• What’s going on with your kids?

  

  What’s going on with your kids?

  Maybe you’ve
  noticed a raised red spot on your son’s skin after he’s been playing in the
  park.

  Maybe you hear your daughter sneezing after
  she pets your neighbor’s cat.

  Or you might notice your preteen rubbing his
  puffy eyes as he wheels the lawn mower back into the garage.

  What do these symptoms have in common and how
  can you help? 

• What is an allergy?

  

  What is an allergy?

  The children described in the previous slide
  may be showing signs of an allergic reaction. Common allergy triggers include:

  • dust
  • pollen
  • animal dander
  • insect stings
  • certain medications
  • some foods

  Any
  child can develop an allergy. It happens when their immune system overreacts to
  a substance that’s normally harmless.

  When
  your child eats, touches, or breathes in an allergen, their immune system releases
  histamines. That causes symptoms of an allergic reaction.

  The
  symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from person to person. Allergens can
  affect your child’s skin, respiratory tract, and other organs.

• How can allergies affect your child’s skin?

  How can allergies affect your child’s skin?

  If your
  child comes in contact with an allergen, they may develop contact dermatitis.
  Their skin may appear:

  • red
  • itchy
  • scaly
  • bumpy
  • swollen

  If they touch, inhale, or eat an allergen,
  they can also develop hives. These are raised welts that can develop on their
  skin, and they’re almost always itchy.

  Some children with allergies also develop
  eczema. This condition causes their skin to become inflamed, itchy, and
  irritated, even when they haven’t made contact with an allergen.

• What do respiratory symptoms involve?

  What do respiratory symptoms involve?

  Allergic reactions can also affect your
  child’s respiratory tract and sinuses. After coming into contact with an
  allergen, they may experience:

  • sneezing
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • red, itchy, or watery eyes
  • a feeling of pressure in their
    face
  • coughing, wheezing, shortness of
    breath

  If your child has a severe allergy, they may
  develop anaphylaxis. This is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

  It can cause their airways to close, making
  it difficult to breathe.

• What other symptoms do allergies cause?

  What other symptoms do allergies cause?

  Your child might experience other, more
  severe symptoms too, including:

  • dizziness
  • queasiness
  • cramps
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • a tingling sensation in their
    mouth
  • swelling of their tongue or face

  In the case of a severe allergic reaction,
  they can even lose consciousness.

  If you suspect your child has an allergy,
  make an appointment with their doctor.

  If you suspect they’re having a severe
  allergic reaction, give them epinephrine if you have it, and call 911.

• How can you prevent allergic reactions?

  How can you prevent allergic reactions?

  The most effective way to prevent allergic
  reactions is to avoid allergens. Once you know what allergens your child is
  allergic to, ask their doctor how they can avoid them.

  For example, if your child is allergic to
  grass, their doctor may encourage them to wear long pants and socks outside.

  If they’re allergic to dogs, their doctor may
  advise them to avoid petting them.

  If they’re allergic to certain foods, their
  doctor will emphasize the importance of never eating them. For example, they
  will likely encourage you and your child to read ingredient lists, ask
  questions about restaurant menu items, and take steps to avoid contaminating
  dishes and cooking surfaces with allergens.

• Can you use natural remedies?

  Can you use natural remedies?

  Many
  allergic reactions can be avoided. But accidents do happen.

  To
  treat allergic reactions, your child’s doctor will likely recommend certain
  medications. For example, they may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines,
  prescription antihistamines, or epinephrine.

  Some
  natural remedies may also help soothe mild allergic symptoms. But you should
  never use natural remedies to treat a severe allergic reaction.

  Always
  talk to your child’s doctor before trying a new treatment for their allergies. 

• Natural remedies for skin symptoms

  Natural remedies for skin symptoms

  Antihistmine creams and lotions are available at many drug stores. Some other remedies may
  also help soothe skin symptoms.

  For
  example, to help treat contact dermatitis, bathe the irritated area with warm
  water and mild soap. Then consider applying aloe vera gel or calendula cream. 

  Note,
  however, that some people can also be sensitive to the ingredients in these
  products. If your child’s skin is dry, a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or
  ointment may help.

  To
  help relieve hives, apply a cool wet cloth to the area. Putting baking soda or
  oatmeal in your child’s bathwater might also provide a soothing effect.

• Natural remedies for sinus symptoms

  Natural remedies for sinus symptoms

  Even if you install filters on your air conditioner,
  get rid of allergy triggering pets, and keep kids inside when pollen counts are
  high, it may be hard for them to avoid airborne allergens completely.

  To
  treat mild respiratory symptoms, consider trying over-the-counter allergy
  medications.

  Breathing
  in steam from a bowl of hot water may also help clear congested sinuses.

  And
  some people believe that nasal lavage can help. In this procedure, you use a
  neti pot or other device to flush your child’s nasal cavities out with water. Do
  this only with older children who will cooperate with the procedure.

• Natural remedies for stomach symptoms

  Natural remedies for stomach symptoms

  If your child has diarrhea, encourage them to
  eat a bland diet. For example, many people recommend rice, toast, bananas, and
  applesauce. It’s also important for them to drink plenty of water and other
  fluids.

  If
  your child feels nauseous, encourage them to rest and stay still. Get rid of
  strong scents that might make their upset stomach worse, such as candles or air
  fresheners.

  You
  can also look for special antinausea wristbands at your local drug store.
  They’re designed to stimulate a pressure point that might help relieve nausea. Though
  there is no strong evidence these work, they are low-risk.

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References:

• Allergies. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies.aspx
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 12).
  Food allergy. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/basics/causes/con-20019293
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, October 17). Hay
  fever. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/basics/definition/con-20020827
• Seasonal allergies at a glance. (2016,
  April 15). Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/allergies/seasonal?nav=gsa

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A potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergic substance, anaphylaxis creates fast and serious symptoms throughout the entire body.

Find out what anaphylaxis looks like »

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Allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

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