Childhood Allergies: Identifying Triggers and Treatment Options

Concerned your child is living with allergies? Our team of physicians at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA is here to help. 

Common Childhood Allergies, Triggers, and Treatment Options

Childhood allergies can be frustrating – at times, even dangerous. In this guide, our team at Timberlake Pediatrics of Sacramento, CA discusses common childhood allergies, triggers, symptoms, and treatment options.  

Childhood Allergies and Triggers 

Every child is unique and has their own triggers and symptoms. However, these are some of the most common. 

Foods 

Food allergies occur when the body determines a specific food to be dangerous and triggers an immune response. This can lead to trouble breathing, coughing, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, feeling lightheaded, and more. 

Some of the most common food allergy triggers include: 

• Eggs 
• Milk
• Tree nuts 
• Peanuts 
• Soy 
• Fish 
• Wheat

Animals 

Pets unintentionally collect saliva, urine, oils, and more beneath their fur or feathers. If they play outside, they can also collect pollen and other allergens. Unfortunately, this collection in the dander can cause symptoms such as: 

• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Eye redness 
• Coughing 
• Hives 
• Itchy mouth and throat 
• Irritability 

It can even cause an asthma attack in children with asthma. 

Indoor Environmental Contaminants 

In addition to pet dander, there are various things in a home that can trigger allergies, including mold, dust mites, and pests, such as mice and cockroaches. These cause symptoms such as: 

• Respiratory issues, including shortness of breath and chronic cough 
• Sore throat 
• Itchy or watery eyes 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Congestion 

Outdoor Contaminants 

The outdoors provides several common allergy triggers, including pollen from trees, weeds, grass, and plants. Additionally, insect bites and stings can trigger allergies. Symptoms caused by outdoor contaminants can include: 

• Sneezing and coughing 
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes 
• Congestion 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Sore throat
• Rashes and itchy skin

Skin Allergies 

Children can also be allergic to items that come in contact with their skin, such as latex and nickel. Many laundry products, cleaning products, hygiene items, and items of clothing include triggers such as fragrances, chemicals, and dyes. Symptoms of a skin allergy typically include: 

• Rash 
• Itchy skin
• Burning sensation in the area of contact 
• Blisters 

Treatment for Childhood Allergies 

Treatment begins with various tests to determine the type and severity of allergies present. Once identified, learning to manage symptoms and avoid triggers is key – something your pediatrician will help you with. Additionally, allergy shots, decongestants, nasal sprays, and other medications are available to help both prevent and reduce symptoms. 

Let our team at Timberlake Pediatrics of Sacramento, CA help develop a personalized plan of care for your child’s allergies. Call (916) 688-5040 to schedule an appointment today.