Allergy Symptoms

Recognizing Child Allergy Symptoms

Recognizing child allergy symptoms can be a bit of a challenge, particularly for less severe reactions and seasonal allergies.  A range and variety of child allergy symptoms, coupled with the normally frequent viral and bacterial infections and flu's children are predisposed to contracting, often mean that allergies elude diagnosis for a long period of time.  For parents, learning how to recognize child allergy symptoms can be the means to relieving chronic discomfort and secondary infections; in the case of a severe allergic reaction, knowing the symptoms of child allergies can mean the difference between life and death.

Mild To Moderate Child Allergy Symptoms

Physicians categorize child allergy symptoms by type and severity, with severity being the most important factor of child allergy symptoms, since that is what determines the ability of the body to function normally. As severity goes, mild to moderate child allergy symptoms pose the least threat to children.

Mild to moderate child allergy symptoms may occur infrequently or on a regular basis, depending on the type and cause of the allergic reaction. Mild to moderate child allergy symptoms include

• Nose and sinus problems—including itchy nose, stuffy nose, or runny nose; sinuses may be sore, cause pressure in the face, or cause headaches; children are often unable to describe sinus discomfort
• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy and/or watery eyes
• Nasal and chest congestion
• Dark under-eye circles
• Mouth breathing
• Frequent rubbing or pushing upward on the nose—this often results in a tell-tale red line across the bottom of the bridge of the nose
• Chronic ear problems/infections
• Snoring/trouble sleeping
• Labored breathing or difficulty breathing, including wheezing and coughing and asthma-like symptoms (in fact, asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies in children with allergies)
• Hives
• Swelling, particularly of eyes, lips, and face; note also that swelling can become or present as a severe reaction, and for the sake of safety any swelling should be reported to a doctor for further instruction. It is especially important to monitor breathing when swelling exists, as there may be swelling inside the throat and airways which can block breathing.
• Stomach upset
• Constipation

As a general rule-of-thumb, mild child allergy symptoms are localized and do not spread throughout the body; moderate child allergy symptoms will be increasingly uncomfortable and may spread to various parts of the body, but do not threaten essential life functions.

Mild child allergy symptoms may cause discomfort, but pose no real immediate danger. They are worth noting and discussing with a doctor during regular well-child check-ups.

Moderate child allergy symptoms are also more uncomfortable than life threatening, but do present some medical issues. Moderate child allergy symptoms may cause chronic health issues which equate to illness and prohibit children from participating fully in school, activities, and social life. Moderate child allergy symptoms also have the potential to increase in severity, trigger secondary health concerns and become more emergent. Moderate child allergy symptoms should be discussed with the child's doctor so that the proper course of treatment and/or prevention can be determined.

Severe Child Allergy Symptoms

Severe child allergy symptoms are those that pose an immediate threat to life. Life-threatening allergic reactions inhibit normal essential bodily functions, and can result in death if not treated immediately.

In most cases severe allergic reactions affect the whole-body and come on suddenly; some severe or life-threatening allergic reactions may result in an emergency situation where swelling of just the upper body and/or face cause the throat to swell and prevent proper breathing or swallowing. Any time breathing becomes significantly impaired (beyond a wheeze or a minor cough), medical attention must be sought immediately.

Severe child allergy symptoms may start with a sudden onset of facial or eye itching that often progresses very quickly into one or more more serious child allergy symptoms, including

• Swelling as described above and/or throughout various parts of the body
• Pain in the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Dizziness

Although some of these symptoms are included on both the mild-moderate and severe child allergy symptom list, the most important considerations is degree of effect and time of onset; in most cases severe child allergy symptoms come on quickly and without warning—these require fast action and immediate medical attention, most critically when breathing becomes impaired. Where a child allergy symptom comes on more slowly and progresses over time, there is less cause for concern. The best policy, however, is always to err on the side of caution and call a doctor or hospital emergency room if there is any doubt.