Asthma attacks
should not be taken for granted because they are a sign of severe allergic
reaction in kids. The reason why children have difficulty breathing is because
of the constricted airways causing an increased pulse rate and bluish or pale
nails and lips.
Digestion
Allergy
symptoms in the digestive system among children are commonly caused by
ingestion of foods that they are allergic to. The first sign of allergy in
children is vomiting because this is how the body tries to get rid of the
ingested allergen. On worst cases, children experience nausea, diarrhea and
stomach cramps within in just a few minutes after being exposed to the food.
Other symptoms include inflammation of the tongue, throat and lips.
It would really be helpful if you consult your pediatrician about the different types of allergies among children and the relief that may be given to them. As much as possible, keep your children away from foods that commonly causes allergies and if for children affected with seasonal allergy, keep them indoors during the peak of pollen season. We should educate ourselves of more ways on how to care for children with allergies in order to avoid severe scenarios of allergy attacks.
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