Allergy Irritability in Children

Allergy irritability in children may begin during infancy with signs of hives and eczema, expanding to include symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, allergic sinusitis and anaphylaxis as a child grows and potentially develops reactions to foods, environmental triggers, chemical sensitivities and medications. Diagnosing and treating childhood allergy symptoms at the onset can lead to improved health, immunity and livelihood for sensitized children.

Food Allergies

Children with food allergy irritability may show sensitivity to milk during infancy, with visible symptoms of rash and dry skin accompanied by nausea, vomiting and irritability soon after ingestion. Babies with allergies may develop chronic ear infections during early childhood due to excess fluid caused by mucus production resulting from histamine responses. Common childhood food allergies to peanuts, wheat, corn, fish, chocolate, eggs and cheeses may cause allergic rhinitis symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, wheezing and coughing.

Seasonal Allergies

Allergy problems in children may be seasonal due to the pollination of ragweed, plants, flowers, trees and grasses that spread pollen through the air on warm, breezy days. Pollen and mold spores are inhaled through the nose, eyes and mouth, resulting in nasal and lung inflammation in children that leads to allergic asthma symptoms of chest tightness, breathing difficulty and wheezing, in addition to rhinitis signs of congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and scratchy throat. Limiting outdoor activity on high mold and pollen count days is effective in reducing reactions.

Environmental Allergens

Allergy irritability in children is commonly caused by year-round triggers within a home or school environment. Reactions to chalk dust, household dust mites, mold, animal dander, paint, adhesives, materials, insect bites and chemically produced odors may cause respiratory problems, nasal allergies, migraines, skin irritation and related fatigue. Pets shed fur causing hives, and host mites and fleas that are carried throughout a home, infesting in furnishings, upholstery, bedding and pillows. This causes children to become reactive when in contact, with symptoms of dust mite allergies typically more pronounced during sleep and flea allergies causing intense itching and pimple-like bumps at the bite area.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy irritability in children, typically arising during adolescence and causing life-threatening symptoms of throat, mouth and lung swelling, allergic hives, constricted breathing and congestion, leading to suffocation within three to five minutes of ingestion or contact with the allergen. Anaphylaxis typically occurs as an effect of insect bites, finned fish, shellfish and peanut allergies, with genetic history causing children to be predisposed. Epinephrine is immediately administered in the form of an EpiPen injection at the onset of anaphylaxis and should be carried by parents, school nurses and at-risk children at all times.

Diagnosing/Treating

Children with allergy irritabilities may outgrow existing allergies or develop new ones throughout life. Skin tests, blood tests, neurological examinations and lung function tests can determine triggers. Topical antihistamines can reduce hives, rashes and itching in children, while prescription oral antihistamines, inhalers, corticosteroids and immune therapy may be necessary for children with persistent symptoms. Allergy shots can assist some children by injecting small doses of an allergen over time, with a goal of eventual tolerance and allergy elimination.