How To Know When Your Child Should Be Evaluated
Allergies present in different ways in different age groups. Here are some things to look out for:
- In children, allergic disease often first presents as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or food allergies, usually during infancy.
- Infants with eczema are at an increased risk of developing environmental allergies and asthma from the toddler years to school-age. This is known as the “atopic march.”
- Eczema is characterized by itching, with rash formation at the sites of scratching. The rash is usually red and scaly. Food and environmental allergies may worsen eczema.
- Food allergies can present in infants and young children, and they usually occur after the introduction of solid foods. A food allergy almost always has skin involvement, such as hives. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, runny nose, sneezing and lightheadedness. These symptoms typically occur within a few minutes of eating the food, although it can be delayed up to a few hours.
- Symptoms of environmental allergies (allergic rhinitis) include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose/eyes and nasal congestion. Some children may experience “allergic shiners” (dark circles under the eyes) and the “allergic salute” (a line across the nasal bridge from an upward rubbing of the palm of the hand on the nose).
Symptoms of asthma may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms may get worse with exercise and with allergic triggers.