Allergy and Children – Reasons, Symptoms and Way outs

Child with allergic behavior

Adults aren't the only people who experience allergy with sneezes and watery eyes. Indeed, about 8.4% of children every year are diagnosed according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America with symptoms known as "hay fever".

Food Allergy

Approximately 6 million children are allergic to something in food, which becomes a common complaint to pediatric ENTs in Oklahoma. This occurs in boys more than in girls. Your baby or child can be allergic and react to several foods. Peanuts are the most prominent cause of childhood allergy to food. Additional are common:

  • Cow's milk

  • Fish

  • Eggs

  • Shellfish such as lobster, crab, and shrimp

  • Soy

  • Nuts such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts

  • Wheat

Seasonal Allergy

It can be hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis if symptoms get worse during certain seasons. Sneezing, sniffling, and other symptoms in children occur when certain trees, herbs, and weeds flourish. The most common triggers of allergies for children include pollen from the trees and plants.

Indoor Allergy

An allergy trigger might be your favorite stuffed animal. Tiny dust specks, known as dust mites, exacerbate indoor allergies. Moreover, the mites collect plump toys and pillows in soft, cozy places. Indoor allergies in children may also result from mold, cigarette smoke, and perfume.

Genetic Influence

Your pediatric ENT in Oklahoma may ask about family history of allergies because allergies have a significant hereditary component-a 25% chance of developing the same condition per parent with allergies/asthma. If two parents have allergies, their children have a probability of 50%.

Child with allergic behavior

Do Your Children Have an Allergy?

Ask yourself first if, at certain times of the year, these symptoms occur. This is often the first indication of the allergy-related problems of your child. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the most common infant allergy is allergic rhinitis. These are the symptoms:

  • Postnasal drip

  • Runny nose

  • Watery eyes

  • Sneezing

  • Belly pain

  • Chronic ear problems or infections 

  • Coughing

  • Diarrhea

  • Trouble breathing, including wheezing

  • Hives or rash

  • Fainting

  • Swelling of the face, arms, legs

  • Tightness in the throat

  • Red rash around the mouth

  • Nausea or vomiting

Our pediatric ENT in Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC, can help your child with symptoms of allergies. If your child or child is struggling with allergies, an appointment with us today is the best course of action. We are specialized in providing help to pediatric patients and can prescribe a safe and effective course of treatment. Allergy testing and treatment around age 5 and above would be considered.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

Pediatric ENT OKCBrandon ShaversENT, ent doctors OKC, pediatric ENT okc