Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Children: What to Watch For

Understanding the signs and symptoms of allergies in children allows you to get your little ones the treatment they need to reduce their symptoms and possibly prevent a serious event. Fortunately, once you identify the signs of child allergies, you can get them the care they need at Southwestern Pediatric & Family Care, serving Maricopa, AZ, and the nearby region, with Dr. Anthony DiGeorge or one of our nurse practitioners.

Signs of Allergic Rhinitis 

Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of allergy a child may experience. With this particular condition, kids experience a reaction whenever they breathe in an airborne allergen, such as mold spores, pet dander, pollen, or dust. They may develop any of the following from this:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Post-nasal drip (drainage in the back of the throat)
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Sneezing

Hives are possible.

Signs of Food Allergies 

Food allergies tend to occur when a child consumes a food, though sometimes, even inhaling dust or particulate matter from the item can trigger a reaction. Most commonly, kids are allergic to milk, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, though any food could technically cause a reaction.

Sometimes, food allergies are so severe they're life-threatening and may cause their throat to close or cause their body to go into shock. In most cases, however, the allergy will cause one or more of these symptoms:

• Hives 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Throat, tongue, mouth, or facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing

Signs of Contact Dermatitis 

Contact dermatitis occurs when your little one reacts when their skin touches a substance. It may occur from the colors, fragrances, or other ingredients in laundry detergent, soap, lotion, or another product. Latex is another example. And your kid could even experience this from airborne substances in contact with their skin.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

• Itchiness
• Hives or rash
• Blisters
• Skin swelling
• Skin redness

Signs of a Medication Allergy 

Another example of child allergies parents bring their little one into our Maricopa, AZ, office for is reacting to a prescription or over-the-counter medication. Some medication allergies are severe enough to cause your kid to go into shock. 

In less severe cases, though, your child may develop any of these:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Skin swelling
• Skin rash or hives
• Itchiness

While any medication could cause a reaction, certain ones, like penicillin and penicillin-derived antibiotics, are most known for causing reactions.

If your kid has signs of child allergies, contact Southwestern Pediatric & Family Care, serving Maricopa, AZ, and the surrounding area, for an appointment with Dr. Anthony DiGeorge or one of our nurse practitioners.

Call 520-568-9500 today.