Wheat allergy in children causes mild to severe allergy symptoms that can occur quickly, may not present for hours after ingestion of wheat or wheat products, or can occur at any time in between.

In rare instances, wheat allergy in children can cause life-threatening allergic reactions and/or anaphylactic shock, requiring emergency relief measures. In most cases, however, wheat allergy in children is not nearly so dangerous, and presents with one or more of the following lesser, yet still concerning, symptoms of wheat allergy.

* Swelling or irritation of the mouth or throat
* Hives or skin rash
* Itching of the mouth/throat
* Sinus/nasal congestion
* Runny nose
* Inflammation of the airways
* Abdominal pain and cramping
* Nausea or stomach upset
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting

Exercising can exacerbate wheat allergies and bring on an allergic reaction after wheat has been seemingly easily ingested; some children can have an allergic reaction simply by inhaling wheat flour.

True wheat allergies are allergic reactions to wheat proteins; wheat allergy in children is often confused with other conditions, including Gluten allergy/intolerance or Celiac Disease. For children with gluten allergy, wheat products are entirely off the list (because gluten is a protein in wheat and in other grain products), but children with wheat allergies may be able to eat foods with gluten other than wheat.

Four proteins can be responsible for wheat allergy in kids; they are:

* Albumin
* Globulin
* Gliadin
* Gluten

There are some factors that may exist in a child's history which can increase his or her chances of developing wheat allergy. Kids who have a family history of wheat allergy are at increased risk, as are kids with a family history of other food allergies and seasonal allergies or asthma. If hives and eczema seem to run in the family, the child's risk of developing wheat allergy also increases (eczema is sometimes caused by allergic food reactions).

Wheat allergy does develop in adults, but wheat allergy in kids is more common as mature immune systems are usually able to handle wheat proteins.

When To Take A Child To The Doctor

A child with a suspected wheat allergy should see his or her doctor when a fast reaction to wheat products is noticed, or when a pattern of wheat ingestion seems to precede allergy or gastrointestinal symptoms. If the child can get to the doctor while the reaction is ongoing, that speeds the diagnosis of wheat allergy in kids. Of course, if rare severe wheat allergy symptoms exist, medical help should be sought right away.

Even if you think a child's wheat allergy is nothing more than mildly discomforting, it is best to seek the advice of the child's doctor as wheat allergy in kids can progress and become more serious, and the doctor can either refer you to an allergist or treat your child and help you devise a plan for management of your child's wheat allergy.

Treating And Managing Wheat Allergy In Kids

There is little to be done in the way of treating wheat allergy in kids (although emergency measures and medications are available to treat rare severe wheat reactions). Antihistamines and decongestants do provide some relief of symptoms of wheat allergy in kids, but overall the only effective treatment is dietary management and avoidance of wheat food allergens. This is very difficult because wheat and wheat proteins are found in many food products, and cross-contamination (especially in processed foods) increases allergen exposure, but with the help of a good dietician, a plan for the management of wheat allergy in kids can be devised.

It is essential that parents of kids with wheat allergies learn all of the foods wheat and wheat products are found in, learn how to read labels, learn the warning signs of a reaction and reactive measures, and educate their children (including siblings) in all of these areas. The importance of avoiding wheat must be stressed in a way that makes the child respect his or her food allergy and need for avoidance without making the child feel abnormal or scared. Wheat allergy in kids is likely to last for a very long time and may last the child's entire life; good dietary control of wheat products is the only way to keep kids healthy when they have a wheat allergy.

Related posts:

1. How to Live with Wheat Allergies
2. Allergies to wheat
3. The Link Between Allergies And Sinus Infections in Children

Child nutrition is not always just a matter of getting the recommended daily allowance of each food group and making healthy eating choices; for some children, child nutrition involves diagnosis and management of food intolerance in children, which adds an altogether different aspect to good nutrition. A diagnosis of food intolerance in children often comes when child food allergies are expected, although many parents fail to see an effective difference between the two. So what is food intolerance in children? How is it different than child food allergies? And does it really matter at all?

What Is Food Allergy In Children?

Medical professionals and allergists often support the more narrow definition of food allergy. Their stance is that a true food allergy is one that elicits a true allergic reaction; a true allergic reaction is the result of a build-up of excessive amounts of the immune system antibody immunoglobulin E, or IgE. In most cases, the build-up of IgE comes after repeated exposure to an allergen.

When IgE builds up to a certain level, the body will begin to react in defense of the body; histamine, leukotriene, and other blood chemicals are released which result in the typical allergy symptoms well-known to most people. In the case of a true food allergy in children, IgE should be present and identifiable in the bloodstream.

