Spring is now here, and some of us will be enjoying the warmer temperatures and blossoming of nature as temperatures begin to pick up.
But for others, spring can become a nightmare, with many suffering from hay fever and other allergies this season.
But when you know you're allergic to something, you can take steps to combat the symptoms and avoid an intense reaction
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Babies and toddlers can also suffer from allergies, so it is up to parents to pinpoint the key symptoms in their children and stop an allergic reaction in its tracks.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it is important to keep a look out, as they are not always immediately obvious.
Here are five common signs your child might have an allergy:
1. Red, weepy eyes
If your baby has red, weepy eyes that appear itchy and uncomfortable, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
“Allergies to pollen and dust mites can give rise to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis,” says George Du Toit, a professor of paediatric allergy at King’s College London and consultant at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
“Upon exposure, such as when petting a cat, the infant may develop red, itchy swollen eyes and swollen eyelids.”
2. Itching
Itching is a common allergy symptom, and the severity can differentiate depending on the trigger.
Children with an allergic reaction tend to scratch more after being exposed to the source.
“An allergic itch will typically come after exposure to an allergen. Young babies are more commonly allergic to food, rather than to air allergens such as pollen or dust mites,” says Du Toit.
“Air allergies usually take slightly longer to develop, typically presenting at two to four years of age. Children with air allergies tend to scratch more after allergen exposure, such as over the pollen season or after exposure to house dust mite.”
If your baby refuses to eat a certain type of food, observe them as they may be allergic to it - causing their mouth to itch.
As Du Toit notes: “With an itch induced by food, the child will typically not like eating the food as their mouth will itch.”
3. Runny noses and coughs
If your child has a persistent cough or runny nose that doesn't seem to go away, it could be an allergy.
“Certain allergies can result in upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose or congestion, and lower respiratory tract symptoms, including cough, wheezing or shortness of breath,” explains paediatrician Dr Sanjay Mehta.
However, it is not easy to tell he difference between a common cold and an allergic reaction.
Dr Mehta adds: “Allergic reactions usually happen within a few minutes of exposure to a trigger, although appreciably the trigger is not always obvious.
“Often, fevers during an infection can be a giveaway too, but it is worth noting that the absence of a fever does not exclude a cold. Clear and thin nasal discharge can occur with both, whilst thick nasal secretions usually only occur with infections.”
4. Wheezing
Wheezing or shortness of breath can be frightening, and it is important to seek urgent medical attention if you spot symptoms these symptoms in your child.
However, wheezing can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
“Wheezing is a high pitch whistle sound released on expiration and not on inspiration. Wheezing in children can be acute, intermittent, or chronic,” says Du Toit.
“Acute wheezing can develop after exposure to a food allergen, or from an air allergen such as exposure to a cat. As well as wheezing, the child may experience sneezing and other respiratory symptoms.”
5. Eczema
One in five children are affected by eczema, according to the National Eczema Society.
Eczema is described as the inflammation of skin making it dry, cracked and sore.
It is not clear as to why children get eczema but it can be an indicator that they are exposed to allergens.
“Eczema is caused by abnormalities in the outer skin layer and is connected to allergic conditions, such as hay-fever and asthma. It can often be incorrectly attributed to foods, but can actually also be precipitated by irritants, humidity, changes in temperature, stress and infection,” says Dr Mehta.
What should you do if you spot these symptoms?
If you think your baby may have an allergy, speak to your doctor. Your child can also undergo a skin prick test to determine what they are allergic to.
In a skin prick test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin, and then pricked with a needle so it penetrates. Your child can also undergo a patch test and blood test to find out what they are allergic to.
It’s important to identify any allergies and know how to manage them - and this means you should avoid exposing your children to allergens. This can be difficult in some cases, and things like dust and pet hair and some food allergies can be tricky to navigate.
Your doctor will be able to advise on steps you can take, as well treatments and solutions to help deal with any symptoms that might flare-up.
