The Basics Of 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 children’s allergy symptoms, coupled with the normally frequent viral and bacterial infections and flu bugs that 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.

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.