Childhood allergies are common, but researchers have discovered an increase in the level of life-threatening allergic reactions among children. Food allergies, in particular, are on the rise, and many children are becoming highly allergic to common ingredients that put them at risk every day.
At Premier Allergy, we have a skilled team of pediatric allergists who can help you protect your child and manage their allergies. Whether they have mild seasonal flare-ups or severe food allergies, we can help you reduce the risk of life-threatening reactions as well as come up with a response plan in the event of an emergency.
Read on to learn more about the increasing number of childhood allergies and how to spot the warning signs your child could be at risk.
Causes of Severe Allergies in Children
Over 170 foods have been identified as allergens. The Food Allergy Research & Education organization reports that around 40 percent of all children who are allergic to food are allergic to more than one, and between 1997 and 2008, food allergies have tripled.
From 2010 to 2016, 47 percent of hospital visits among children were related to food allergies. Blue Cross Blue Shield followed 9.6 million children across the United States for six years, and they discovered that children who were diagnosed as “at-risk” for anaphylaxis increased 104 percent over the course of the study.
With nearly 18 percent of all children under 18 having at least one allergy, it’s crucial for parents to understand why their children may be at risk.
At Premier Allergy and Asthma, we treated a variety of patients with different levels of allergies and respiratory conditions. Many allergies are genetic, but not always hereditary. This means someone may genetically be more likely to be allergic to things even if their parents or extended family have no history of allergies.
Anaphylaxis in Children
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that restricts the airway and can cause heart failure. Most cases are tied to food allergies (especially peanuts and shellfish) and insect venom (through stings), but it can be triggered by other allergens as well.
In the Blue Cross Blue Shield study, the majority of children who were treated in the emergency room for anaphylaxis did not have a prior history of allergies. People can have a life-threatening reaction to something they have eaten plenty of times in the past, so parents and children must be educated and know how to respond regardless of medical history.
Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing, gasping for air
- Feeling a lump or tightness in the throat
- Flushing, hives or feeling hot
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Swollen tongue or lips
- Runny nose and sneezing
If you suspect a life-threatening allergic reaction, call 911 immediately. You can also administer a shot of epinephrine if you have it. Premier Allergy allergists can prescribe Epipens to at-risk patients to keep with them at all times.
Treating Childhood Allergies
Pediatric allergies require special care that takes into account the anatomy of a child’s respiratory system, different triggers, and possible reactions. Working with an allergist from an early age can ensure that your child’s allergies are being properly monitored and treated as well as prevented at all costs.
While it may not be feasible to eliminate certain allergies completely, Premier Allergy and Asthma specialists can help you protect your child from life-threatening allergic reactions by developing a specialized treatment and prevention plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Ohio pediatric allergists