Thursday, January 12, 2012

Common Allergies In Children


Allergies developed by adults can be particularly hard to diagnose, but even more complex to children as some common symptoms may be also similar indications of other ailments. What makes it even harder is that children are often less capable of describing the symptoms, which leave the parents guessing. When such cases occur, it is always wise to immediately seek help of a trusted physician as they are the right authority to treat and provide medications. But to make it easier for you to see if your child is suffering from a certain allergy, here are five common symptoms related to allergies:

Sinus Infections
When your body overreacts to a certain allergen, it produces more body fluids, which in turn cause the sinus passages to be blocked. There are germs and bacteria that will be able to pass through these passages and as they leave, they also invade the tissues lining your sinus cavity. This causes infection, to which people who have allergies are more susceptible because their body's immune system weakens from attempting to ward off foreign elements; and thus, causing the body to be less effective in fighting itself from germs. Sinus infections are usually serious conditions as they lead to nasal congestion, headaches, and fever.

Itching Nose
This is one of the most common allergy symptoms in children, and even in adults. The nose easily detects by becoming itchy if there are irritants or allergens in the environment. An itchy, stuffy nose can also clearly define that there are allergens and are more serious when the condition leads to cold. When your child is rubbing their nose which seems to resemble a salute action, this is already an indication of the allergy. In fact, this action has already been nicknamed as the "allergy salute." Allergic reactions can be prevented by avoiding your child from being in an environment where there are any allergens. But in any case that they get it, the itchy nose can allow you to intervene whatever allergy your child is developing.  

Chronic Cough
If the child is dry coughing and it does not seem to go away, this is chronic cough. Sometimes, there is phlegm, in which case can be an indication that there is an increased fluid present in their sinus cavity; thus, is an allergy symptom you should not ignore. Remember that chronic cough is not a condition but rather an allergy symptom; therefore, it is best to eliminate the source of cough for good rather than by just treating it. However, if the cough persists even after eliminating the source, the best course of action is to seek medical help as it can be a symptom of other conditions as well.

Allergic Eczema
If the skin comes in contact with irritants, it develops a skin condition called contact dermatitis. This is less serious. However, if it is persistent and certain physical conditions occur, this can be already associated to allergies. If there are rashes, dryness, redness, and itchiness in the folds of elbows, eyes, knees, and on the face, this is a condition requiring immediate attention, specifically medical treatments.

Dark-Eye Circles
This is usually called, Denni-Morgan lines. These are taken after two physicians' names who have first established connection between the allergies and the relationship to dark eye circles. And this is also called the allergic shiners, because the discoloration or black, raccoon appearance under the eyes are the results of amplified blood flow occurring in the sinus area and not due to lack of sleep. The circles can also come with extra skin fold.

(Image Source: relieflebanon.com)

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