Recognizing Child Allergy Symptoms

It is a highly challenging task to diagnose child allergy symptoms if the reactions are mild and the allergy is seasonal. There are wide range and variety of allergy symptoms that a child may exhibit; however, if the allergy is combined with other infections such as viral, bacterial etc. which children are susceptible for contracting it becomes difficult to identify whether the child is ill or suffering from allergy.

Because of these reasons, allergy evades recognition for a long period. It is essential that the parents recognize the child allergy symptoms at early stages.  This will help them in curing allergies of the child permanently thereby relieving the child from a chronic illness. Further, this will also eliminate any possible secondary infection to the child from allergy. Severe allergies could cause death and it is absolutely essential that the parents diagnose this early.

Mild to Moderate Child Allergy Symptoms

The child allergy symptoms are categorized by the doctors based on its type and severity. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Out of this, severity is the most important factor which could even cause death to the child if it is not attended to at the right time.

Severe allergies on children prevent normal functioning of the body. Once the child is out of severe allergy stage there is less threat for the child from mild to moderate child allergy symptoms.

Depending on the type and cause of allergic reaction, the child allergy symptoms ranging from mild to moderate may occur either occasionally or on a regular basis.

The children normally are affected by allergies such as:

	allergic rhinitis or hay fever
	asthma
	allergic eyes
	allergic eczema
	hives
	allergic shock
	sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis is an irritation of the nose and is commonly called “hay fever”. The symptoms for this are:

	runny nose
	stuffy nose
	clear discharge
	sneezing
	itchy nose
	nasal congestion
	post nasal drip
	tearing eyes
	itching of throat and inner ears
	dark circles under the eyes
	chronic ear problems/infections
	mouth breathing
	snoring/trouble sleeping
	crease in the tip of the nose due to frequent rubbing

Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

Allergic eyes are inflammation of the tissue layers that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs as a result of an allergic reaction and the symptoms are redness under the lids and of the eye overall, watery and itchy eyes and swelling of the membranes.

Hives are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non-allergic people. Typical hive symptoms are raised red welts and intense itching.

Allergic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. The symptoms are:

	hives or reddish discoloration of the skin
	nasal congestion
	swelling of the throat
	stomach pain
	nausea
	vomiting
	shortness of breath
	wheezing
	low blood pressure or shock

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the lining inside the sinuses. When sinuses get blocked and fill with fluid, germs can grow and make you sick. The reason for blocked sinuses can be due to common cold or “Hay Fever” or nasal polyps.

Sinusitis can happen once in a while, or keep on happening for a long period of time. The symptoms for this are:

	thick yellow or green stuff running from the nose or down the throat
	unusual bad taste or bad breath
	nasal stuffiness
	face pain or pressure
	cough
	headache
	toothache
	fever and chills
	tiredness or fatigue
	swelling around the eyes or cheeks

In case the child is suffering from swelling of eyes, lips, and face you should realize that this can become a severe reaction and you should consult the doctor immediately. There is an immediate need for monitoring breathing since any swelling inside the throat and airways can block breathing. Other related problems are stomach upset, constipation etc.

In general, it can be stated that the mild child allergy symptoms do not show throughout the body; but occurs in specific areas of the body. On the contrary, the moderate child allergy symptoms appear throughout the body and the child will have a lot of discomfort. However, these allergies are not life threatening and do not affect essential life functions.

Although mild child allergy symptoms are an irritant and cause discomfort there is no need for panicking since there is no immediate danger. However, it is advisable to discuss with your family doctor on the routine checkup for the child.

The moderate child allergy symptoms do not pose any danger to the child’s life; but it is not only uncomfortable but also causes medical problems. They cause chronic health problems which are equivalent to sickness.

Sickness prevents the children from regularly attending schools, school activities and having normal social life. If not attended to in time, moderate child allergy symptoms could get aggravated and become severe and this will cause secondary health concerns which could become emergent. These symptoms have to be discussed with the doctor on an urgent basis so that proper remedial actions can be taken.

Severe Child Allergy Symptoms

Severe child allergy symptoms are life-threatening and require immediate attention. They affect the normal and essential body functions by retarding them. Any delay in attending to this can cause death of the child.

In most of the cases severe allergic reactions appear all of a sudden without any warning. The reactions appear all over the body. In some cases the allergic reactions are life-threatening and can cause emergent situations wherein there occurs a swelling in the upper part of the body or face. This causes swelling and affects breathing and swallowing. In case the breathing becomes very difficult (beyond a wheeze or a minor cough) you must rush to the hospital for getting medical attention.

Severe child allergy symptoms appear all of a sudden with an itching of face or eye and gets aggravated to life-threatening symptoms such as swelling of face or upper body or throughout various parts of the body, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, confusion, disorientation and dizziness.

Some of the above symptoms also are listed in the mild-moderate list; however, the main consideration is the speed of attack and time. If these symptoms come quickly without any warning it is advisable to take speedy action for medical treatment. This is all the more essential in case of impaired breathing.

In case of the slow appearance of a child allergy symptom and progressing over a period of time there is not much to worry. However, it is advisable to err on the wrong side; you must call a doctor or hospital emergency room in case of any doubt.