Children love fun and run here and there. They play with everything and anything and thus can catch up some allergies. But you don’t need to worry because kids are kids after all, and allergies in kids are very common. All we need to do is to check out the symptoms and go for the right medication or consult a doctor as soon as possible. Their are many ways by which kids can get allergies. Children can come in contact with allergens by inhaling, eating or just by skin contact.So, here we are going to discuss about allergies in kids and tips to prevent them.
What is an Allergy?
It is an overreaction of the immune system to any substance which is not harmful to many people. But allergies may cause symptoms which can be serious as well as life threatening. The immune system of the allergic person produces antibodies to fight against the allergens. These antibodies release certain chemicals which cause a reaction to a person’s eyes, nose, skin or anywhere in the body.How Kids get Allergies?
Kids can often get allergies as hereditary. But some kids can get allergies even if no member of the family is allergic.
Prevention:
If your child is allergic to any particular substance, you should avoid his/her reach to it. Allergies do not have a cure and hence it’s better to prevent.
Here are some tips to avoid allergic conditions:
- Keep the house clean and dust free.
- Keep the windows closed especially on windy and stormy days.
- Try to avoid having indoor plants and pets.
- Do not allow anyone to smoke near your child even if it’s in a car or at home.
- Wash toys like teddy bears etc to avoid dust mites.
- Consult your Paediatrician for effective medicines to avoid allergy symptoms.
Skin
Allergy Symptoms:
Swollen, red, itchy, bump can be some symptoms of skin allergy. Touching of an allergen such as items made of latex like toys or balloons can cause skin allergies. Sometimes hives are formed on the skin which can itch caused by insect bites or medicines. If you see none of these reactions, then it might not be a skin allergy.
Treatment:
Natural remedies can be used to soothe skin irritations such as aloe Vera cream or a bath in warm water with mild soap. You can also put some baking soda in your child’s bathtub which can be effective. Help your child avoid touching allergic substances. Sometimes they might also have to avoid petting animals and wearing jewellery containing nickel.
Food
Allergy Symptoms:
Any food can cause allergy to your child. Most common foods that trigger allergies are eggs, peanuts, peas etc. Food allergies can cause your child to Vomit and sometimes might have trouble in breathing as well. It may form hives and make your child feel a little dizzy. Try and look when the symptoms are seen, what your child has eaten so that you can pinpoint the allergen and avoid it the next time.
Treatment:
The only way you can avoid food allergy is by avoiding allergic food stuff. For that, you have to first identify what your child is allergic to. Always remember to read the ingredients label carefully to avoid reactions. If your child has diarrhoea let them eat bananas and toast and let them drink a lot of water. If possible avoid strong scents like perfumes and room fresheners. Help them keep their head still when they feel dizzy.
Respiratory
Allergies:
Cigarette smoke, viral infections, dust mites, furry animals, changing weather etc. can trigger respiratory allergies like Asthma. Symptoms can be coughing, wheezing and (or) trouble in breathing. Airborne allergies could cause an itchy feeling in the mouth. Your kid's sneezing or running nose may indicate an allergy to something in the air.
Treatment:
Breathing steam over a bowl of hot water help in clearing sinus congestion.
Allergies in kids is a big subject, and there are lots of things you still need to know. If you care for your kids and want to prevent them from allergies, do read this blog post and. But consulting a child specialist or a good doctor is the most authentic way to prevent your kids from allergies. Hope you learnt something important here.