Early identification of your child’s allergies is the surest way for your pediatrician to manage the symptoms and their triggers. Although any child can develop an allergy, they are more common among those with a family history. To best fight these ailments, you’ll need to grasp an understanding of the most common types of allergies—as well as how to detect them.

Types of Allergies

• Food: Nuts, dairy, eggs, and shellfish are among the more common food allergies in children. Nut allergies can be particularly severe and often last a lifetime. Children sometimes outgrow dairy, egg, and wheat allergies. Your pediatrician may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector should your little one accidentally encounter their food allergy trigger.
• Environmental Factors: This includes both indoor allergies like dust and pet dander, as well as outdoor allergies such as pollen, trees, or insect bites. Avoiding or minimizing contact with these allergens is not impossible, but it can be a challenge—especially during the warmer months.
• Irritants: Irritants include substances like cigarette smoke, perfume, or chemicals. Reactions to these allergens usually subside once the irritant is no longer present and are best managed by avoiding the triggers.

Allergy Symptoms

• Painful or Upset Stomach: This symptom can often accompany food allergies. If you notice your child frequently experiences stomach pain, start keeping a diary to help your pediatrician determine the trigger.
• Skin Irritation or Rash: Any allergy may be accompanied by hives or a rash. Your pediatrician might recommend testing if the rash or hives don’t clear up, or if they reappear frequently.  
• Allergic Rhinitis: This includes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and coughing. Red, itchy eyes can also accompany allergic rhinitis.
• Asthma: If your child has trouble breathing or wheezing, take them to a doctor right away. Many medications can combat your child’s asthma symptoms.

If you think your little one is suffering from an allergy, talk to your pediatrician. Medications and therapies will mitigate or eliminate allergies and their symptoms, or at least ensure your child is safe in the event of an attack.

Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic PSC of Kentucky is committed to serving the children of Grayson County with quality pediatric care. Whether your child is sick or needs an annual checkup, you can trust these board-certified pediatricians to care for your little one as if they were family. To schedule an appointment, call (270) 259-5641 or send a message online.