How to Prevent Allergies in Children?

Allergies in children can be difficult for both children and parents, and sometimes the symptoms can occur suddenly without any visible cause, making it very difficult to diagnose.

How to look for symptoms of an allergy in your child?

If you think your child has allergies, keep a close watch and notice if your child is showing any symptoms like swollen watery eyes or a runny nose over a period of time. Take note of the time and season when the symptoms occur so that you can narrow down the possible causes of the allergic reaction. During springtime, if your child comes back from school with a runny nose, and watery eyes, he or she might be suffering from hayfever. Listen to your child's breathing and see if you can hear a wheeze when he or she breathes in and out. Hay Fever can cause respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing.

If your child complains of an itchy throat or an upset stomach after having food, it is very likely that your child has a food allergy. Identify the items in the food that he or she is allergic to, and avoid including it in his or her diet. In some children, the symptoms of food allergies can turn fatal as it triggers anaphylaxis. If this happens, get medical help immediately.

Observe your child's skin for signs like red rashes, swelling or hives. These can be indicators of a severe skin allergy. If your child shows regular signs of an allergic reaction, consult an allergist and get a skin test done to identify the allergens causing the symptoms.

In some cases, allergy symptoms in children can trigger more serious complications. Itchy skin may lead to serious skin infections, and diarrhoea due to food allergy may cause weight loss and malnutrition in your children. A runny or blocked nose may cause sinus problems, resulting in severe headaches. If you notice allergy symptoms last over a long period of time, consult your doctor or paediatrician for advice.

The Causes and Prevention

If your child shows allergic symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose only during certain seasons of the year, especially during springtime, it may be hayfever, which is caused by the pollen present in the air. Since, your child is allergic to pollen, keep him or her away from places with high pollen count. You can use the child-friendly allergy relief solution for instant relief from the symptoms. For easing blocked nose, there are kid's nasal sprays that are manufactured exclusively for kids above six years of age.

Remember to always read the instructions on the packaging of all anti-allergy medications before using them for your child to ensure that it is age-appropriate without any side effects.

In other cases, the cause of your child's allergy may not be because of the weather outdoors. Dust mites can cause respiratory problems in children and adults alike. These tiny parasites secrete an allergenic compound that gets suspended in the air whenever you move around. Once it enters the respiratory tracts it can trigger symptoms that are similar to asthma. These include wheezing and shortness of breath. If your child is prone to dust allergies, do your best to create a dust-free environment in your home for the sake of your child's health.

Food allergies in children are mostly genetic or as a result of a previous illnesses. The foods that usually cause allergies include milk, nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, and fish. If your child is allergic to any of the items, don't include it in their daily diet. Identify the allergenic items in their diet and replace them with a non-allergenic alternative so that you can continue to maintain the right amount of nutrition.