Could it be an allergy?
From pets and dust mites to certain foods, common childhood allergies can result in some tell-tale symptoms, experts tell
ALLERGY symptoms can range in severity and aren’t always immediately obvious, particularly with babies and toddlers who can’t communicate discomfort like adults – but there are some warning signs to watch for.
IMY BRIGHTY-POTTS
Red, weepy eyes
Babies may be quite teary, but if they are developing weepy, red eyes that appear itchy and uncomfortable, this could indicate an allergy.
“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.
“On exposure, such as when petting a cat, the infant may develop red, itchy swollen eyes and eyelids.”
Itching
“Young babies are more commonly allergic to food, rather than to air allergens such as pollen or dust mites,” says Prof 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.”
You may think your child is a picky eater, but Prof Du Toit notes: “With an itch induced by food, the child will typically not like eating the food as their mouth will itch.”
Runny noses and coughs
“Certain allergies can result in nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose or congestion, and lower respiratory tract symptoms, including cough, wheezing or shortness of breath,” explains paediatrician Dr Sanjay Mehta.
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a cold or infection and an allergic reaction. Dr Mehta adds: “Allergic reactions usually happen within a few minutes of exposure to a trigger, although the trigger is not always obvious.
“Often, fevers can be a giveaway too, but 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.”
Wheezing
Wheezing in a baby can be frightening, but this can sometimes be a sign of an allergy. Always seek immediate medical advice if you spot wheezing or shortness of breath, as they may require urgent attention. “Wheezing is a high pitch whistle sound on expiration, not on inspiration. Wheezing in children can be acute, intermittent, or chronic,” says Prof 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.”
Eczema
According to the National Eczema Society, one in five children are affected by eczema – which causes areas of inflamed skin that can be dry, cracked and sore. While it’s not always clear why it develops, it can be an early indicator that a child might be predisposed to allergies.
“Eczema is caused by abnormalities in the outer skin layer and is connected to allergic conditions, such as hay-fever and asthma. It can be precipitated by irritants, humidity, changes in temperature, stress and infection,” says Dr Mehta.