Alarming Increase in Children Allergies Globally Needs Immediate Action

There has been a significant upsurge of various allergies among kids worldwide including the United States for the past three decades. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), almost 8 million children (11%) reported respiratory conditions while over 12% or nearly 9 million suffered from skin allergies. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a 50% increase in food allergies among American children.

Watch out for Threatening Signs

The above-mentioned statistics indicated the need to implement stringent allergy testing for infants, toddlers, and older children. Doctors as well as parents should take extra efforts to monitor symptoms such as the following:

 Sneezing during the early morning

 Congested nostrils

 Nasal itching

 Irregular mouth-breathing

It is essential not to mistake these signs for common colds or infections. If indications look serious, parents must take their kids to the nearest hospital right away for allergy treatment. Other common indications among youngsters consist of the following:

 Hives which include eczema or dermatitis and skin rashes

 Scratchy eyes

 Coughing

 Upset stomach

Allergy Triggers

Meanwhile, the prevalent allergy triggers among young girls and boys as well as babies are the following:

 Indoors – Pet hair or fur, molds, and dust mites

 Outdoors – Tree and plant pollen, bee or wasp stings, and other insect bites

 Foods – Eggs, peanuts, milk, and dairy products

 Irritants – Perfume, smoke from cigarettes, and car exhaust

If your child has severe allergic reactions, arrange for an immediate allergy testing. Positive results mean that a specialist must attend to your child. The next step should be allergy treatment based on the symptoms and what the child feels or experiences.

Hay Fever

The incidence of hay fever or Allergic Rhinitis is increasing as well. It is the most widespread childhood malady that comes from allergies. Some of the signs include runny nose, postnasal drip, and repeated sneezing. However, children normally do not become feverish. Another common ailment is chronic nasal blockage or stuffy nose. Congestion causes the kid to breathe through the mouth particularly while sleeping. In other words, the child does not get a good night’s rest and feels tired the following day.

Food Allergies

More than 6 million American children suffer from some kind of allergic reaction to certain foods. Parents must become aware of possible Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening response that impairs inhalation of air and rapid decline in blood pressure. This condition can send the body into sudden shock. Physicians administer epinephrine or adrenaline as allergy treatment for this condition.

Reactions vary from child to child. Some are mild while others involve only one portion or area of the body. Others are more frightening and take place a few minutes after consuming the food. Fortunately, many youngsters outgrow food allergies without any acute implications. Nonetheless, it pays to remain careful and alert since you will never know the outcome if these conditions remain unchecked.