What Causes Child Allergies And How To Avoid Them?

Child allergiesThe overreaction of the immune system to the harmless substance causes child allergies.

This substance is treated as the invader, which causes the symptoms.

The child allergies are caused due to the hereditary conditions. But, all the children in the family may not get the allergy.

Some children without the family history develop the allergy.

Airborne allergies are most common in children

Pollen is the major cause for airborne child allergy. To fertilize other plants; trees, grass, weeds release these tiny particles into the air.

These are seasonal. The type of pollen determines the symptoms that a child is allergic to.

Dust mites are one of the causes for child allergies. These are the main components of allergies that contain the bacteria and fabric fibers. These live in carpets, upholstery and bedding.

Mold is a fungus that live in moist environment, outdoors in warm weather and indoors. Outdoor molds are found in poor drainage areas. It is a common allergen.

Indoor molds are found in poorly ventilated and dark places. Molds are seasonal but indoor molds grow through out the year.

Airborne allergens can cause allergic rhinitis in children of 10 years and can reach up to 20 years. 15 to 20% American children are affected by airborne allergens.

Symptoms of child allergies include:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy nose and/or throat

These symptoms are accompanied by allergic conjunctivitis with watery, itchy, and red eyes. Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are observed in children suffering with airborne allergy.

If your child has shortness of breath and wheezing, allergy can lead to asthma. Some child allergies are easily identified but some cannot be identified.

When you consult your doctor, he will conduct physical exam after asking some questions regarding the symptoms and their appearance.

Doctor diagnoses and prescribes certain medicines [Child allergy medication]. In some cases, you are asked for allergic test. For environmental allergy, skin tests are usually performed.

These tests are done in children of 2 years. Skin test is done in two ways. The area on the skin, where the purified liquid is taken from allergen is poured with small pricking device. Under the skin, small amount of allergen is injected.

This is very painful. At the injection site, if a reddish area appears after 15 minutes, then the test is positive. In case of some children with sensitive skin, blood tests are conducted instead of skin tests.

To avoid child allergies, things that can help include:

  • The family pets should be kept out of your child’s room. If necessary, bath them.
  • Heavy drapes that accumulate the dust should not be hanged.
  • If your child is allergic to dust mites, seal the mattress and pillow covers with special covers.
  • The rugs and carpets from your child’s room are to be removed.
  • The kids allergic to molds should be kept away from the damp areas. The bathrooms and other mold-prone areas should be dry and clean.
  • Close the windows during the peak stage of pollen season, if your child has pollen allergy.

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