10 Signs of Child Allergies You Can’t Ignore

Allergies are very common in children, with food allergies affecting around 8% of kids in the US. While some allergic reactions are mild, others can be life-threatening. As a parent, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergies in your child. While some allergic reactions are relatively mild, others can be severe or even life-threatening if not treated promptly. This makes it critical for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergies in their children. Some may surprise you.

Here are 10 surprising signs of child allergies you can’t ignore from the pediatrician at Entirely Kids Pediatrics in Frisco, TX:

1. Chronic Runny Nose

A constantly runny or stuffy nose is an annoyance for both kids and parents. Seasonal allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold are common causes of chronic nasal congestion and drainage. However, food allergies can also lead to persistent nasal symptoms and upper respiratory infections.

Pay close attention if your child’s runny nose lasts for weeks on end with no apparent cold or flu. A perennial runny nose can point to an undiagnosed food allergy, especially to dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Food allergies cause inflammation in nasal passages. Work with your pediatrician to pinpoint the allergen.

2. Red, Itchy Rings Around the Mouth

Does your child develop red, itchy rings of rash around his or her mouth after eating certain foods? This irritating symptom is known as oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food allergy syndrome. It’s caused by cross-reactivity between proteins in some fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices and environmental pollens like birch, ragweed, or grass.

The lips, mouth, and throat area are highly sensitive, so they may react strongly when exposed to allergenic proteins they mistake as pollen. While oral allergy syndrome is typically mild, it’s smart to have it evaluated. An allergist can determine if the reaction could worsen over time.

3. Stomach Pain After Eating

If your child regularly complains of abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort after meals, undiagnosed food allergies may be the reason. When the immune system incorrectly identifies food proteins as harmful, it releases antibodies and chemicals like histamine to attack the digestive tract. This causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

If tummy troubles consistently occur shortly after your child eats certain items, start an elimination diet to pinpoint the problematic food. Removing the offending allergen from your child’s diet should resolve the abdominal pain and gastrointestinal distress.

4. Sudden Behavior Changes

The brain and the gut share a strong two-way connection. This means food allergies can potentially contribute to behavioral disorders and changes in children, including crankiness, irritability, anxiety, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, and poor focus.

If your child suddenly displays unexplained mood or behavior shifts for no apparent reason, speak with your pediatrician. They may recommend eliminating common allergenic foods to see if it improves behavior. Allergy testing can also identify issues, allowing tailored dietary changes.

5. Frequent Heartburn

Heartburn and acid reflux are considered common adult complaints. However, children can certainly experience these too. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often triggered by allergies to ingredients like cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and fish.

Switching your child to a hypoallergenic, hydrolyzed formula or eliminating possible food triggers usually brings relief from chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation. Over-the-counter antacids made for children can also ease discomfort short-term while determining allergy triggers.

6. Skin Rashes and Irritation

Hives, eczema flare-ups, red bumps, and skin rashes around the mouth, hands, feet, or diaper area – these skin reactions offer visual clues about possible allergies. Contact dermatitis from the skin touching an allergen like poison ivy is another consideration.

Identify any patterns about when rashes appear, what exposures preceded them, and what provides relief. This helps pinpoint the problematic allergen. For severe rashes, oral steroids may be needed to control the immune reaction.

7. Swelling of the Lips or Face

If your child suddenly develops significant swelling of the lips, cheeks, eyes, chin, tongue, or other areas of the face, it signals a serious allergic reaction that requires prompt medical care. These moderate to severe symptoms indicate the body is having an anaphylactic reaction.

When the airways become compromised due to swelling, it can rapidly turn into a life-threatening emergency situation. Do not hesitate to call 911 if facial or airway swelling develops rapidly after your child is exposed to an offending allergen. Every second counts with anaphylaxis.

8. Wheezing, Coughing, or Breathing Issues

Inhalant allergies to airborne particles like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can cause upper airway inflammation in children. This leads to audible wheezing, chronic coughs, noisy breathing, and other respiratory complaints.

If your child always seems congested, has trouble breathing through their nose, or coughs frequently at night, environmental or food allergies may be to blame. Asthma attacks can also be induced by allergic reactions. See an allergist or pediatrician promptly if any breathing troubles persist.

9. Headaches

Headaches are very common in adults, but frequent headaches in children often stem from allergies. Both environmental allergies and food intolerances/sensitivities can be headache triggers.

Keep a diary noting when your child’s headaches occur, their duration and severity, and any potential exposures or triggers. This helps your pediatrician determine the source of the headaches, allowing you to better control your child’s environment and diet.

10. Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time is not normal for active, growing kids and teens. However, chronic fatigue and lethargy is one of the more common yet overlooked symptoms of allergies. When the immune system has to work on overdrive dealing with allergens, it leaves the child feeling wiped out. 

Look for any correlation between when fatigue sets in and exposure to foods, pollens, or other substances. Headaches and fatigue often go hand in hand. Consult a pediatrician if allergy avoidance and antihistamines don’t relieve the exhaustion.

Don’t ignore recurring symptoms in your child. Talk to the caring pediatricians at Entirely Kids Pediatrics in Frisco, TX if you suspect allergies. We offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment to help your child feel their best. Visit entirelykids.com to learn more about our pediatric services for North Texas families.

Don’t Delay – Get Your Child Tested for Allergies Today

If you’ve noticed any of these surprising signs of allergies in your child, don’t wait for symptoms to escalate. At Entirely Kids Pediatrics, we’re dedicated to ensuring your child’s health and well-being through comprehensive allergy and asthma management. Dr. Danielle Leung is here to provide the care and support your child needs to lead a healthy, happy life.

Don’t let allergies hold your child back. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you navigate your child’s health journey with confidence. Call us at 469-425-3600 for a consultation or visit our office at Baylor Medical Center of Frisco. Your child’s health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide the best pediatric care possible.