What Is Food Intolerance in Children?

In effect, food intolerance in children presents in much the same manner as food allergy in children. Any of the following allergy-like symptoms may be present:

* Common nasal allergy symptoms and/or congestion
* Hives, rash, skin reactions
* Eczema
* Stomach upset or vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
* Abdominal cramping or pain
* General malaise and fatigue

In the most basic terms, a doctor will choose a diagnosis of food hypersensitivity or food intolerance in children instead of a diagnosis of food allergy in children when there is not presence of immune antibodies. Allergy testing, such as RAST blood tests or scratch/skin tests will be negative, but allergy symptoms will persist. Essentially, the end result is the same-certain foods are causing negative bodily reactions-but the condition is termed differently.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance in Children-Does It Matter?

There are some instances where a diagnosis of food allergy in children rather than a diagnosis of food intolerance in children may make a difference.

* When severe food allergies exist that require special medical attention and emergency procedures (i.e., when anaphylaxis is a threat, or when a child requires an injectable epinephrine prescription in case of exposure); the diagnosis of a food allergy may be more recognizable and taken more seriously by some people. A medical food allergy diagnosis also tells emergency medical personnel precisely what to look for.

* When desensitization via allergy shots/immunotherapy is an option; in order for immunotherapy (allergy shots) to be effective, the right allergen extract must be introduced to desensitize against immune antibodies. Allergy shots are not effective when immune antibodies are not causing symptoms.

* In the selection of effective medications; allergy medications are formulated to act on different body structures and blood chemicals. A decongestant may still prove effective for a child with a food intolerance, but an antihistamine may not, as histamines may not be present causing the symptoms because there is no underlying antibody reaction.

By and large, though, a diagnosis of food allergy in children as opposed to food intolerance in children will not significantly impact the outcome. The reason for this is that the best management of food allergies in children and food intolerance in children is elimination and avoidance. So while it is very important to identify the foods that are causing a food allergy or food intolerance in children, the motivation remains the same-to know what is causing symptoms so that the offensive foods can be eliminated as much as possible.

An affected child's doctor or allergist can help devise a plan for identification of triggers of food intolerance in children; normally identifying food intolerances consists of a process of research and trial and error elimination. Since limiting foods can create health problems for children and since knowing where to start can be very difficult, food elimination processes should always be performed under the control of a physician. With that information in hand, learning to manage food intolerance in children is a matter of managing the child's diet.

Related posts:

1. Methods Of Food Allergy Testing For Children
2. Food Intolerance and Sensitivity
3. Food Allergy and Food Intolerance: Identification and Treatment

If you have kids and dog allergies in your home, and giving up the dog is not an option your family can bear, you'll need to make an effort to manage both kids and dog allergies. Keeping both kids and kids with dog allergies in the home can be a challenge, but it is possible to effectively control dog allergies in children enough to have both allergic kids and dogs. That's good news for families, since having a dog is often considered a hallmark of childhood and since it is so very hard for kids to give up dogs once they've grown attached to them.

The Cause Of Dog Allergies

Dog allergies are caused by proteins produced by the dog. These proteins can be excreted with dog dander (skin flakes), in urine, and are present in dog blood, but the most offending dog allergen is the protein Can f 1, which is found primarily in dog saliva. While the common perception is that dog fur causes dog allergies, this is not really the truth and dog fur is not generally allergenic; it is the substances that are sometimes carried in the hair that are the problem, but even that is not always a problem for kids with dog allergies.

Managing Kids And Dog Allergies

Allergy medications can give relief for kids with dog allergies, but if you plan to keep your dog, you'll need to do your best to control dog allergy symptoms in your allergic child without the constant use of medication. Also, allergy medications may not prove effective in homes with multiple dogs.

Allergy shots are options for some kids with dog allergies; discuss this option with your child's doctor.

Since dog saliva is the most allergenic dog allergen, limiting contact between your child and the dog's saliva is the first step. Train the dog not to kiss or lick people (all people, since the dog won't likely single out your allergic child) and teach your child to do their best to keep dog saliva off of them. You can minimize exposure to airborne dog allergens by taking the following steps as a course of management for kids and dog allergies.

