A Closer Look at 5 of the Most Common Allergies in Children

Allergies occur when your child’s immune system reacts to harmless substances as if they were threats. The symptoms they experience come from this immune overreaction, not from the allergen itself.

Kids often experience more allergic reactions because their immune systems are still developing and learning how to respond appropriately.

Our team at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, specializes in allergy diagnosis and treatment. Since May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, we’re taking this opportunity to offer a practical parents’ guide to help you recognize and manage the five most common allergy categories that affect children. 

1. Food allergies

Food allergies are the most common type of allergy and rank #1 because of the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly, severe allergic reaction. The most common food allergy triggers include: 

• Milk and dairy
• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Tree nuts
• Wheat
• Soy
• Shellfish

Food allergies often result in symptoms such as: 

• Breathing difficulties
• Hives
• Swelling
• Vomiting

Management of food allergies may include an emergency action plan for anaphylaxis, which usually means having one or more epinephrine pens on hand. 

Keeping a food and trigger log can help pinpoint allergies, while reading food labels and eliminating trigger foods from your child’s environment can control allergic reactions. 

2. Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)

Pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds can trigger breathing problems during peak seasons — typically spring and fall — though the timing varies depending on where you live and which plants your child is allergic to.

Classic hay fever symptoms include congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Sometimes, over-the-counter antihistamines are adequate for symptom control. More severe cases may benefit from testing and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Other control strategies include air filters indoors and restricting time outside during periods when pollen counts are high. 

3. Dust mites

A dust mite allergy may resemble hay fever, but the pattern is year-round rather than seasonal. Symptoms include coughing, congestion, and sneezing, but in a chronic presentation unrelated to seasonal allergy peaks. 

You can reduce the effects of dust mites with frequent hot-water washes for bedding and mattress covers, as well as by reducing indoor humidity. 

4. Pet dander

Proteins in dead skin cells from pets, known as dander, as well as their saliva and urine, can trigger allergic reactions similar to dust mites and hay fever. Itchy eyes, skin reactions, and sneezing are the most common symptoms accompanying pet dander allergies. 

Consider HEPA air filters for vacuums, central air systems, and room air purifiers to reduce the amount of dander in the air. Keeping pets out of an allergic child’s room may help them sleep soundly through the night. 

5. Insect stings

Bees, hornets, and wasps can all cause allergic reactions from their venom. Insect stings cause local reactions for virtually everyone. In children who are allergic, more serious reactions occur, including anaphylaxis. 

An epinephrine pen may be prudent when you know an insect sting allergy exists. Otherwise, pest control and avoidance can help you reduce the risks. 

Knowing your child’s allergies is perhaps your most powerful preventive weapon. Contact Abdow Friendship Pediatrics online or by phone to book an appointment with us today.