Overview
Allergies affect as many as three million American children, including toddlers, the “New York Times” states, and can make life miserable for a small child and her family. Many substances can trigger allergic reactions, which can range from mild to life threatening. Toddlers with allergic tendencies need careful observation when new foods are introduced or when exposed to a possible allergen, such as a new pet.
Definition
Allergies are reactions to substances that the toddler’s body views as foreign. The toddler’s immune system overreacts to the substance, known as an allergen, by creating antibodies, which attack the antigens. Histamine, a chemical that causes many allergic reaction symptoms, is released in response to antibody formation from specific cells that respond to allergens called mast cells and basophils, the Nemours Foundation explains. The tendency toward allergies is inherited, but toddlers may be allergic to different substances than their parents or siblings are.
Common Allergens
Toddlers with allergic tendencies first develop food allergies, the University of Arizona states. Common allergens include foods such as cow’s milk, nuts, wheat, certain fruits and eggs, but nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction. Between one and 7.5 percent of small children are allergic to the proteins found in cow’s milk, according to the Nemours Foundation. Around 30 to 40 percent of toddlers allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy, the same source states.
Other common allergy inducers include insects such as dust mites and cockroaches, insect bite reactions, plants and molds, medications, particularly antibiotics, and chemicals such as perfumes, dyes or detergents. Animal dander, especially dander from cats and dogs, is also a common source of allergy in toddlers. Allergies can develop from airborne sources or from skin contact.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions in toddlers take many forms. Many toddlers develop a rash or hives, small raised areas that move from one part of the body to another. Others wheeze or develop itching in and around the mouth and throat. Stomachaches may occur with allergic reactions in toddlers. Constant sniffling from a runny nose, rubbing the nose, dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners, and watery eyes may indicate allergies in a toddler. Severe reactions that require immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, turning blue or collapse. Up to 80 percent of severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, occur from peanut or tree nut ingestion, Nemours Foundation states.
Treatments
Treatment of allergies in toddlers depends on the symptoms. Antihistamines may decrease nasal symptoms and rashes; respiratory symptoms may require prescription asthma inhalers or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the airway. Treatment for skin rashes include corticosteroids by mouth or in creams. Parents of toddlers with severe allergic tendencies should carry injectable epinephrine, or adrenaline, to treat anaphylaxis, the Nemours Foundation states.
Prevention
Avoiding allergic triggers is the only way to avoid allergic reactions in toddlers. If a toddler is allergic to certain foods, read all food ingredients carefully; eggs, soy- and milk-based products, all common allergens, are common additions to processed foods. Introduce new foods one at a time, so you can see which foods cause allergic reactions. If toddlers touch potential allergens, such as animals, plants or chemicals, wash their hands immediately. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first four months of life may help reduce allergic reactions such as wheezing, the University of Arizona states.
Avoiding allergens until a child reaches a certain age may not be the best way to avoid allergy development. The University of Arizona reports that there may be less of a tendency to develop airborne allergies if toddlers live with two or more dogs or cats in the first year of life. New York Times writer Tara Parker-Pope reported that a 2008 British study published in the “Journal of Allergy and Immunology” found earlier exposure to peanuts lowered the risk of allergy.
About this Author
Sharon Perkins has worked as a registered nurse in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility, and ophthalmology. Perkins started writing professionally for the Wiley “Dummies” series in 2001, and has co-authored 7 books for the series, and acted as developmental editor for several more. Perkins received her Registered Nursing degree from Western Oklahoma State College in 1986.