* Spay or neuter your dog-hormones impact allergen production in dogs

* Limit the dog's area of the house and keep dogs out of children's bedrooms if they are allergic

* Use encasing dust covers on mattresses and upholstered furniture

* Wash child bedding frequently in hot water

* Let your dog spend as much time as possible outdoors

* Bathe the dog every week

* Brush dog 1-3 times per week

* Use an allergen-reducing pet grooming product, such as an emollient that helps clean away pet allergens trapped in the dog and its fur

* Wipe the dog down on non-bath days with a wet cloth

* Vacuum the house daily using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner

* Use household air cleaners/filters

* Steam clean furniture and carpets

* Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and replace with hard flooring

* Keep dogs off furniture and never allow them to sleep on your child's bed

* Replace filters in heating, cooling, and air conditioning units regularly

* Have child wash hands and face after playing with the dog, and change clothing when practical

Allergy-Free Dog Breeds?

There is some debate among veterinarians as to whether any dog breeds are truly more hypoallergenic; it does appear, however, that some dogs are easier on kids with dog allergies. The reason some breeds are better than others is that

* They shed less fur
* They require frequent bathing and grooming
* They salivate less

If you are trying to manage kids and dog allergies, you might try one of these breeds of dogs: poodles or poodle mixes and relatives such as the Portuguese water dog, Irish water spaniels, schnauzers, Soft-coat Wheaten Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers and Kerrie blue Terriers, Maltese (does not shed), Shih Tzu's, or Lhasa Apsos.

Life with kids and dog allergies can be manageable, but the emphasis must always be kept on your child's well-being; if symptoms worsen, control cannot be achieved, or symptoms affect the child's ability to breathe well, you may need to reevaluate measures with the help of your child's doctor.

Related posts:

1. Dog Allergy
2. Allergy Management For Kids With Seasonal Allergies
3. Recognizing Food Allergy Symptoms In Kids

Your child is sneezing, miserable, and congested; it seems you'll never be over this cold. But what if it's not a cold at all? What if there is another reason your child can't shake her nasal symptoms? What if she has a sinus infection?

Sinus infection in kids is possible, even though the sinuses are not fully developed and will not be until near the age of twenty. Sinus infection in kids often goes unnoticed-or at least undiagnosed-because the symptoms can be attributed to so many other common childhood conditions. So how do you know if your child is suffering from a sinus infection? When is it time to see the doctor for evaluation and treatment help?

First, off, it helps to know that sinus infection, or sinusitis as it is medically termed, follows some other condition in almost all cases. Typically, a cold or nasal allergies cause congestion and blockage of the sinuses which keeps the child's sinus cavities from draining properly. In such a warm, moist environment with such a good host medium (built-up mucus), bacteria, viruses, and fungi easily thrive. So the first thing to consider when you suspect sinus infection in kids is whether there has been an infection of some sort or allergic reaction precipitating the lasting symptoms.

Next, it helps to know what symptoms might exist with sinus infection in kids. Common symptoms of sinus infection in kids are

* Cold-like symptoms that last more than 2 weeks

* Tenderness in the face

* Greenish discharge-note that colored discharge itself is not enough to diagnose a sinus infection in kids-colds often carry greenish or yellow nasal discharge as well

* Cough (worse at night) with nasal discharge

* Fever (though not always)

* Headache-in teenagers, not in young children with underdeveloped sinuses in the forehead

When It's Probably Not A Sinus Infection

It helps to be able to separate the symptoms of sinus infection in kids from the symptoms that probably indicate allergies or a cold instead. In the following instances, the cause of symptoms points more toward an upper respiratory infection or cold, not allergies.

* Runny nose (that is draining)
* Clear nasal discharge
* Cough without discharge
* Sore throat
* Itchy eyes
* Itchy mouth
* Decreased activity
* Nasal congestion that begins to clear after 10-14 days

Call The Doctor

If symptoms point more towards sinus infection in kids, a call to the doctor is well-placed. When symptoms have only been persisting for a week or a week and a half, and some improvement is noted, the call can probably wait a few days. In most cases, doctors want to avoid over-diagnosis and treatment of sinus infection in kids to ward against misuse of antibiotics and drug resistance.

Parents should also realize that even if symptoms are due to sinusitis, viruses and fungi can also be a cause; antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria and do nothing against a viral sinus infection, so sometimes it is in the best interest of medicine to hold off a few days on antibiotic treatment and see if the condition clears. Unless the condition is chronic or severe, this is generally okay and the doctor can give you tips for relieving symptoms of sinus infection in kids as the body does its job. As long as the doctor can explain to you why waiting or withholding treatment for sinus infection in kids is a good idea, you are best served to follow his advice; of course, if you are uncomfortable, you can always seek a second opinion and you can always make a return trip if symptoms worsen or fail to improve.

