In the United Kingdom, it’s estimated around 40% of children have been diagnosed with an allergy. This is where your body reacts to something that is normally harmless, such as animal fur, dust, or pollen. Symptoms can be mild. However, for some, they can require a trip to the GP.
As a parent, having a better understanding of common allergies in children is essential. You should know your child inside out, so if they present any symptoms like those below, you can get appropriate treatment and ensure their health and wellbeing stays on top. With that in mind, here are some common allergies in kids to look out for.
Food Allergy
Many children up and down the UK suffer from a food allergy. In fact, they seem to be getting progressively common. Food allergies happen when the immune system gets confused. Rather than ignoring harmless food protein, the immune system triggers a reaction. This causes a release of the chemical histamine. It’s histamine that causes common allergy symptoms like swelling or hives.
Food allergies are far more common in children that come from a family where other members suffer from the same allergy. Some types of food allergies include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish. As you introduce said foods into your child’s diet, they may experience allergy symptoms. If this happens, it’s important to take your child to your GP for a thorough assessment.
Asthma
Many children and adults in the UK have asthma which normally begins in childhood. Common triggers for asthma include house dust mites, pollen, and animals. In some kids, changes in air temperature, physical activity, and stress can bring on wheezy episodes. Asthma causes an array of breathing problems like tightness in the chest, a persistent cough, and wheezing.
An asthma attack must be treated immediately. If your child has been prescribed medication for asthma and it isn’t working, don’t delay in seeking medical help. You can take your child to Children’s Allergy Doctors. They are allergy specialists and can assess your child’s asthma symptoms, as well as guide you through types of treatment to relieve any discomfort they’re experiencing.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction that normally happens at certain points in the year. It’s known as seasonal rhinitis and shares symptoms with year-round allergic rhinitis. Hay fever occurs as a reaction to pollen from trees, grass, and weeds during the spring and summer months. Common symptoms linked with hay fever include red eyes, an itchy nose, and watery discharge from the nose.
If you have young children, they’re bound to want to explore their surroundings. This means when they’re out and about during the warmer months, it’s important to keep an eye on them when they return home. If you spot any of the symptoms listed, it’s time to see your GP.
Allergies in children can be both distressing for the child and parent. We appreciate parents want to do everything possible to protect their kids against serious allergic reactions and allergen triggers. Therefore, knowing more about the allergies above and their symptoms will keep you one step ahead.
