Allergies are extremely common, and are not just restricted to adults: even children as young as a few months old can get them. Allergies are the body’s immune system reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander as well as food items such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, bites or even stings from insects, or medication like penicillin.
The body’s immune system incorrectly identifies certain items as dangerous, and triggers reactions, which can range from the infinitesimally small to the potentially fatal. Genetics and the environment are primarily responsible.
A child with a single allergic parent is 30–50% at risk for allergy, and this rises to 60–80% when both parents are affected, although food allergy in the absence of heredity can also happen. Environmental stimuli, such as pollution or seasonal variations, may cause allergy to begin or worsen.
Allergies in children
Allergies in children appear differently depending on what the cause of the allergy is and how sensitive the child is. Allergies to foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish cause hives, vomiting, belly cramps, hard breathing, or, in their most lethal form, anaphylaxis, a variable and possibly fatal event that needs to be treated immediately.
Skin allergies may manifest as eczema (atopic dermatitis) in infants and young children as dry, inflamed itchy eruptions due to food, external allergens, or irritation due to exposure to clothes or soaps. Swelling and pain at the site of bee or wasp stings will subsequently be followed by anaphylaxis rarely. Drug allergies such as an allergy to penicillin can result in rashes, swelling, or generalised systemic reactions.
Identifying allergens
Allergy testing would be indicated in children with a history of symptoms of chronic rashes, sneezing, gastrointestinal symptoms, or respiratory symptoms, particularly in the presence of a family history of allergic disorders or family history of allergic diseases.
Testing can even be initiated at six months of age, based on symptoms and history. Prick tests involve putting extremely small drops of allergens onto the skin and pricking them to test for redness or swelling reactions, a quick diagnostic test. Blood testing including specific IgE tests, determines the immune response activation towards specific allergens, and is performed in cases where skin tests are not appropriate. This testing is performed with the aim of enabling families to take protective measures.
Allergies are often categorised as severe or mild. Mild allergies to dust, mites, and pet hair can trigger seasonal hay fever and eczema. These conditions are easily treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays, or ointments. Some severe allergies include peanuts and tree nuts. These allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, or severe respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms, and in some cases, even fainting.
Paediatric allergy care
To counter severe allergic reactions, doctors help patients by prescribing injectors, EpiPen being the most common, to be on hand at all times, be it at school, home or with caretakers. A written allergy action plan, created with the assistance of a physician, establishes emergency responses, such as recognising symptoms, taking medication, and seeking help. Parents and caregivers are responsible for a child’s allergy management to enable an active, full-bodied life.
Teaching children within their age category is effective in teaching them what not to eat or not to pet. Parents, teachers, and family members are to be trained on how to identify reactions and administer emergency medication such as EpiPens.
An available emergency kit with epinephrine and an allergy action plan provided to concerned people can help. Schools should be informed of the allergy of the child with clear instructions as well as access to emergency medication for active observation and intervention.
Prioritise preventive care
In addition to allergens, there are other conditions that may worsen or trigger flare-ups. Weather, especially the high-pollen season can worsen respiratory allergies. Exercise may cause anaphylaxis in a few situations, especially if a food responsible for an allergy has been eaten previously.
Infections such as viral diseases may trigger asthma or eczema. Stress also generally increases immune hypersensitivity, which in turn increases allergic reactions.
With enough precautions, however, parents can safely and cautiously care for children with allergies, enabling them to have active, productive childhoods.
(Dr. Esha Gupta is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric intensivist, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bangalore. dreshagupta33@gmail.com)
Published – August 17, 2025 03:00 pm IST
