What Are the Causes of Childood Allergies?
- Allergies can be hereditary, inherited from one parent or both, with children experiencing symptoms to the same allergens as a parent or developing sensitivity to different triggers.
- Allergies result from adverse reactions to protein particles of particular substances that the body deems as harmful, triggering immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in defense.
- IgE responses lead to chemical histamine releases throughout a child's body, causing inflammation resulting in symptomatic reactions of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, skin irritation and anaphylaxis.
- Exposure to seasonal allergens such as pollens and molds can cause hay fever reactions in children, with symptoms presenting as allergic shiners, conjunctivitis, fatigue, wheezing, coughing, runny nose and sneezing.
- Common childhood food allergens include wheat, dairy, nuts, shellfish and soy, causing potential symptoms of congestion, difficulty breathing, ear infections, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Childhood allergies are diagnosed by blood tests and skin prick tests. Allergy symptoms are relieved with oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, inhalers and topical ointments, with allergy shots potentially desensitizing children.