Curious Parents Family Health Resources

family health

When To Suspect an Allergy

Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle, and may masquerade as other conditions. Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy.

• Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the skin, wrists, and ankles.

• Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms - that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year. These could include a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and throat clearing.

• Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing and itchy, runny eyes.

• Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat. Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold, but it is the hallmark of an allergy problem.

• Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms. Coughing may be an isolated symptom; increases at night or with exercise are suspicious for asthma.

Common Allergens on the Home front

• Dust (contains dust mites and finely ground particles from other allergens such as pollen, mold and animal dander)

• Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)

• Fungi (including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye)

• Furry animals

• Latex (household articles such as rubber gloves and toys, balloons

• Foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat and fish

How To Manage Allergic Nasal Symptoms

• Many children are allergic to pollen and mold, both of which are found everywhere outdoors and cannot be completely avoided.

• It’s helpful to use air conditioners, where possible, to reduce exposure to pollen in both your home and your car. Molds are present in the spring and late summer, particularly around areas of decaying vegetation. Children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall.

• Dust mites congregate where food for them (human skin scales) is plentiful. They are especially numerous in upholstered furniture, bedding and rugs. Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers, which are available through catalogs and specialized retailers. Wash linens weekly, and other bedding such as blankets, every 2 to 3 weeks in hot water. Pillows should be replaced every 2 to 3 years.

Medications to Suppress Symptoms 

Your child’s allergy treatment should start with your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist for additional evaluations and treatments. These are common medications to treat allergies; Allergy Immunotherapy, Antihistamines, Nasal Corticosteroids and Decongestants.

Courtesy of The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child’s Allergies and Asthma.