What to Do In Case Of an Allergy Attack In Children

Mild to Moderate Allergy Attack in Children—Symptoms and Responses

During an allergy attack in children with mild to moderate allergies one could expect the following symptoms to be present:

	Itching of skin, eyes, nose, face and mouth
	Reddened skin
	Minor swelling
	Stuffy, runny, or watery nose
	Watery eyes
	Hives present anywhere on the body
	Cough
	Troubled breathing

The allergy attacks on children can be classified as mild, moderate and severe. Mild allergy attacks are characterized by the following.

	Cause minor discomfort and pose little danger to life. The normal activities of the child such as going to school, day care, games etc. are not affected at this stage.
	Mild child allergy symptoms do not show throughout the body; but occurs in specific areas of the body
	These allergies can be spot-reactions, skin irritants and poison ivy
	They can also be seasonal or pet allergies but occur infrequently.
	Mild allergy attacks in children need to be treated only for making the child more comfortable and not for health reasons.

A moderate allergy attack in children has the following characteristics:

	Because significant discomfort and some relief have to be given; it affects the normal functioning of the child and also its health;
	If the allergy is seasonal or environmental, they occur for only days or weeks of the year
	Unlike mild allergy the moderate allergy attacks in children are widespread and can affect more than one part of the skin or body

In case the allergy has become chronic, it should be reported to a doctor who in turn will devise a treatment plan that can reduce or eliminate the impact on the child's overall life.

Oral antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine help in treating children having mild to moderate allergy attacks; these relieve the child from allergy symptoms.  In case the mild to moderate allergy attacks in children last for a longer period a proper treatment plan has to be devised by a doctor which should include maintenance medications.

Moderate allergic reaction may result in asthmatic attacks and/or asthma-related symptoms; these allergies are triggers for asthma attacks when the linings of the lungs and airways are irritated and inflamed. In such a situation treatment of moderate allergies takes prime importance since the body is unable to deliver sufficient quantity of oxygen.  Allergy treatment is essential more for the control of asthma than for control of the allergy attack for children with allergy-induced asthma.  It is probable that these children are administered both allergy and asthma treatments and medications.  In case the children have a combined attack of asthma and allergy, they should be taken to the doctor to decide on short and long term treatment.

Severe Allergy Attack in Children—Symptoms and Responses

Severe allergy attacks in children are the most worrying thing and such attacks will show the following reactions.

	Swelling of the face or mouth – this may lead to or be combined with swelling of the throat and interior airways which restrict breathing
	Difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing—a risk to air intake and a choking hazard
	Abdominal pain
	Nausea and/or vomiting
	Diarrhea
	Dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, confusion, or disorientation

The severe allergy attack is dangerous and life threatening because it affects the breathing of the child; hence in case of severe allergy reactions the caregivers should act speedily to reduce the allergic reactions and maintain normal breathing. This is all the more important if the child had severe allergy attack due to food or any other allergen in the past. Even if the symptoms are mild initially children affected in the past due to severe allergy attack may have to be acted upon immediately. In case of improper breathing you must summon 911 or local medical emergency response teams. Severe allergy attack on children necessitates emergency medical attention via paramedics or emergency room. If the doctor has already prescribed injectable epinephrine you should use it as per doctor’s instructions.

The old adage prevention is better than cure is fully applicable in the case of allergy treatment. The best way to treat allergy is to limit or eliminate exposure to an allergen; this will avoid any allergic reactions in the children. In case of doubt consult the doctor.