As always, the best advice regarding when to call the doctor is whenever you feel it is necessary; parents know their children best, and it is always better to be cautious than neglectful of a medical illness. Your child's doctor or office staff can help you make the decision as to when the child needs to be seen.

To Recap

1. Determine whether a cold or allergy has recently been experienced

2. Try to determine what symptoms fit the description of sinus infection in kids

3. Try to determine what symptoms are more likely attributable to another condition

4. If in doubt, take the child to the doctor

5. Respect the doctor's decision not treat an apparently non-bacterial sinus infection with antibiotics

6. See the doctor again if symptoms do not improve

Related posts:

1. Common Child Allergy Sinus Problems
2. The Link Between Allergies And Sinus Infections in Children
3. What you should know about allergy sinus relief

What's the link between allergies and sinus infections in children? In a word-congestion.

Sinus infections don't just form on their own; normal sinuses do not present the right conditions for a sinus infection, or sinusitis, to develop. A progression of factors has to occur first.

Road To Sinus Infection In Children-Blockage

Normally functioning sinuses can clear mucus and congestion on their own, and so sinus infections do not have the opportunity to develop. Often children with allergies can continue to clear nasal congestion and will not experience a sinus infection.

When the sinuses become blocked, however, mucus builds up and creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses-a moist, warm, enclosed space with a medium for growth.

There are a few ways that allergies can cause sinus blockages that result in sinus infections.

* Continuous production of mucus in large amounts is too much for the child's drainage system to handle, so mucus causes congestion that backs up into or remains in the sinus cavities.

* Dry, crusted mucus blocks the exits of the sinus drains

* Swelling and inflammation narrow sinus drainage points

Road To Sinus Infection In Children-Inflammation

Inflammation is considered a symptom of sinus infection in children. It can either cause the infection if a cold or allergy irritates nasal and sinus linings, or it can result from a sinus infection after pathogens have set in. In either case, inflammation exacerbates drainage problems and creates a better environment for bacterial, viral, and fungal growth.

Road To Sinus Infection In Children-Aggravators

Certain factors aggravate nasal allergy symptoms and sinuses, and can make sinuses more receptive to infection. The presence of any of the following puts a child at a chance of developing infected sinuses.

* Asthma
* Deviations of the septum
* Cigarette smoke
* Immune problems
* Ear infections
* Gastro esophageal Reflux
* Swimming
* Cystic fibrosis
* Dry air

Linking Allergies And Sinus Infections In Children

Sinus infections require some sort of primary condition in order to develop. It may be a common cold or flu, but in many children the primary condition is an allergy that causes nasal congestion and nasal allergy symptoms. If the primary condition can be prevented or controlled, a sinus infection can often be prevented.

Allergy prevention consists primarily of allergen avoidance, but there are some measures that can be taken during an allergy attack to prevent a sinus infection in children with allergies.

* Humidifying the air can keep mucus fluid and moving

* Decongestants help clear congestion

* Antihistamines can reduce swelling and inflammation and prevent drainage

* Nasal sprays and saline flushes can help move out mucus congestion

If allergies and sinus infections in children are related, it is worth knowing so that these preventative measures can be taken; preventing a bacterial sinus infection means a child will not have to rely as heavily on antibiotics, which also helps reduce instances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (and that's good for everybody).

Preventing sinus infections also reduces the likelihood of an acute sinus infection becoming a chronic condition that might require heavy medication or may cause serious nasal or sinus and bone damage which requires surgery.

All the links between allergies and sinus infections in children do not focus on the infection; sinus infections can also serve as a symptom for child allergies. A child that repeatedly suffers from sinus infections may have undiagnosed allergies. When a child experiences many sinus infections the possibility of allergies as the cause should be explored with the help of the child's primary care doctor.

Neither allergies nor sinus infections are conditions that are clear-cut all of the time; in both cases, the condition itself must be managed along with secondary and exacerbating conditions. Often, the best health management of allergies and sinus infections in children is a matter of finding the link between the two, so that both conditions can be controlled through allergy control measures.

Related posts:

1. The connection Between Allergies and Sinus Infections
2. Common Child Allergy Sinus Problems
3. How To Tell Sinus Infection In Kids

Childhood asthma is a condition that is both directly related to and entirely separate from child allergies; understanding the relationship between childhood asthma and child allergies is an important step in the treatment and management of both conditions.

Is Asthma An Allergy?

