Pediatric Allergy Reactions Treatment Clinic Q&A

Allergic reactions in children can be triggered by foods, medicines, pets, insect stings, pollen, and other things. Most allergic reactions are not serious. However, severe reactions can become life-threatening and do need immediate medical attention.

Signs your child may be having an allergic reaction will include:

Mild Allergic Reactions:
– Itching
– Skin redness
– Slight swelling
– Stuffy, runny nose
– Sneezing
– Itchy, watery eyes
– Red bumps found on the body

Severe Allergic Reactions:
– Swelling of the mouth or tongue
– Trouble swallowing or speaking
– Wheezing or trouble breathing
– Belly pain
– Nausea
– Vomiting or diarrhea
– Dizziness or fainting

Allergies occur when your child reacts to something in their environment. The substance that causes the reaction is called an allergen, it can be something like food, dust mites, or pollen.

Allergens cause your child’s immune system to release histamine and other substances into the child’s body which leads to the allergy symptoms being flared up.

There are two types of allergic reactions; an immediate allergic reaction happens within minutes or 1-2 hours of the child coming into contact with a substance that causes a flare-up from an allergic reaction.

The second reaction is a delayed allergic reaction which usually happens many hours after exposure. This allergic reaction can even happen several days after the child comes into contact with the substance that flares up an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate, or severe. To test for allergies, the child will have to get a proper assessment. It is best to talk to your pediatrician who can help refer you to an allergist or immunology specialist and get the proper tests completed.

Food allergies are known to be some of the most common triggers for allergic reactions. A food allergy is an abnormal response in the body to a certain food. It is important to remember that this is different than food intolerance, which does not affect the body’s immune system, although some of the same symptoms may be present.

Before a food allergy occurs, the child must have been exposed to the food item at least once prior, or be sensitized through breast milk. The allergic reaction usually happens the second time the child eats the food item, which is when the allergic symptoms become present.

The most common triggers for severe allergic reactions in children include the following food items:

– Peanuts
– Eggs
– Milk
– Wheat
– Soy
– Tree Nuts
– Fish
– Shellfish

Peanuts, eggs, and milk are the top causes of food allergies on the list for children, while peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish cause the most severe cases of allergic reactions we commonly see in children. While most children will outgrow their allergies, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish can be lifelong.

If you are worried your child may have an allergy, or your child has had an allergic reaction, visit one of our Columbia Clinic Urgent Care locations today. Our pediatricians are available when you need us most, do not hesitate to walk-in or call us if you have a concern or are noticing symptoms of an allergic reaction with your child(ren), some allergic reactions can be mild, but they can turn severe. We are open for any of your allergy concerns or allergic reactions. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.