How Can I Know If My Child Has Allergies?

The CDC estimates that 50 million people living in the United States have allergies of some sort. So, if you suspect your child is struggling with allergies, they’re not alone. It’s very common for allergies to develop in infancy and early childhood, and they can affect your child’s ability to sleep, play, or do well in school. 

Respiratory allergies are the most common in children; however, the CDC reports that there’s been a huge jump in skin and food allergies in the past 15 years. When your child has an allergic reaction, it means their immune system is defending them from a substance that’s actually harmless. 

Because there are so many different allergies and subsequent reactions, our team led by Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, at the Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, provides information on how you can spot the telltale signs of allergic reactions in children.

Signs of allergic reactions in children

If you’ve noticed that your child has persistently red and itchy eyes or a itchy and runny nose for more than a week or two, they might have allergies. The same goes for if they complain of an itchy throat or mouth. These are all signs of hay fever — the most common form of allergies in children.

It’s also common for your child’s allergic reaction to be present on their skin. For example, eczema is an allergy-related condition that causes red, dry, and itchy patches to form on the skin. Another example is hives, which can be a sign of an allergic reaction, forming red welts that can vary in size.

Have you noticed that your child tires quickly when playing or has very wheezy breathing or a cough? Or does your child struggle with rapid breathing or shortness of breath? These are respiratory symptoms of allergies and will probably need treatment. 

Other symptoms of allergic reactions in children include stomach cramps, persistent diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue.

Common allergy triggers for children

These are some commonly seen allergens that trigger reactions in children:

• Outdoor allergens, such as tree pollen, plant pollen, and insect stings
• Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold
• Irritants, such as fragrances, cigarette smoke, or car exhaust
• Foods, such as peanuts, eggs, fish, milk, soy, wheat, and other assorted nuts

Many of these allergy triggers may not seem obvious, so you may need to keep a diary of what your child is exposed to for you to narrow down what’s causing your child’s allergies.

Next steps

For proper allergy testing, diagnosis, and treatment, look no further than the Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan. Our team can offer a treatment plan that works specifically for your child and their needs. 

To schedule allergy testing for your child, give us a call at 248-363-3232 or request an appointment online today.