Author - Dr. Devesh Aggarwal MBBS, DCH Consultant-Paediatric

Common Childhood Allergies and How to Handle Them

Introduction

Children have weak immune systems compared to adults and thus are more prone to allergies. According to Dr. Devesh Aggarwal, MBBS, DCH, Consultant-Paediatrics, MBBS, DCH, Consultant-Paediatrics, any child can develop allergies but kids with a family history of allergies are at greater risk. Of course, as a parent, you cannot control everything your child is exposed to. You can, however, focus on monitoring their symptoms. The top paediatrician in Gurgaon recommends monitoring symptoms for early identification of allergies. This will improve the child’s quality of life and help you understand the health of your child. 

What Causes Allergies in Children? 

Certain allergic triggers can lead to allergies in children. The common triggers or allergens are:  1. Tree, grass, and weed pollen.  2. Certain food items.  3. Dust mites.  4. Molds.  5. Animal dander, urine, or oil from the skin.  6. Certain medicines.  7. Feathers.  8. Bee stings.  9. Pests include cockroaches and mice. 

What are the Common Allergy Symptoms in Children? 

An allergic reaction can occur anywhere in the body including skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These are the places where immune system cells are present to fight off germs that are breathed in, swallowed, or met on the skin. Hence, the top paediatrician in Gurgaon recommends to watch out for the following symptoms:  1. Red, itchy, and watery eyes.  2. Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, or running nose.  3. Itching in ears in the mouth.  4. Red, itchy, and dry skin.  5. Itchy welts or hives.  6. Itchy rash.  7. Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.  8. Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions or anaphylaxis such as troubled breathing, diarrhoea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and fainting. 

How are Allergies Treated in Children? 

The allergic symptoms in children may mimic symptoms of other medical conditions. Hence, you must get your child's allergy tested by the top paediatrician in Gurgaon. The most effective way to handle allergies in children is avoidance. Avoidance refers to staying away from anything that can cause an allergic reaction. Here are a few suggestions you can focus on:  1. Control dust in the home especially in your child’s bedroom.  2. Stay indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days.  3. Use air conditioning instead of opening the windows.  4. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home and clean it often.  5. If your child is playing outside in high pollen count, make sure to bath them, wash their hair, and change clothes.  6. Avoid having pets or indoor plants.  7. Keep the house clean and dry.  8. Prevent anyone from smoking anywhere near your child, especially in your home and car.  9. Avoid those things that you know cause allergic reactions in your child.  10. Check with the best paediatrician near me in Gurgaon, Dr Devesh Aggarwal for effective, and safe allergic relief for your child.  Apart from avoidance, allergy shots (immunotherapy), and medicines can help in managing common allergies in your child. Make sure that you visit the top paediatrician in Gurgaon for any allergic symptoms in your child. The doctor will conduct an allergy test and provide appropriate prevention and treatment. If you are wondering which doctor to visit, you can consult Dr. Devesh Aggarwal at the Motherhood Hospitals.