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We know your little ones mean the world to you, and keeping them safe and healthy is your top priority. Today, we're going to tackle a topic that often leaves parents feeling a bit overwhelmed: childhood allergies. They're more common than you might think, and can be a real challenge for kids and parents alike.
If you need help with your child’s allergies, look no further than Angel Kids Pediatrics. With multiple locations in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, we are your go-to resource for all things allergy-related. We offer onsite skin prick tests and off-site blood work evaluations to diagnose and manage your child’s allergies.
Understanding allergies is crucial because they're not just about a runny nose or a rash. They can significantly affect your little one's health and wellness. Here, we explore four common childhood allergies.
1. Food allergies
Food allergies are quite common in kids, with peanuts, eggs, milk, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish being the usual suspects. Symptoms can range from mild, like hives or stomach cramps, to severe — like life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Tip: Introduce new foods to your young child one at a time, and watch for any adverse reactions. If your family has a history of food allergies, consult a pediatrician before introducing allergenic foods.
2. Dust allergies
Dust allergies, especially those caused by dust mites, are common for children. These microscopic bugs thrive in household dust, and their waste products can provoke allergic reactions or even asthma.
Dust mite allergies typically cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, irritated eyes, a scratchy throat, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They can also lead to itchy, red, or watery eyes, headaches, and a blocked feeling in the ears.
Dust mites are typically found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. They are too small to be seen without a microscope, and love warm, humid environments. An interesting (or perhaps unsettling) fact is that these miniscule creatures feed on dead skin cells shed by people and pets.
Tip: You can minimize and control dust mites through regular household cleaning, using dust-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, and reducing indoor humidity levels.
3. Pollen allergies
Pollen allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are another common issue for children. They're triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These tiny particles are released into the air to fertilize other plants, but in many people, they can trigger an allergic reaction.
When your child inhales pollen, their immune system may overreact as though it’s a harmful invader, triggering symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth. In some cases, kids with pollen allergies may also have asthma, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Pollen levels typically rise in the spring and fall, but the timing and severity of pollen seasons can vary depending on the weather and region. You can check local pollen forecasts to stay informed about high pollen days.
Tip: Keep windows closed during high pollen days, have your child shower after outdoor play, and consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor pollen.
4. Pet allergies
Fido or Fluffy might be your child's best friend, but pets can also trigger allergies. Dander, or the tiny skin flakes animals shed, can cause allergic reactions in kids, along with animal saliva and urine.
Tip: Regularly bathe and groom your pets, keep them out of your child's bedroom, and clean your home frequently to reduce pet allergens.
Comprehensive allergy care
When it comes to allergies, early detection and attentive management are key. By knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common childhood allergies, you’re one step closer to managing any allergic reactions and protecting your child’s health.
If you suspect your child has an allergy, give us a call as soon as possible. We’re here to help you create a safe, happy, and healthy environment for your children to grow and thrive in.
With 10 offices in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, you can trust our expert team to ease your child’s allergy symptoms. Call 904-224-KIDS (5437) to schedule a consultation at Angel Kids Pediatrics today, or request an appointment online any time.