Asthma is a condition which affects the lungs and airways and restricts the ability of the child to breathe properly. Asthma causes inflammation of the airways which may be exacerbated by congestion, limiting the ability of the body to intake adequate air. Narrowed air passages result in the symptoms of an asthma attack, which include:

* Coughing
* Night-time cough
* Wheezing (a whistling sound in the lungs when breathing)
* Excessive movement of the belly when breathing
* Pulling in ("tugging") at the base of the neck while breathing
* Difficulty breathing
* Tightening of the chest

Decreased air-intake results in a lowering of the blood oxygen levels, which can impact energy and in fact become life threatening; inhaled and/or oral steroids and asthma medications are needed to reduce inflammation and restore proper breathing. When oxygen levels are low, inhaled oxygen may be necessary.

Asthma in itself is not an allergy, but allergies can cause asthma attacks to occur. An asthma attack may be triggered by an allergic reaction. Common allergens which affect child asthma and child allergies include:

* Mold
* Dust mites
* Pollen
* Cockroaches
* Cat and/or dog allergens

Some children with allergies may exhibit asthma-like symptoms, but may not be diagnosed as having asthma. In order to be categorized as having asthma, a history of asthma needs to be established. This can take multiple attacks, but this does not mean your child's asthma and child allergies will not be treated-treatment of child asthma and allergies is necessary to restore proper lung function.

Additionally, some symptoms of asthma may be present in children with allergies without the presence of asthma; these include coughing and wheezing.

Treating Allergy-Related Allergy Attacks

Any time breathing is compromised, steps must be taken to restore full-lung and airway function. This is regardless of the diagnosis of asthma.

The treatment of asthma and child allergies will include both treatment to stop the allergic reaction (usually through medication such as a chemical blocker, decongestant, or both) and treatment to restore airway function. Oral or inhaled steroids are often chosen to reduce airway inflammation. More than one type of steroid is usually needed, one a fast-acting rescue medication which is re-administered every few hours to maintain an open airway, and one a long-acting drug that eliminates the inflammation over a period of days. These may be given orally, in an inhaler, or intravenously depending on the severity of the attack.

Following an asthma and child allergy attack, a maintenance regimen will likely be established including instructions to follow in the event of a future attack. The regimen may consist of allergy-preventing medications, asthma prevention medications, or both, or combination medications may be used which are effective at managing both asthma and allergies.

With allergies and child asthma, the focus will be placed more on asthma-management unless allergies are severe, as essential lung-function is always paramount to moderate allergy symptoms.

In addition to medical interventions, parents should learn what their child's allergy triggers are and take steps to reduce or eliminate exposure. Good allergy management can negate the need for chronic asthma medication and/or steroid use.

For obvious reasons, it is important for parents of children with asthma and child allergies to locate a good doctor whom they trust and feel comfortable with. Oxygen is the essential elixir of human life, and without the ability to intake oxygen at optimal levels, a child's health will suffer, and can be threatened in the case of severe asthma and allergy attacks. A good asthma and child allergy management plan is a must for children suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

Related posts:

1. Child Eczema And Allergies: Relationship And Control
2. An Asthma Attack Causes Shortness of Breath and Wheezing
3. Medical And Pharmaceutical Options For Child Allergy Treatment

If you are a parent or caregiver responsible for a child with mild, moderate, or severe allergies, it is important that you know what to do during an allergy attack in children in your home or care. How you react to an allergy attack children in your care might experience is dictated by the type of reaction and its severity.

Mild To Moderate Allergy Attack in Children-Symptoms And Responses

The following symptoms may present during an allergy attack in children with mild to moderate allergies:

* Itching-skin, eyes, nose, face, mouth
* Reddened skin
* Minor swelling
* Stuffy, runny, or watery nose
* Watery eyes
* Hives present anywhere on the body
* Cough
* Troubled breathing

Mild allergy attacks are those that might cause some minor discomfort, but pose no danger to life and do not affect the child's regular activity (in other words, the child is not suffering from more than mild discomfort and is not missing school, day care, or activities). Mild allergy attacks in children are localized on the body and do not spread to other parts of the body. These can range from spot-reactions to skin irritants and poison ivy, etc. to seasonal or pet allergies that occur infrequently. Mild allergy attacks in children warrant treatment usually only to make the child more comfortable, but not for health reasons.

A moderate allergy attack in children will have more of an affect on their normal activity. These may occur for only days or weeks of the year if the allergy is seasonal or environmental, but can significantly affect their health and function. Children suffering from a moderate allergy attack will experience significant discomfort and generally require some relief. Moderate allergy attacks in children can be widespread and affect more than one part of the skin or body. Chronic problems should be reported to a doctor so that a treatment plan can be devised and the impact on the child's life overall can be reduced or eliminated.

