Common Childhood Allergies: What to Watch For & How to ManageChildhood allergies are on the rise, affecting an increasing number of children worldwide. From food allergies to environmental triggers, understanding the signs of allergies and knowing how to manage them is essential for keeping your little one safe and comfortable. Here’s what you need to know about the most common childhood allergies, their symptoms, and practical solutions to manage them.
What Causes Childhood Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as harmful. These allergens can trigger a range of symptoms, from mild reactions like sneezing and itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Some common causes of childhood allergies include:
- Genetics: Children with a family history of allergies (like asthma, eczema, or hay fever) are more likely to develop allergies themselves.
- Environmental Triggers: Dust mites, pet dander, mould, and pollen are common allergens found in the environment.
- Food Allergens: Common food allergens include peanuts, eggs, dairy, shellfish, wheat, and soy.
- Insect Stings: Some children may have allergic reactions to insect bites or stings from bees, wasps, or ants.
- Medications: Certain medications, like antibiotics or vaccines, can trigger allergic reactions in some children.
While allergies can’t always be prevented, early recognition and proper management can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life.
Common Childhood Allergies & Their Symptoms
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies are among the most common in children, with peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish being the leading culprits. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and sometimes they appear within minutes of eating the allergen.
Symptoms:
- Hives or rashes
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Stomach pain or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing (anaphylaxis in severe cases)
Management:
- Avoidance is key: If your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy, strict avoidance of the allergen is essential.
- Carry epinephrine: For children with severe food allergies, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of an anaphylactic reaction.
- Read labels carefully: Always check ingredient labels when buying food, and be mindful of cross-contamination risks.
2. Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever, are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, mould, and pet dander. These allergies are especially common during certain seasons, such as spring and fall.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Congestion and post-nasal drip
Management:
- Reduce exposure: Keep windows closed during allergy seasons, use air purifiers, and regularly clean carpets and bedding.
- Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can help manage symptoms. Always consult a paediatrician before giving your child any medication.
- Allergy testing: If symptoms persist, your child may benefit from allergy testing to identify specific triggers.
3. Skin Allergies (Eczema, Hives)
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition in children, causing red, itchy patches on the skin. Hives (urticaria) are raised, red welts that appear on the skin due to allergic reactions.
Symptoms of eczema:
- Dry, red, itchy patches on the skin, often on the face, elbows, or knees
- Skin may crack, bleed, or become infected from constant scratching
Symptoms of hives:
- Raised, red welts on the skin
- Itching and discomfort
Management:
- Moisturise: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers to keep your child’s skin hydrated.
- Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers such as certain fabrics, soaps, or foods that may worsen eczema.
- Use antihistamines: For hives, antihistamines can help relieve itching and reduce swelling.
4. Insect Sting Allergies
Some children are allergic to insect stings, such as from bees, wasps, or ants. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur after a sting, leading to swelling, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness.
Symptoms:
- Swelling, redness, or pain at the sting site
- Severe swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing (anaphylaxis)
Management:
- Avoid stings: If possible, keep your child away from areas where insects are prevalent, especially during peak seasons.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector: If your child has a known insect sting allergy, always have an EpiPen available.
- Remove the stinger promptly: If stung, remove the stinger immediately by gently scraping it out with a credit card or other flat object.
5. Medication Allergies
Some children may develop allergies to medications, such as antibiotics or vaccines. Reactions can range from mild rashes to more serious complications, including anaphylaxis.
Symptoms:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing (anaphylaxis)
Management:
- Alert healthcare providers: Always inform your child’s doctor of any known allergies to medications, and never give a medication that your child is allergic to.
- Seek medical help: If your child has a reaction to a medication, seek medical attention immediately.
How to Manage Childhood Allergies: Practical Tips
1. Know the Signs:
Early recognition of allergy symptoms is essential for effective management. Keep track of your child’s symptoms and triggers, and consult with your paediatrician if you notice any recurring signs of an allergic reaction.
2. Keep an Allergy Action Plan:
Work with your healthcare provider to develop an allergy action plan that outlines what to do in case of a reaction, including when to use medication or seek emergency care. Make sure everyone involved in your child’s care is aware of this plan.
