Is your child suffering from allergies? This question may be hard to answer for some parents, as the symptoms of allergies and common cold look similar. However, here are few signs to know if your child has allergies
Top 10 Allergy Signs in Children:
Here are the top 10 allergy signs in children:
- Red, itchy patches on skin: If your child has red, itchy patches on the skin, then it can be atopic dermatitis also known eczema. Eczema can indicate an allergy or asthma. About 30% of eczema in kids is related to allergies.
- Dark circles under the eyes: Dark circles, swollen bags under the eyes are caused due to allergies. These are caused due to the increased blood flow near the blocked sinuses
- Allergic crease at the bridge of the nose: Itchy nose can make kids rub their nose frequently. This rubbing, also known as allergic salute, can result in a line or crease at the bridge of the nose
- Breathing through the mouth: Allergies cause nasal congestion. This makes kids breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. Hence, breathing through nose can be an indication of allergy
- Watery, red, itchy eyes: Watery, red, itchy eyes can indicate allergic rhinitis which is caused due to allergies
- Ear infection: Allergies cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the ear. This can cause ear infections in children.
- Runny nose: Runny nose with clear, watery and thin nasal discharge can be an indication of allergy
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis can be caused due to allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis involves coughing, green or yellow discharge, and pain in the forehead etc
- Continual Sneezing: Sneezing continuously for more than 2 or 3 times can be caused due to allergy. Although common cold causes sneezing, continual sneezing is common in allergies
- Behavioral problems: Children who have allergies may find it difficult to concentrate at school. Because of the allergic symptoms of the nose and ear, they may also be irritable, easily angered etc. These symptoms are known as “allergic irritability syndrome”, and parents should look out for these signs
Parents can distinguish between common cold and allergies in children by observing the symptoms. In the case of allergies, the discharge is clear, thin and watery. In the case of common cold, the discharge is yellow or green. Also common cold goes away in 7 to 10 days, while allergy symptoms may last for long.
It is important for parents to detect allergies in children. Early detection of allergy signs in children enables you to give proper treatment for your child. If you have any doubts regarding the symptoms of you kids, always contact your doctor or an allergist.
