Allergies
Allergies can range anywhere from a mild annoyance to a serious hindrance in a child’s life. Regardless of their severity, allergies should be treated sooner rather than later. At Rexburg Pediatrics, our professional and dedicated team is determined to provide your child with the appropriate care and treatment they need to manage their allergies.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when a child’s immune system reacts in an abnormal way to substances that are usually considered harmless. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the cause of allergic reactions in kids. These include environmental irritants as well as exposure to certain foods, substances, insect strings, and more.
Allergy Symptoms in Children
Recognizing allergies in your kids can sometimes be difficult, which is why you should always be on the lookout for symptoms of an allergic reaction. Being able to identify allergy symptoms is the first step to improving your child’s well-being. These symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anaphylaxis, in more serious cases
- Coughing
- Difficulties breathing
- Fatigue
- Hives
- Itchy eyes
- Nausea
- Puffy cheeks and eyes
- Running nose
- Sneezing
- Swelling
- Wheezing
Chronic Allergy Treatment Options
When it comes to treating allergies, there are a number of different techniques you can use to help your child. The actions you choose to take will largely depend on the factors causing the allergies.
Remaining consistent with the following tasks is vital to mitigating the negative effects of allergies on your child:
- Avoid contact with animals or pets that might cause allergies to flare up
- Avoid going outside when pollen counts are high
- Change your flooring to remove carpet
- Change and wash clothes frequently
- Keep the windows closed
- Make bedrooms as allergen-free as possible
- Shower and bathe frequently
- Take medications, such as antihistamines
Medications
Medications can be a critical part of treating and managing your child’s allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications can help your child manage their allergies and quickly recover from allergic reactions. Before administering medication to your child, make sure you consult their pediatrician. Follow the directions for the medication, and be sure to reach out to the doctor if you have any questions.
Keep a Record of Allergies
Keeping a record of allergens your child suffers from can help prevent accidental allergic reactions. Take note of the allergens, what triggers your child’s allergic reactions, and how bad they are. This type of information can help your pediatric team devise a specific treatment plan for your child. It can also be useful information to pass along to teachers, coaches, family members, and the parents of your child’s friends.
Take Your Child to a Pediatrician for Regular Check-Ups
It’s important to take your child to the pediatrician for regular check-ups, especially if they have known allergies. Identifying allergies early makes it much easier to treat and manage them effectively, which will improve the quality of your child’s life.
Contact Rexburg Pediatrics
If you are looking for a way to identify and treat your child’s allergies more effectively, contact Rexburg Pediatrics today. Our team will help you generate a treatment plan that will have your child feeling better in no time.