Index
Why Do Allergies Occur? A Breakdown of the 3 Main Causes of Children's Allergies
Common Symptoms of Children's Allergies? An Overview of the 4 Main Types
What Are the Common Allergens for Children? 5 Major Categories Explained
Can You tell if Your Child Has an Allergy?
How to Prevent Children's Allergies? 6 Key Methods from Professional Nutritionist
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Allergies
Written by Bei-Wen Wang, Nutritionist
Why Do Allergies Occur to kids? 3 Major Causes of Children's Allergies Explained
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain environmental substances (such as pollen, dust mites, or specific foods).
Cause 1: Genetic Factors
If there is a family history of allergies, children are at a higher risk of developing allergies. Common inherited allergic conditions include asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.
Cause 2: Environmental Factors
Exposure to allergens like dust mites, pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold can increase the risk of allergies. Additionally, air pollution and harmful substances in the living environment may trigger allergic reactions.
Cause 3: Dietary Habits
Certain foods such as gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, seafood, and soy are common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Childhood Allergies? 4 Major Symptoms at a Glance
Children Allergies Symptom 1: Skin Problems
Common skin symptoms include rashes, itching, hives, or eczema. These reactions may occur when children come into contact with allergens or consume allergenic foods.
Skin Allergy Symptom 1: Eczema
Eczema presents with itchy, dry, red, and swollen skin, which may ooze or peel. It commonly appears on the face, elbows, and behind the knees.
Skin Allergy Symptom 2: Hives
Hives manifest as red, itchy welts on the skin, often appearing in clusters. These welts may change shape or disappear and reappear over time.
Children Allergies Sympton 2 : Respiratory System Symptoms
Respiratory System Allergy Symptom 1: Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy nose. It may also be accompanied by itchy, watery, or swollen eyes.
Respiratory System Allergy Symptom 2: Asthma
Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nighttime coughing, and rapid breathing. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.
Children Allergies Sympton 3 : Digestive System Symptoms
Digestive System Allergy Symptom 1: Abdominal Pain
Frequent abdominal pain occurring after consuming certain foods.
Digestive System Allergy Symptom 2: Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting after eating foods that trigger an allergic reaction.
Digestive System Allergy Symptom 3: Diarrhea
Watery stools or diarrhea with blood streaks, often accompanied by bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Children Allergies Sympton 4 : Systemic Symptom
Systemic Allergy Symptom 1: Anaphylactic Shock
Though rare, this is a very severe allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, confusion, and can even be life-threatening. Immediate emergency medical care is required.
5 Common Types of Allergens in Children
Allergen Type 1: Environmental Allergens
Environmental Allergens 1: Dust Mites
Tiny insects found in household dust, particularly common in mattresses, pillows, and carpets.
Environmental Allergens 2 : Pollen
Pollen from trees or weeds is a common trigger of seasonal allergies.
Environmental Allergens 3 : Pet Dander
Small flakes of skin, hair, or feathers from pets, especially cats, dogs, and birds, can cause allergic reactions.
Environmental Allergens 4 : Mold
Mold thrives in damp environments such as bathrooms, basements, or outdoor humid areas.
Food Allergens 1 : Gluten
Found in grains, flour, and products like noodles, bread, and buns, gluten can trigger an immune response, especially in those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Food Allergens 2 : Milk
Proteins in milk, such as casein and whey, can be mistaken by the immune system as harmful.
Food Allergens 3 : Eggs
Certain proteins in egg whites (like ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme) may cause allergic reactions.
Food Allergens 4 : Peaunuts
Peanuts contain allergenic proteins, such as Ara h1, Ara h2, and Ara h3, which are resistant to digestion and more likely to trigger an immune response.
Food Allergens 5 : Tree Nuts
Similar to peanuts, tree nuts contain proteins that are not easily broken down during digestion, leading to allergic reactions.
Food Allergens 6 : Seafood
Seafood includes fish and shellfish (like shrimp, crabs, lobsters, and mollusks) that contain allergenic proteins. Shellfish allergies are primarily triggered by heat-stable muscle proteins (such as actin and tropomyosin), which remain intact even after cooking.
Food Allergens 7 : Soy
Common soy allergens include proteins like glycoproteins, lectins, and fibrinogen. These proteins are also resistant to digestion and can easily trigger an allergic reaction.
Allergen Type 3: Medications
Common medications that can cause allergic reactions include antibiotics, painkillers, and anesthetics.
Allergen Type 4: Insect Venom
Stings from insects such as bees or mosquitoes can release venom that may cause localized or systemic allergic reactions.
Allergen Type 5: Chemical Substances
Chemical Substances Allergens 1 : Detergents
Chemicals found in bleach and disinfectants can cause allergic reactions.
Chemical Substances Allergens 2 : Perfumes
Fragrances and chemicals in perfumes can be allergens.
Chemical Substances Allergens 3 : Latex
Found in gloves, balloons, and other products, latex can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How to Tell If Your Child Has Allergies?
Allergy symptoms can vary, and different allergens may trigger reactions in different parts of the body, with varying severity.
Skin Allergy Symptoms:
- Red rashes, hives, eczema, itching, or swelling.
Respiratory System Allergy Symptoms:
- Frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Digestive System Allergy Symptoms:
- Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, especially after consuming certain foods.
Eye Allergy Symptoms:
- Itchy eyes, redness, tearing, or a burning sensation.
Systemic Allergic Reactions:
- Breathing difficulties, dizziness, low blood pressure, and rapid breathing.
6 Ways to Prevent Allergies in Children
Prevention Tip 1: Avoid Known Allergens
If your child is known to be allergic to certain foods or environmental factors, avoid exposing them to these allergens. Read food labels carefully, avoid allergenic products, and keep the living environment clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
Prevention Tip 2: Introduce High-Risk Allergens During Weaning
Around 4-6 months, gradually introduce high-risk allergenic foods such as peanuts and eggs to help reduce the risk of developing allergies. Monitor your baby for any allergic reactions during this period, and maintain gut health to reduce allergy risks.
Prevention Tip 3: Maintain a Clean Home Environment
Keep indoor humidity around 40-50% to prevent mold and dust mites from thriving. Regularly clean rooms, vacuum carpets and furniture, and consider using air purifiers to filter out pollen, pet dander, and other allergens.
Prevention Tip 4: Support Immune System Development
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and immunoglobulins that strengthen the baby’s immune system and reduce allergy risks. Allowing your child to be exposed to natural environments in moderation can also help the immune system develop healthily.
Prevention Tip 5: Avoid Air Pollution and Secondhand Smoke
Children exposed to polluted environments, including secondhand smoke, have a higher risk of respiratory allergies and asthma. On days with high pollution, keep children indoors and ensure clean indoor air.
Prevention Tip 6: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A balanced diet with minimally processed foods provides essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support gut health and a healthy microbiome. Probiotics and prebiotics can help strengthen the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. Adequate sleep and regular exercise also contribute to managing allergies.
FAQ With Allergies
Q1: Will children outgrow allergies?
Not necessarily. Some allergies, such as food allergies and eczema, may improve or disappear as children grow. However, environmental allergies like allergic rhinitis or asthma may persist into adulthood and could worsen over time.
Q2: Can allergies become more severe?
Yes, allergies can worsen, especially with increased exposure to allergens or air pollution. Avoiding allergens and using antihistamines can help manage symptoms. If your child's allergies worsen, consult a doctor to adjust treatment.
Q3: Would it possible for allergies to affect growth?
Allergies typically don't affect a child's height or growth directly. However, if allergies are not well-controlled or if complications such as malnutrition or chronic illness arise, they may indirectly impact growth and development.