Childhood Allergies

Childhood allergies are an exaggerated immune system response to substances that are typically harmless to most people, known as allergens. In children with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies these allergens as harmful and triggers a reaction, which can range from mild to severe.

Common Types of Childhood Allergies:

• Food Allergies: Triggered by certain foods like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
  Symptoms: Hives, swelling, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
• Respiratory Allergies: Caused by inhaled allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
  Symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and asthma-like symptoms.
• Skin Allergies (Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis): Triggered by allergens, irritants, or certain foods.
  Symptoms: Dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin, often in the creases of elbows and knees.
• Insect Allergies: Triggered by insect stings (e.g., bees, wasps) or bites (e.g., mosquitoes).
  Symptoms: Local swelling or systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis in severe cases.
• Drug Allergies: Reaction to certain medications like antibiotics or vaccines.
  Symptoms: Skin rashes, fever, or severe reactions in rare cases.
• Contact Allergies: Triggered by skin contact with allergens like nickel, latex, or certain plants (e.g., poison ivy).
  Symptoms: Red, itchy, and blistered skin in the contact area.

Causes and Triggers:
Allergies often develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

• Family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.
• Early exposure to allergens.
• Environmental factors like pollution or smoking.

Symptoms of Childhood Allergies:

• Mild Reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, mild rash.
• Severe Reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention).