Everything You Need To Know About Children Allergies

For around 24 % of children¹, allergies are an unfortunate fact of life. Suffering from allergies at home can affect their daily life, and peak allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. season can hinder them from enjoying the great big outdoors.

To help kids live their life to the fullest, learn more about kids allergy symptoms, how to avoid allergens, and the effective treatment plan for children with allergies.

What Are Allergies in Kids?

An allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. is an overreaction of the body’s immune systemX immune system
The body’s defense system against infections and foreign substances. . When children inhale allergens such as pet dander, pollenX pollen
A fine, powdery substance (typically yellow in colour) consisting of microscopic grains that are discharged from the male part of a flower (also known as stamens), or from the male cone of a tree. , dust mitesX dust mites
A common trigger of indoor allergies. These microscopic mites live in the fibers of pillows, mattresses, blankets and carpets, and survive off of our dead skin cells. The inhalation of dust mite droppings can cause allergic reactions which include a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. , and moldX mold
A parasitic, microscopic fungi which floats in the air like pollen. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergies, and grows well in damp areas of the home, such as a basement or bathroom. It can also thrive in an outdoor environment, such as damp grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch, or under… , their bodies may mistake these particles for harmful substances. In response, the body releases inflammatory chemicals like histamineX histamine
An inflammatory mediator that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. When an allergen enters your body, mast cells that are located in the nose and sinus membranes release histamine. Histamine then attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing them to… to fight off these substances. This immune response is what causes allergy symptoms.

Allergies can affect anyone of any age, but are more prominent among kids. These allergies are not contagious, although it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and the common cold.

Signs of Allergies in Kids

Watch out for these symptoms in kids. If symptoms persist over extended periods of time, or if these symptoms flare up during certain seasons of the year, chances are your kid is suffering from allergies rather than a common cold or the flu² .

Runny Nose

With allergies, nasal discharge is usually thin, clear and watery.

Sneezing

Sneezing from allergies often occurs in fits.

Coughing and Throat-Clearing

Allergies can cause swelling or irritation of the airways.

Nasal Congestion

Swollen nasal passages cause a stuffy nose and “nasal voice.”

Allergy Eye

Eyes can become itchy, irritated, red or watery.

Allergic Shiners

Dark, puffy circles under the eyes are caused by swollen nasal cavities

Allergic Salute

Children often wipe their runny nose with the palm of their hand in an upward motion.

Mouth Breathing

Nasal congestion can cause children to breathe through the mouth.

How to Identify Allergies in Kids

Hundreds of children in Singapore suffer from seasonal allergiesX seasonal allergies
Also known as outdoor allergies, it is characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to allergens (see Allergens) that are commonly found outdoors, such as trees, grass or weed pollens, or mold spores. each year. Determining what children are allergic to is the first step toward managing their allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. symptoms. Ask yourself the following questions³ :

Do you have a family history of allergies?

Children are much more likely to develop allergies if one or both of their parents have allergies too. While your child may not inherit your particular allergy, your family’s relevant medical history can help you pinpoint whether your child’s symptoms are allergies or something else.

Do symptoms go away after a week or two?

If your child shows allergy symptoms, but they disappear completely after a week or two, chances are they were suffering from a cold. Allergies tend to stick around for entire seasons, and the severity of their symptoms may vary, based on pollenX pollen
A fine, powdery substance (typically yellow in colour) consisting of microscopic grains that are discharged from the male part of a flower (also known as stamens), or from the male cone of a tree. count, weather, and other factors.

Where do allergies occur?

If respiratory symptoms are worse outdoors than indoors, chances are your child is suffering from outdoor allergies and could be allergic to pollen from weeds, grass or trees. If symptoms are worse indoors, the likely culprit is dust mitesX dust mites
A common trigger of indoor allergies. These microscopic mites live in the fibers of pillows, mattresses, blankets and carpets, and survive off of our dead skin cells. The inhalation of dust mite droppings can cause allergic reactions which include a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. or pet dander. MoldX Mold
A parasitic, microscopic fungi which floats in the air like pollen. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergies, and grows well in damp areas of the home, such as a basement or bathroom. It can also thrive in an outdoor environment, such as damp grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch, or under… allergies can be triggered both inside and outside the home.

Allergy Testing for Kids

Tests from a qualified allergist will help determine the exact cause of your child’s allergies. AllergyX Allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. testing is quick, efficient, and effective. These tests can determine if your child is allergic to⁴:

Airborne allergens
MoldX Mold
A parasitic, microscopic fungi which floats in the air like pollen. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergies, and grows well in damp areas of the home, such as a basement or bathroom. It can also thrive in an outdoor environment, such as damp grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch, or under… , pollenX pollen
A fine, powdery substance (typically yellow in colour) consisting of microscopic grains that are discharged from the male part of a flower (also known as stamens), or from the male cone of a tree. , dust mitesX dust mites
A common trigger of indoor allergies. These microscopic mites live in the fibers of pillows, mattresses, blankets and carpets, and survive off of our dead skin cells. The inhalation of dust mite droppings can cause allergic reactions which include a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. , and pet dander are common airborne allergens.
Certain types of food
Nuts, shellfish, soy, and milk are common food allergies.
Insects and insect bites
Insect droppings and venom or secretions from insect bites can trigger allergic reactions.
Medicine
Certain medicines, and often penicillin, may trigger symptoms.
Household chemicals and materials
Detergents and disinfectants may lead to respiratory symptoms or itchy skin rash. Contact with polyester, nylon, spandex, rayon, or rubber materials may lead to itchy skin irritations as well.

During an allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. test, an allergist will introduce a small amount of diluted allergenX allergen
A foreign substance which your body perceives to be harmful; can trigger an allergic reaction. into the skin. Skin reactions will determine whether your child is allergic to that specific allergen.

Allergy skin testing can determine your child’s reaction to dozens of different allergens. Once tests and experts identify the triggers to your child’s symptoms, you can take active steps to avoid these substances and develop an effective treatment plan with your doctor.⁴

Allergy Treatment for Kids

Once you’ve determined what your child is allergic to, you can look to the following methods to manage their symptoms.

Oral antihistamines like Clarityn® are often the most effective and hassle-free solution. With non-drowsy formulas designed for kids, Clarityn® Grape Syrup can relieve allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. symptoms like runny nose; itchy and watery eyes; and itchy skin rash or bumps. Nasal hygiene sprays such as ClariCare® can help manage allergy symptoms naturally by flushing out allergens in the nose.

With the right medication and management plan, they can explore and engage with what the world has to offer, allergy-free.