3. Educate Your Child:
As your child grows, educate them about their allergies and how to manage them. Teach them how to identify symptoms and ask for help when they need it. This empowers them to take responsibility for their health.
4. Create an Allergy-Friendly Environment:
Minimise allergens in your child’s environment by using air purifiers, cleaning frequently, and creating allergy-free zones. For food allergies, ensure that your home, daycare, and school are aware of your child’s restrictions.
Final Thoughts
While childhood allergies can be challenging, with the right knowledge and management strategies, you can help your child lead a healthy, happy life. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventative measures are key to keeping allergies under control. By being proactive and staying informed, you can ensure your child stays safe from common allergens.
Sources:
Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) is the National Association for Lifesaving and Lifesaving in Sport in South Africa. In these roles LSA leads, supports, and partners with national and international organizations committed to drowning prevention, water safety supervision, emergency response and sport.
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Child drownings are not seasonal and are almost always preventableChild drownings happen year-round and PowerPlastics Pool Covers is on a drive to remind parents that these drownings are entirely preventable with multiple layers of safety applied to the pool. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover and adult supervision at all times should be included in these layers of safety at all times.
The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover offers parental peace of mind as it completely seals off the entire pool. The PVC cover is drawn over strong aluminium batons that rest on the coping, and a tamperproof ratchet fastening system makes it impossible for a small child to access the water. Small drainage holes prevent rain or sprinkler water from collecting on the cover as just a few millimetres of water can be fatal to a curious child. The cover withstands up to 220kg and is easily deployed by two people, or it can be semi-automated for single person usage. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is available in a range of colours, allowing it to blend into the outdoor area.
Importantly, the cover complies with the recommended guidelines (SANS 10134) for pool safety, set by the SABS who oversees pool safety compliance in SA.
Thermal pool covers or ‘bubble’ covers that lie directly on the water should never be considered as child safety pool covers as they do not bear weight.
Aside from covering the pool, every adult in the home needs to know what a drowning in progress actually looks like as TV has created many misconceptions around this. There is no noise or splashing nor calls for help. Drowning is quick and silent.
Even if one doesn’t have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors. Families living in residential complexes with a communal pool should insist that their body corporate install a solid safety pool cover.
PowerPlastics Pool Covers has also created a Safety Monitor system. Based on the principle that adult supervision is key to avoiding drownings, it allows children to quickly identify the adult in charge should there be a safety issue among the children in the pool. When there’s a larger number of children in the pool, e.g at pool parties, it is advisable to have two or more supervisors each wearing a tag. A busy pool is high risk. You can download it here and print at home. Laminate it if possible (to prevent water damage) and then add a lanyard or tie it on a loop of string and wear around the neck.
The bottom line is that children need to be supervised around pools, and as long as the pool is covered and other layers of safety are in place, the likelihood of a tragedy occurring in your pool is greatly reduced.
Practical tips for pool safety
- Don’t let your pool’s water levels drop. Keeping the pool topped up allows for small arms to easily grab the edge if needed.
- For every two children in the pool, have one adult supervising and use the Saefty Monitor tag system. The more children, the more supervisors needed. Be aware that children’s pool parties are high-risk events.
- Turn off fountains and water features. Not only do they waste water and power, they can cause ripples and splashing, making it harder to see when a child has encountered difficulty in the pool or has sunk to the bottom.
- Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. Never hire a baby sitter or au pair who can’t swim.
- Don’t let anyone who has been drinking or on sedative medication supervise children in a pool.
- Don’t leave toys in or near an open pool as children will be tempted to retrieve them.
- Teach your child to swim fully clothed and with shoes on.
- If your child develops a fear of water, don’t ignore this – a child who panics is at greater risk of drowning.
- Never allow swimming after dark.
- Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix.
- Never leave the pool without securing it with your PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover.
- Never design / build a pool that cannot be secured for child safety.
The Vektor Rollup Station brings semi-automation to the PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Learn more.
Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) is the National Association for Lifesaving and Lifesaving in Sport in South Africa. In these roles LSA leads, supports, and partners with national and international organizations committed to drowning prevention, water safety supervision, emergency response and sport.
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