Exposure to a variety of products, foods, and substances could result in an allergic reaction. Depending on how sensitive a person is to the allergy, they may experience mild to severe symptoms. Unfortunately, allergies in children are quite common. 

Kids are often susceptible to allergens as their immune system hasn’t fully developed yet.  

Allergy Overview

Allergies occur because the body’s immune system displays an aggressive reaction to typically non-threatening substances. Your immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the release of elevated concentrations of histamines, which often elicit symptoms. 

Physical manifestations of allergies in children can range from mild upper respiratory, digestive, and skin disorders to potentially life-threatening events like asthma attacks and anaphylactic shock, a severe reaction to allergens.

Common Food Allergies

1. Eggs

These commonly consumed products elicit allergic reactions in roughly 2% of all children. Egg allergies occur when the body unusually responds to egg proteins. Symptoms can vary from person to person and range in severity from mild to severe.

2. Nuts

Nuts of all kinds are popular for causing allergies in children. However, the biggest culprits are typically peanuts and tree nuts, such as cashews and walnuts. 

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Nuts, particularly peanuts, might cause anaphylactic shock. This is a potentially life-endangering ailment that produces symptoms like swelling of the tongue and throat and subsequent breathing challenges. In some persons with extra sensitivity, merely breathing in the odor of peanuts might lead to an adverse reaction.

3. Shellfish

Seafood like shrimp and shellfish like lobster, oysters, and mussels are notorious for producing allergic reactions in children. Sensitive subjects might incur symptoms from merely eating off a plate on which seafood sat.

4. Milk

As many as 3% to 5% of all children are allergic to milk. Consuming any dairy products like cheese and yogurt could lead to adverse consequences.

5. Wheat

Products containing wheat are also notorious for causing trouble in children. Everyday wheat products available on the market include bread, cereal, baked goods, and crackers.

Non-Food Related Allergies in Children

Aside from foods, several other allergens often impact children, such as:

6. Skin Issues

Kids are especially prone to allergic reactions on the skin. In many instances, a blotchy, red rash known as eczema is the culprit.

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Often, skin allergies are the result of issues like excessive exposure to moisture or improper hygiene.

7. Seasonal Allergies

Unfortunately, children are not immune to the unpleasant, uncomfortable symptoms brought about by allergic rhinitis, sometimes simply referred to as hay fever. This condition is characterized by upper respiratory manifestations like nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. It usually strikes its victims during the springtime. In many cases, these symptoms are mild. However, hay fever might also progress into asthma. Its symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties.

8. Pet Dander

Sometimes overlooked as an allergen is pet dander. The fur of dogs, cats, and other animals can irritate the immune systems of susceptible young people and elicit upper respiratory symptoms and sometimes asthma.

9. Common Irritants

Common irritants like cigarette smoke and perfume might also lead to allergic reactions that typically result in upper respiratory manifestations.

10. Environmental Toxins

Environmental toxins like dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants that infiltrate the air often cause allergic reactions. Because young people typically don’t have a strong immune system yet, they could be especially susceptible to such irritants.

Is your child experiencing allergic reactions, but you don’t know which allergen is causing it? Make sure to schedule a visit to your doctor. The sooner you know which food or substance your child is allergic to, the sooner you could implement safety measures.