If your child seems to cough or sneeze often or routinely develops rashes or hives, it may be time to have them tested for allergies. The same applies if your child seems to have stomachaches or gastrointestinal distress after eating certain foods. It’s common for children to have either food allergies or environmental allergies—sometimes both! However, many allergies can be addressed, especially if they are caught early in life. Your local urgent care may provide children’s allergy treatment options that can help your entire family enjoy a better quality of life.
Instead of stressing out or trying to control every little thing that your child is exposed to, focus on learning how to monitor your child for symptoms. There are a few common symptoms that may indicate allergies in a child:
- Rashes or hives on the skin
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing or coughing
- Stomach upset
- Difficulty breathing
Children, like adults, may develop allergies to a variety of things. Allergies are more common in families where the parents or other siblings have allergies. Some common allergens include:
- Foods like peanuts, shellfish, eggs, and milk
- Tree or plant pollen
- Insect stings
- Pet hair or dander
- Dust
- Mold
- Synthetic fragrances/perfumes
- Car exhaust
- Cigarette smoke
If you suspect your child has an allergy, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor right away. Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Even mild allergies need to be monitored. Thankfully, depending on the type and severity of your child’s allergies, there may be treatment options for them including allergy shots, exposure therapy, or antihistamine medications. Some children have their allergies resolve as they get older, while others are able to avoid common symptom triggers.
Urgent care clinics like DuPage Immediate Care provide allergy testing and treatments for children. We’ll perform a thorough exam and recommend the best options for your child. Walk in or schedule your appointment today!