Understanding and managing your child's allergies

Navigating your child's health includes being vigilant about potential allergies, a prevalent concern affecting individuals of all ages. As a parent, recognising the signs and symptoms of allergies in your child is crucial.

In his latest online article, Dr Tom C Dawson delves into how to discern if your child has allergies, the typical symptoms to be attentive to, and the proactive measures for allergy testing.

Recognising allergy symptoms in your child

Allergies among children are more prevalent than one might assume, with an official diagnosis applying to 40% of all children in the UK. These allergies commonly manifest as hay fever, asthma, eczema, or food-related sensitivities. To determine whether your child may be developing an intolerance, familiarise yourself with the distinctive signs and symptoms categorised into five groups:

Nasal symptoms:

• Persistent or recurrent sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Itchy nose or frequent nose rubbing

Eye symptoms:

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

Skin symptoms:

• Itchy skin or rash
• Hives (raised, red, and itchy bumps)
• Eczema flare-ups

Respiratory symptoms:

• Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or shortness of breath
• Recurrent respiratory infections or asthma exacerbations

Digestive symptoms:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache or cramps
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Getting your child tested for allergies

If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to consider allergy testing. You can follow these three steps:

Book a consultation: Schedule an appointment with a paediatrician or allergy specialist. In-depth discussions will assess your child's symptoms, medical history, and any family allergy history.

Allergy testing options: Based on the consultation, select from two testing options:

• Skin prick test: Small amounts of common allergens are applied to observe reactions.
• Blood test: Measures specific antibodies to identify allergen triggers.

Identifying allergen triggers: After testing, your healthcare provider will discuss results and pinpoint specific allergens. Receive information on various allergy management options and ongoing support.

Managing your child's allergies

In the event of a positive allergy test, indicating intolerance, various management methods are available:

Avoiding allergens: Create an allergen-free home environment through regular cleaning and dusting. Minimise exposure to common allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mould.

Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms. Prescription medications may be required for severe symptoms or specific allergies. Immunotherapy treatments may be considered for some children.

Allergy action plan: Collaborate with your child's healthcare provider to develop a detailed allergy action plan for managing and treating reactions.

Education and awareness: Educate your child about their allergies and guide them to recognise and avoid potential triggers. Inform school staff and caregivers about your child's allergies, ensuring necessary precautions are taken.

Dr Tom C Dawson  is a highly regarded paediatrician with over 25 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Dawson on his Top Doctors profile.