Kids and Allergies

Allergies can affect anyone regardless of age. However, when children show symptoms, it is essential to take proper precautions to prevent bigger health problems.

An allergy can be described as an abnormal response of the immune system to something perceived as a threat. This substance is called an allergen, and anytime the body encounters this allergen, it triggers allergic responses.

For example, if a child is allergic to nuts and mistakenly eats them, the body responds immediately to eliminate the perceived threat. The chemicals and enzymes released to do this irritate the previously balanced body system to
display symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, shock, difficulty in breathing, and so on.

The symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening, but this depends on the case. Allergy does not happen to everyone but can occur in children whose parents have a history of it.

Examples of allergy triggers include:

• Plant pollen, stings, or insect bites- Outdoor allergens

• Pet hair, dust/dust mites, mould- Indoor allergens

• Perfume, smoke- Environmental irritant

• Peanut, milk, eggs- Food allergens
  
  As a parent, you can check for signs that show if your child is developing an allergy. Below are the tips for doing this. When you see these signs, see a doctor immediately:

• Look out for symptoms such as itching, running nose, sneezing, and other cold symptoms that last more than a week.

• Consider the time. If your child seems to react to something at a particular time, it might be a trigger. This includes seasonal allergens caused by pollen. You can observe this if your kid gets the symptoms during spring or summer with more outdoor activities.

• Is there a difference in your child’s body system when he is at home or in school? The allergens could be dust or pet hair.
  
  How can you protect your child from an allergy?

• Sweep and vacuum the home regularly.

• Wash your child’s bedding in hot water weekly.

• Bathe your pets regularly and keep them out of the kids' room for most of the time.

• Invest in a dehumidifier or humidifier to clean the air.

• If your child has a food allergen, always read food labels to be safe. Tell waiters in a restaurant about your child’s allergy and what to exclude from his meal.

• Vitamins and supplements can hugely minimise allergy symptoms, support your child's immune system, and resist future allergy onsets.