Does My Child Have Allergies?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergies are the most common health issue affecting today's young children. Symptoms can either show up at birth or develop as the child starts school and is exposed to new potential irritants. Do you think your child may have allergies? The symptoms are easy to identify, and the causes behind them can be diagnosed by the pediatricians here at Downers Grove Pediatrics in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL.

Signs Your Child Has Allergies
It’ difficult not to notice the potential signs of an allergic reaction in your child. Any noticeable change to their skin, face, eyes, respiratory system, or digestive habits should be investigated. These are some common signs of allergies to look for:

- Skin rashes (reddened areas, sores, or bumps).
- Dripping, watery eyes.
- Excessive sneezing or coughing.
- Trouble breathing and asthma attacks (these require urgent care).
- Puffy skin or face.
- Diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive abnormalities.

Complications Due to Allergies
Many allergies are considered relatively minor annoyances and go away with time, but others can be life-threatening and require urgent action. For instance, some patients have allergic reactions to contact with chemicals, like detergents and hand soap. The symptoms may be rashes, which will go away after a few days or weeks. Other patients have allergies to insect bites and certain foods, like peanuts or shellfish, that can cause them to break out in hives and have a reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can put a person in shock, cause major swelling, and tighten the throat the point where breathing becomes restricted.

Allergy Treatments
Allergies are not considered a curable condition, but they can be managed and controlled with the help of your pediatricians in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL. These are some potentially useful courses of treatment:

- A blood or prick test to identify the allergens to avoid.
- Decongestants and steroid sprays.
- Antihistamine medication.
- Emergency adrenaline injections.
- Immunotherapy.

Control Allergies in Children
Allergies are difficult enough to manage for adults, but when the symptoms affect children, they can be particularly challenging. Call (630) 852-4551 or (630) 759-9230 today to schedule a visit with a pediatrician at Downers Grove Pediatrics in Downers Grove or Bolingbrook, IL.