Mild to moderate allergy attacks can be treated with oral antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine for the relief of allergy symptoms. Lasting mild to moderate allergy attacks in children may require a treatment plan as devised by a doctor or maintenance medications.

Asthmatic attacks and/or asthma-related symptoms can emerge as the result of a moderate allergic reaction. This occurs when the linings of the lungs and airways become irritated and inflamed; allergies can be a trigger for asthma attacks. In children where this is the case, treatment of moderate allergies takes on more importance because the ability of the body to deliver adequate levels of oxygen is compromised. Allergy treatment is needed more for the control of asthma than for control of the allergy attack for children with allergy-induced asthma (or asthmatic symptoms). It is most likely these children will receive both allergy and asthma treatments and medications. In the case of a combined asthma and allergy attack, children should see their doctor to determine both short and long term treatment.

Severe Allergy Attack In Children-Symptoms And Responses

The most concerning allergy attacks in children are severe reactions. Symptoms of a severe allergy attack in children include:

* Swelling, especially of the face or mouth-caregivers should pay close attention to this because it may lead to or be combined with swelling of the throat and interior airways which can restrict breathing

* Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing-a risk to air intake and a choking hazard

* Abdominal pain

* Nausea and/or vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, confusion, or disorientation

Any time symptoms of a severe allergy attack in children exist, caregivers must act quickly to alleviate the reaction and maintain air flow (breathing!). This includes acting when a child has been exposed to a food or allergen that has produced a severe allergy attack in the child in the past (even if symptoms do not seem severe at first). When breathing is compromised, 911 or local medical emergency response teams should be called immediately. Emergency medical attention (via paramedics or emergency room) is warranted with any severe allergy attack in children. Children who have been prescribed an epi-pen (injectable epinephrine) should use it as per previous doctor's orders and/or upon exposure.

Prevention is the best form of treatment for allergy attacks in children; if you can limit or eliminate exposure to an allergen, do so and avoid the need for any allergy response. And as always, if there is any doubt as to whether medical attention is needed, go with caution and get it anyway!

Related posts:

1. Recognizing Child Allergy Symptoms
2. What are Asthma Attack Symptoms?
3. An Asthma Attack Causes Shortness of Breath and Wheezing

Nearly any type of pet can cause allergies in children; understanding the basics of child pet allergies and knowing how to minimize them is essential for children with pet allergies.

A Basic Understanding Of Child Pet Allergies

People commonly think of child pet allergies pertaining to pets with hair or fur such as cats, dogs, and rabbits; these animals certainly do cause a large number of pet allergies in children, and in large part they are the most recognized allergen-producing animals because they are among the most popular and widely kept household pets. But a variety of other animals, pets, and farm animals can also produce allergens which cause child pet allergies.

Functionally, child pet allergies are no different than any other type of allergy. Pet by-products serve as the allergen, or trigger, for the child's pet allergy. The body mistakes the allergen for an infectious invader and produces an immune response to force the allergen out of the body; the result is a skin rash, hives, sneezing, mucus production and congestion, watering eyes and nose, and/or itching aimed at ridding the body of the attacking allergen.

Child pet allergy triggers can be any number of substances which are produced naturally by the pet. Allergens commonly found in pets include

* Animal dander
* Saliva
* Urine
* Feces

In most cases, children who are allergic to animals with hair or fur-such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and farm animals-are not allergic to the animal's hair; animal fur is not an allergen most of the time. What causes child pet allergies to animals with hair or fur is the animal's dander. Pet dander is skin cells produced in the animal's sebaceous glands. Animals regularly excrete and shed dander, which can stay in a home for up to six months. Animal hair also traps dust, dust mites, and pollen, so sometimes hair may appear to be a trigger when in actuality the trigger is what is being carried on the pet's coat and shed hair.

Feces, saliva, and urine are also highly allergenic. Feces and urine can be a problem with any pet, but small members of the rodent family, including gerbils, hamsters, rats, and mice, are particularly offensive for children with pet allergies. Saliva from any animal can also be a problem; often saliva is the offending allergen in dogs (more often than dog dander).

Life With Child Pet Allergies

It can be very difficult to go through an entire childhood fighting the innate child's desire to own a pet of their own. With good cleaning and pet management, you may not have to; some children can live quite comfortably with a pet even if they do have child pet allergies, and for those who cannot, alternative pet choices may be an acceptable substitute.

Living harmoniously with child pet allergies becomes a matter of symptom management and allergen reduction.

