Allergy in Kids

The dust laden, polluted environment does not help us in staying healthy. Most of us suffer from allergic reactions to a number of substances floating freely in the environment. However, pinpointing the offending object may not be possible all the time. Hence, we try to treat the symptoms of the allergy and hope to get some relief from the extreme discomfort. This problem becomes more pronounced when it comes to children. Spotting allergies in small children becomes difficult and the children often have to suffer as a result of it. Here are some symptoms which can indicate allergy in children.

Cough- If your child has a dry cough which lingers on, then it can be labeled as ‘dry cough’. Presence of phlegm may indicate fluid in the sinus cavity and is most probably an allergic symptom. However, it is mandatory to eliminate all other possible causes of cough before the consistent cough can diagnosed as a symptom of allergic reaction.

Skin Rashes- Frequent occurrences of skin rashes or dermatitis is a clear cut indication of allergy. Apart from the rashes, there may be dryness and redness in the elbows, joints and eyes of the child. Knees and the face are commonly affected too. The skin may itch constantly giving rise to extreme discomfort.

Eye Circles- Dark circles beneath the eye may indicate allergy in small children as well. These often resemble a black eye and do not occur due to lack of sleep. The allergic dark circles are also known as Denni-Morgan lines after the physicians who discovered the symptoms. The discoloration is caused by the increased blood flow under the eyes particularly within the sinus cavity. The circles may also be formed in an extra skin fold.

Food- Although you can be allergic to almost any kind of food, children are often allergic to milk, eggs, soy, peanuts and wheat products. Swelling of the lips or tongue after eating a particular food is a characteristic feature of food allergies.