4 Most Common Allergies in Children

Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, and the ailment is especially prevalent among children. Allergies come in all shapes and sizes from environmental allergies to eczema-inducing contact allergies to food allergies and more than one in four children in the United States has at least one confirmed allergic condition.

Because allergies are so common in children, our team, led by Tina Floy, MD, and Trinidad Rojas, MD, at Wellness Pediatrics in Fairfax, Virginia, offers a wide range of allergy services, including allergy testing and management.

In this blog, we take a look at how allergic reactions happen and review some of the more common allergies in children.

The allergy basics

An allergen is a normally harmless substance such as tree pollen or peanuts that the immune system sees as dangerous. Allergens can be something that’s consumed, like a food; breathed in, like tree pollen; touched, like latex; or injected like insect venom. 

When the immune system encounters such a substance it deems harmful, it jumps into defense mode, releasing antibodies, histamines, and other defensive chemicals. This is known as an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can have any of the following symptoms:

• A scratchy throat and/or coughing 
• Sneezing and a runny nose
• Breakout of hives or rashes 
• Itchy, burning, or watery eyes

During a severe allergic reaction, symptoms can be more dangerous such as breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, or even anaphylaxis — a life-threatening condition. 

What are the most common childhood allergies?

Anyone can develop allergies at any age; however, early childhood is usually the prime time for the onset of allergies. It isn’t uncommon for allergies to change as kids get older; they may even become milder or go away altogether. But, most allergies are considered chronic, or lifelong. 

The four most common childhood allergies are:

1. Allergic rhinitis 

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic condition found in children. Nearly one in five children (18.9%) in the United States have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. This allergic reaction is also referred to as hay fever, or seasonal allergies, and is often triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These types of allergies flare up when pollen concentration is high, typically in the spring and fall.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny, itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. It can also cause red, watery eyes and fluid buildup in the ears, raising the risk of ear infections. 

2. Eczema 

More than one in 10 American children (10.8%) have been diagnosed with an allergy-related condition known as eczema. Though there are many different types of eczema, the most common kind is atopic dermatitis. 

When your child has this allergic condition, any type of contact with an irritant or allergen causes them to get itchy, bumpy rashes and thickened skin. Common eczema triggers are sweat, dry air, intense sunlight, harsh detergents, chlorine, and itchy fabrics like wool.

Eczema flare-ups can also develop if your child’s skin touches something to which they’re allergic. These types of eczema rashes are commonly caused by problematic ingredients in skin or hair care products such as dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. 

3. Food allergies

About four million American children (5.8%) have a diagnosed food allergy. The most commonly diagnosed food allergies in children are eggs, milk, and peanuts followed closely by wheat, soy, and tree nuts.     

Food allergies have a wide variety of symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Allergic reactions to food can include itching in the mouth and throat, breathing difficulties, hives, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The most severe allergic reaction — anaphylaxis — is most often associated with peanuts and tree nuts.  

4. Airborne allergies

There are several airborne substances other than pollen that can trigger an allergic reaction after they’re breathed in. Common airborne allergens include dust mites, fungal and mold spores, animal dander, dried insect debris, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and perfume.   

A lot of these allergens are found inside. So, be diligent about keeping the air quality of your house clean and pay extra attention to all your house cleaning habits.

If you have questions about effective allergy management, we can help. To learn more, call 571-350-0953 or book an appointment online.