Child pet allergy symptoms in many cases can be adequately managed with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antihistamines and/or decongestants. These will relieve nasal stuffiness, chest congestion, skin rashes, watery eyes, and itchiness. Some antihistamines and decongestants (OTC versions in particular) can cause mental cloudiness and fatigue, so children with chronic pet allergy problems may fare better on a prescription strength medication.

In addition to symptom management of child pet allergies, it is at least equally important to minimize exposure to the allergen. The protocol for allergen management for child pet allergies is regular cleaning of both the animal and the home.

* Have children wash hands and face after handling or playing with their pet

* Animals with fur and hair should be washed weekly to reduce and remove dander build-up

* Daily vacuuming reduces the amount of free-floating dander, dust, and hair and keeps it from becoming trapped in carpets and upholstery

* Weekly or bi-weekly dusting (preferably with a dusting agent such as a spray) keeps pet allergens from becoming airborne

* Whole-house air cleaners can significantly reduce the amount of allergens and dander in household air

* Pet cages should be cleaned every 1-3 days

* Litter boxes should be kept away from heating, cooling, and ventilating systems

* Animals should be kept out of children's bedrooms, and never allowed on their beds

* Restricting pets to a few rooms helps keep dander and allergens out of the majority of the house (although in truth there is not way to completely keep allergens out of any space in a home with a pet)

* Animals should be kept off rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture as much as possible

For many children with child pet allergies, these measures provide enough relief to maintain balanced living with an allergen-producing pet. In severe cases, children may need to surrender their pet in the interest of their health, but sometimes other types of pets can be good replacements. Reptiles and small rodents are sometimes recommended depending on the type of child pet allergy; fish make very good pets and really have no way to pass allergens to children. Life with child pet allergies certainly complicates matters, but with some effort and compromise, there is some pet out there for nearly every child with a pet allergy.

Related posts:

1. Common Child Allergy Triggers
2. Cat and Dog Allergies
3. Should My Child Have Child Allergy Immunotherapy?

It is very helpful for parents of children with child sinus allergies to know what the different over-the-counter medication options are for managing the variety of symptoms associated with child sinus allergies. Over-the-counter child sinus allergy medications are a first-line defense in the treatment of child allergy sinus symptoms.

Why Over-The-Counter Child Sinus Allergy Medicines

In the majority of cases, child sinus allergies do not require prescription medications; even those children who are under the care of a physician for child sinus allergies will often be told to try the various over-the-counter, or OTC, allergy medicines first, and only move on to prescription medications when OTC options fail. Over-the-counter medications are preferable for a number of reasons.

* OTC medicines for child sinus allergies are more readily available

* OTC medicines for child sinus allergies are formulated in lower doses that are considered safer

* OTC medicines for child sinus allergies are less expensive, often less expensive than an insurance co-pay

* Many OTC medicines for child sinus allergies started as prescription medications that were granted OTC status after proving their safety and effectiveness

* OTC medicines for child sinus allergies are highly effective at treating mild to moderate child sinus allergies

* The ability to manage child sinus allergies with OTC medications reduces the need for doctor's visits, which saves parents time, loss of work and income, and decreases medical costs and office overcrowding.

What Are The OTC Child Sinus Allergy Options, And What Are They Useful For?

A range of OTC child sinus allergy products are available to treat each of the main symptoms of child sinus allergies. Among the most commonly relied on are

* Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the chemical histamine which is responsible for most allergic reactions. In so doing, antihistamines relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, itchiness, watery eyes, cough, sneezing, hives, and swelling. Common names of OTC antihistamines are Benadryl, Chlor-trimeton, Claritin, and Dimetapp. In generic versions, look for the active ingredients (respectively given in order to brand name) diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, loratadine, and bropheniramine.

* Decongestants

Decongestants narrow blood vessels in the nose to reduce inflammation and relieve stuffiness and congestion, allowing the sinuses to drain and relieving sinus pressure (which is also essential in preventing secondary infections due to blocked sinuses). The most well-known brand name decongestant is Sudafed, and the active ingredient in decongestants is pseudoephedrine (look for pseudoephedrine in generic versions).

Decongestants are also available as nasal sprays such as the brand name Afrin; these work similarly to oral decongestants and contain the drug oxymetazoline.

* Combination Medicines

OTC medications are also available that have combined decongestant and antihistamine medications; these include Actifed and Claritin-D (by brand name) and combine the drugs pseudoephedrine and tripolidine or loratadine.

