Children and Allergies, Part 1

Springtime is generally the time of year when allergies and their symptoms become a real problem for those who suffer from them.  Children are not exempt from this problem, so being aware of what irritants can cause the allergies and the steps that can be taken to alleviate the problem is important.  You should also be aware that if a parent or both parents suffer from allergies, it’s very likely the children will, as well.

Allergy symptoms can be different for different age groups.  In children under the age of five, 20% suffer from eczema, which results from the itching that allergies can cause.  Itching for infants and young children usually presents itself around the child’s face, the back of the scalp, the trunk of the body, and the arms and legs.  All of these are spots  the child can easily reach and scratch.

What triggers the irritation and itching?  Although pollens and mold spores that circulate in the air contribute and are very wide spread, the most significant triggers tend to be animal dander and dust mites.

If your child is diagnosed with allergies (having the testing done is a very important step), there are things you can do to make them more comfortable and help prevent the recurrence in the future.  Hay fever is a challenge, of course, unless you and your child stay indoors during certain seasons.  The pollen in the air enters human noses and throats and sets off allergic rhinitis.  Because this is so hard to avoid, seeing your pediatrician for this type of allergy can be very beneficial in finding treatment for the symptoms, as well as preventive medications.

Itching and irritation can be brought on by chemicals, certain fabrics (such as wool), harsh soaps, and even getting overheated and sweaty.  Obviously, the solution to these instigators of allergy symptoms is not to use them or find milder substitutes.

Mold and mildew within your home or environment is also an issue for some who suffer from allergies.  Cleaning these areas with a diluted bleach solution can be helpful or removal of the articles containing the mold, of course, works best, if that’s possible.

In next week’s blog, we’ll discuss more allergy “instigators”, specifically pets and dust mites!

Remember, if your child exhibits signs of allergic reactions (including itching, sneezing, runny nose), your first plan of action should be a visit to the pediatrician to determine what he or she is allergic to so you can go about making changes in your child’s environment, if possible.