Common Allergens in Children: Identifying Triggers

Concerned your child is suffering from allergies? Our team at Tri-Valley Pediatrics in San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA offers customized allergy treatment for their needs.

Common Allergy Triggers in Children

Allergies in children can range anywhere from irritating to dangerous. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and potential triggers so that you can get your child the care they need as soon as possible. Our team at Tri-Valley Pediatrics in San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA shares this information below.

Signs of Allergies in Children 

Some common signs of allergies include: 

• Sneezing
• Stuffy, itchy, or runny nose 
• Hives 
• Itchy, red, or dry skin 
• Wheezing 
• Coughing 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Fainting

Indoor Triggers 

Pet dander is one of the top indoor allergy triggers, which is frustrating since children love their pets. The good news is that bathing your pet regularly, keeping them out of children’s bedrooms, and using HEPA air filters can help you keep your pets.

Other common indoor allergens include dust mites, mold, mice, and cockroaches. Cleaning your house regularly and talking to a pest control company about child-friendly options can help. 

Outdoor Triggers 

Children should be free to enjoy the outdoors, but some are allergic to various things out there. Some include pollen from trees, grass, weeds, or plants, as well as insect bites and stings. 

Keep an eye on pollen count to know when it’s best to have kids stay inside when it’s high and to keep your windows closed at these times. Also, keep any sports and outdoor equipment in a closet or your garage. Air purifiers can also help.

Food Triggers 

There are many different foods that can trigger an allergic reaction, some of which include: 

• Eggs 
• Peanuts
• Dairy products, especially milk 
• Soy
• Tree nuts 
• Fish 
• Wheat

Avoiding these foods is the most effective step. If your child has trouble breathing after eating, seek emergency care right away. 

Skin Triggers 

Children are often allergic to dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals in cleaning products, laundry detergents, fabric softener, and clothing. Rubber latex can also cause an allergic reaction. These can cause rashes and other skin irritation. Choosing dye-free, hypoallergenic, latex-free, and fragrance-free products can eliminate these triggers. 

Other Irritants 

Both cigarette smoke and smoke from wood-burning stoves trigger some children’s allergies, as does car exhaust. Certain medications might also cause a reaction.  

If you suspect your child has allergies, our team at Tri-Valley Pediatrics in San Ramon & Pleasanton, CA can help through various types of testing and a personalized treatment plan. Call our Pleasanton, CA location at (925) 460-8444 or our San Ramon, CA location at (925) 380-6230 to schedule an appointment.