If you believe this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. 

Allergies in kids is a very typical issue and can cause a lot of discomfort for your little ones. KidsStreet Urgent Care is here to educate you on what allergies are, the different types, the symptoms, diagnosis, and how they are treated. 

What Are Kid Allergies? 

Allergies are the result of your immune system being exposed to something new, and believing it is harming the body. Although these things may not actually harm your body, your immune system still triggers a response to release chemicals to fight off the allergen, causing different symptoms. Some allergies are just an inconvenience, with them causing you to sneeze or cough. However, more serious allergies can be life-threatening and it’s important to know if you have any serious allergies. 

Types Of Allergens 

There are many different types of allergies a person can have, and this is not limited to adults. Many children suffer from an allergy and sometimes a plethora of allergies. The following allergies are the most common for children. 

Airborne Allergies

Do you find that your child gets sneezy, stuffy, or has a cough in certain areas? If you said yes, this may mean that they are allergic to allergens in the air. Airborne allergens can exist outdoors or indoors. Depending on the place you live and the season, they may get worse or better throughout the year. Here are some common airborne allergens: 

• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Mold spores
• Pet hair 
• Bugs (such as cockroaches)

Food Allergies

If your child ingests a food that they are allergic to, the consequences could be severe. Some food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, which is the closing of the throat that inhibits your child from breathing. It is crucial to know if your child has any food allergies. Some of the most common food allergies include:  

• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Milk 
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat
• Eggs

Other Allergies

Some allergies don’t fall into perfect categories. These allergies may include: 

• Chemicals (such as those in laundry detergent) 
• Insect stings (bees, ants, etc.) 
• Medicines (penicillin is an extremely common allergen)

What Are The Symptoms? 

Mild Reactions

Allergy symptoms vary based upon the allergen your child comes into contact with. The most common mild allergic reactions include: 

• Sneezing
• Coughing 
• Runny Nose
• Congestion 
• Hay fever 
• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash 
• Itchy or congested ears

Severe Reactions

As mentioned previously, some allergic reactions are severe and can even be life threatening. Severe reactions include: 

• Anaphylaxis
• Wheezing 
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Hives
• Fainting 

If you think your child is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately. 

How Are Allergies Diagnosed? 

Some allergies in children can be self-diagnosed. If you know your child starts having symptoms in certain locations or during different seasons, it is likely that they have an allergy to airborne particles. However, sometimes it isn’t that easy to diagnose them, especially in the case of food and medicine allergies. 

If your child seems to always suffer from allergies regardless of location or season, it may be time to visit a specialist. Specialists can perform a series of skin tests and blood tests to determine what your child is allergic to. They will test them for a large variety of allergens, and the results will let you know what they need to avoid. 

What Are The Treatment Options? 

There are a vast amount of treatments for allergies, however, there is no cure. The best way to reduce allergic reactions is simply by avoiding the allergen altogether. In the cases of airborne allergens, this may not always be possible. For these instances, you can administer nose sprays and antihistamines such as Children’s Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Additionally, to reduce reactions to dust mites, you can make sure to vacuum frequently and use air conditioning to keep consistent air flow throughout the home. 

KidsStreet Urgent Care offers allergy treatments in our pediatric urgent care services, and we would love to help your little one heal and feel better, FAST!  

For more serious allergies, your child’s pediatrician or allergy specialist may recommend allergy shots. These shots will be administered weekly or biweekly, and can help with your child’s reactions to those allergens.