* Nasal Sprays

A number of nasal spray/drop medications are available over-the-counter to treat nasal allergy symptoms. The safest among them is a simple saline nasal spray, which is a sterile salt water solution that helps rinse the nose of allergens and clear nasal congestion.

Each of these OTC medicines used to treat child sinus allergies carry the potential for negative side-effects (and rarely, allergy) such as drowsiness, hyperactivity, and stomach upset. When these effects impact the child's daily life and activity negatively, it is worth talking to your child's doctor to find a better alternative. Sometimes a prescription medication may have fewer side-effects than OTC versions of the drug, and you and your child's doctor can explore the possibilities.

For More Help Choosing OTC Child Sinus Allergy Medications

When you are unsure what OTC medicines for child sinus allergies are best for your child's symptoms, you can get more information by calling your pediatrician or talking to a pharmacist; either will be happy to help you explore the options and compare medications against your child's specific nasal allergy symptoms to help you determine which OTC medication will be most effective at treating your child's type of child sinus allergies.

Related posts:

1. Medical And Pharmaceutical Options For Child Allergy Treatment
2. Common Child Allergy Sinus Problems
3. Learning To Recognize Child Medication Allergies

Allergy relief for kids suffering from any type of allergy is a major concern for parents and caregivers. Allergies can have a strong impact on the health, well-being, and activity of a child, and allergy relief for kids is the only way to minimize the impact of allergic immune reactions.

The best form of allergy relief for kids is prevention.

Preventing allergies by limiting early exposure to certain allergens, especially foods, may reduce the likelihood of a child developing those allergies. The theory does not hold true for all types of allergies, but restricting foods at very young ages has been linked to decreased likelihood of food allergies. Recommendations vary for different types of foods; dairy, eggs, fish, and nuts are the major targets, and restrictions are the norm for all children between the ages of zero and three years.

Prevention of child allergies as a means of allergy relief for kids beyond babyhood means restricting exposure to substances known to cause allergies in an individual child. Unfortunately, this is only effective after an experience with allergies as there is no other way to know that a child has an allergy (although children of (an) allergic parent(s) will be more likely to suffer similar allergies, so parents with allergies can be watchful of allergies in their child(ren)).

Exposure in some cases can be restricted simply by keeping a substance away from an affected child, but some types of allergens (like dust and pollen) are unavoidable. Under those circumstances, exposure can be limited by managing the child's time outdoors and with regular maintenance cleaning inside the home to reduce the amount of airborne allergens in the home.

Since prevention is not an entirely effective means of allergy relief for kids, parents who have kids with allergies should know about the methods, medications, and products available that can help relieve allergy symptoms.

* Medications, such as antihistamines, leukotriene blockers, and decongestants, work to either relieve symptoms or block allergic reactions. Antihistamines have been used for a long time as allergy relief for kids; they work by counter acting and preventing the histamines produced by the immune system. When histamines are rendered ineffective, the resulting allergic reactions are reduced or eliminated.

Leukotriene blockers work similarly to antihistamines, only they block the blood chemical leukotriene.

Decongestants narrow blood vessels and promote clearing of mucus and nasal and chest congestion. A decongestant is a very effective form of medicinal allergy relief for kids with seasonal and nasal allergies.

Nasal allergy sprays and steroid sprays also effectively relieve nasal congestion and allergy symptoms.

* Some natural means of allergy relief for kids can help during allergy attacks. Humidifiers and warm baths help break up and clear congestion and make breathing more comfortable. Warm compresses can also help relieve sinus pain and pressure. Cool compresses can help soothe skin rashes, hives, and swelling. Increased hydration (drinking water) also helps to relieve and clear congestion.

* Some routine changes in a home's schedule and habits can provide allergy relief for kids. Keeping windows closed to keep pollen and dust out relieves seasonal allergies. Opening windows can relieve pet allergies by helping to disburse airborne pet allergens. Watching pollen counts and limiting outside play on days when pollen levels are high also reduces seasonal allergy symptoms.

* A number of household products act as allergy relief for kids by clearing the air of allergens and keeping in-home air clean. Pet dander, dust, dust mites, and pollen can all be reduced significantly with air cleaners for the home, filtration systems on blowing appliances (like vacuum cleaners), and dust covers on beds and upholstery.

For parents, allergy relief for children is paramount. All kids should be able to live and play without restriction, including those affected by allergies. Learning how to manage allergy symptoms in children is one step toward providing healthier, more allergy-free living for children with allergies.

Related posts:

1. Relief For Kids With Skin Allergies
2. Products For Kids With Dust Mite Allergies
3. Allergy Management For Kids With Seasonal Allergies