Does every child outgrow the allergies while growing up?

Does your child sneeze due to dust? Do they get rashes on the skin due to a food item? These could be signs of an allergic reaction. A study by the World Allergy Organization Journal, 8.38% of children and 14.93% of adolescents worldwide suffer from an allergic reaction. Some of these children outgrow their allergies when they grow up. But, some may still show symptoms of an allergy.

The allergens can cause reactions that differ widely among children. Here are the common allergic conditions that your child might suffer from:

• Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic reaction seen in children. You may notice your child having a running and itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal blockage. Your child may also suffer from chronic ear problems. The child may not outgrow this condition, but the symptoms can be controlled and reduced.
• Ear infections: An allergic reaction can cause inflammation in the ear. An allergy can also lead to earaches and itching, which can cause infections and hearing problems. As the symptoms of an allergy are controlled or reduced, it can help the child outgrow this problem.
• Nasal congestion: Allergies can cause chronic nasal congestions in children. This nasal blockage can make it difficult for children to breathe. Hence, they breathe through their mouths when they are asleep. Early treatment for allergies can help children avoid these problems.
• Food allergies: Common food allergies seen in children include peanuts and milk. They can also have allergic reactions to eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat. Children may outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soy and wheat when they grow up.

Parents also need to be aware of anaphylaxis. It can be a life-threatening reaction caused by food allergies, resulting in a drop in blood pressure and difficulties breathing.

• Allergies due to pets: Animal fur can cause an allergic reaction in children. Your child can show symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, a rash, runny nose or sneezing.
• Dust irritation: Chalk dust or any form of dust can cause an allergic reaction in children.

Hence, protect your child from such allergens. The common triggers for these allergic conditions may include:

• Outdoor allergens: The environmental allergens include tree pollen, plant pollen, insect bites or stings.
• Indoor allergens: Indoor allergens include pet or animal hair, dust mites and mold.
• Irritants: The irritants that can lead to allergic reactions include cigarette smoke, perfume and car exhaust.
• Foods: Food allergens include peanuts, eggs, milk and milk products.

These allergy symptoms can affect any part of your body. They may include the skin, eyes, stomach lining, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs. The allergic reactions may include:

• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Red, dry and itchy skin
• Hives and itchy welts
• Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing
• A stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, or a runny nose, and itching in ears or the roof of the mouth

What you should look out for is that the symptoms change at different times of the year. Making a note of any changes in the allergy symptoms could be helpful.