If your toddler has nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy skin most of the time, he may be suffering from allergies. Allergies are caused when the body mistakenly perceives a substance as harmful and attacks it. The body releases histamine, which results in the allergic reaction.
Common Toddler Allergies:
Here are the common allergies which can affect toddlers:
- Dust mite allergy
- Pollen allergy
- Mold allergy
- Pet dander allergy
- Food allergies
How to Recognize Your Toddler Allergies?
By close observation, you can determine the culprit behind the allergies. Here are a few hints:
- Dust mite and pollen cause congestion in the morning
- Mold allergy shows up during rainy seasons.
- Dust mite allergy and pet allergy can affect while the child is indoors.
- Food allergies result in rashes, diarrhea etc. right after eating the food.
Parents can also keep a diary to record the allergy symptoms and the events before the reaction. This can help in pinpointing tbe allergy-causing substances.
Allergy Tests:
To know the allergy-causing substances, you can take your toddler to an allergist and get allergy tests done. The doctor can conduct a blood test (RAST) or skin prick tests to determine the allergies of your toddler.
Preventing Allergies:
The best way to overcome allergies is to prevent your toddler’s contact from the allergens. Keep your toddler away from allergy triggers. Here are a few ways:
- Keep your home clean with HEPA-enabled vacuum cleaners and filters. This will remove the pet dander, pollen and dust mites
- Using a humidifier can help you to get rid of the mold. Cleaning the bathroom with a cloth can also remove the mold
- If your child has pet dander allergy, consider limiting the pet’s access to all the rooms. Washing the pet regularly can be helpful
- Food allergies can be prevented by carefully reading the food labels and avoiding allergy-causing foods. Care should be taken to avoid cross-contamination while cooking and while eating out
For treating allergies, parents should not give kids over-the-counter anti-histamines or other medicines. These medications can be harmful for the toddlers. Always consult your allergist who can prescribe mild medicines for your child.
