Childhood Allergy Symptoms and Treatments

Is your child suffering from allergies? Read below to learn the warning signs.

From sneezing and coughing when playing outside to experiencing a stomach ache after eating certain foods, there are many warning signs that your little one might be dealing with allergies. Allergies are one of the most common chronic illnesses in the US, and from our office in Westchase, FL, pediatricians Dr. Raj Pai, Dr. Mary Ann Hicks, and Dr. Sheila Mak all understand the symptoms and signs of childhood allergies and can determine what treatment option is best for the situation.

Allergy Symptoms in Children

The symptoms your child exhibits will depend on the type of allergen they are sensitive to. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Rashes or hives
• Asthma, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Coughing and sneezing
• Runny nose
• Stuffed up nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting

If your child is recurringly experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatrician to find out what might be causing their symptoms.

Treating Your Child’s Allergies

There are many things that can be done to help manage your child’s symptoms and to make sure that their daily life and activities aren’t impacted. Here are two approaches that our Westchase, FL, children’s doctors might recommend to treat your child’s symptoms:

Avoiding the Allergen

Okay, so this might sound rather obvious but sometimes it’s not always that easy to stay away from the allergen. Depending on the cause of your child’s symptoms, this may mean cutting back on time spent playing outdoors or keeping windows and doors closed during allergy season.

It’s also important that your child is bathing and washing their hair, especially after playing outside or spending time outdoors. Doing this will prevent the allergen from getting into their bedding and causing symptoms to flare up. Furthermore, keeping your home clean, dusted, and vacuumed will reduce exposure to the allergen.

Taking Medication

One of the most common medications used to treat allergy symptoms is an antihistamine. Depending on the severity of your child’s symptoms, they may be able to take a simple over-the-counter medication or they may require a prescription-strength form. Sometimes decongestants or nasal sprays can also help with stuffy noses, breathing issues due to nasal swelling and congestion, and facial pressure and pain. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended in some cases.

Interested? Give Us a Call!

Here at Clearwater Pediatric Care, we are dedicated to providing children living in Westchase and Clearwater, FL, with the quality and comprehensive pediatric care they deserve. If your child is suffering from allergy symptoms, call our office today for an evaluation: 813-818-1543 for Westchase, 727-461-1543 for Clearwater.