If you have ever experienced an allergy in your childhood, you know how distressing it is for you and your parents. Today, more than 35% of children worldwide suffer from allergies.
From continuous sneezing during the spring season to unexpected reactions after a snack, allergies can seriously impact a child’s daily life.
Generally, allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, called allergens, as threats, triggering reactions that range from mild discomfort to even worse health concerns. In such instances, it is best to see a pediatric doctor at the best pediatric hospital in Naranpura or in your neighbourhood.
So, understanding how to identify and manage these allergies is crucial for ensuring a child’s well-being. The type of allergy a child may experience is wide, encompassing everything from different types of food to seasonal plants, dust, toxins, and more.
In this blog, we will provide you with information regarding the types of allergies, how to manage them, and how to respond to numerous allergic reactions your child might experience.
Differentiating Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
You will be genuinely concerned when you see your child’s face turning blotchy after eating a handful of dried nuts or their tummy aching a little more than normal after having a glass of milk.
However, not all adverse reactions related to food signify food allergies. Sometimes, it might be due to food intolerance.
But the question is, what’s the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Food Allergy
A food allergy generally happens when your kid’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as a threat and triggers a response by producing lgE antibodies. These antibodies start a chain of reactions, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions.
Foods like tree nuts, peanuts, and other allergic foods, when consumed, can cause mild itching and serious health complications like breathing difficulties.
If something like this happens with your child, take him/her to a trusted pediatrician in Naranpura, Ahmedabad or nearby your area.
Food Intolerance
Unlike food allergies, food intolerance doesn’t attack the child’s immune system. Instead, it happens when the gastrointestinal tract fails to break down and digest specific foods. For example, lactose intolerance happens when a kid’s body cannot digest lactose, leading to bloating and diarrhea.
Food allergies attack the immune system and can be life-threatening. Whereas food intolerance mainly affects digestion and is less severe.
Allergic reactions, like hives or anaphylaxis, appear almost instantly after consumption, whereas intolerance symptoms might take hours to develop.
Signs, Symptoms, and Responses to Severe Allergic Reactions in Children
Recognizing Severe Allergy Symptoms
As a parent, it is crucial to recognize the signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. This rapid and intense response can affect different body systems, including:
- Difficulty in breathing
- An unexpected drop in blood pressure
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Skin reactions, including hives, along with redness or pale appearance
Seasonal Allergies in Children
Seasonal allergies, as the name suggests, come and go with the seasons. As trees bloom and flowers grow, many children experience various symptoms that are not associated with any type of food.
Triggers of Seasonal Allergies
Unlike food allergies, which are triggered by certain proteins in the diet, seasonal allergies are triggered by airborne allergens, including:
- Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds
- Spores released by moulds
- Household allergens like dust mites or pet dander
These allergens can enter a child’s body, triggering the reaction.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can trigger multiple reactions, including:
- Itchy and watery eyes,
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose or throat
- And asthma
Final Thoughts
Every kid is different, and so is their reaction to how their body reacts to allergens. So, it is important to recognize the signs of their allergic reactions. However, if your child goes through any allergic reactions like shortness of breath or pale appearance, take them immediately to the best multispeciality hospital in Ahmedabad.
