Common Childhood Allergies and How to Manage Them

Allergies can show up early in life and cause discomfort, confusion, and concern for both children and parents. The good news? With the right guidance, most allergies can be managed effectively — and your child can thrive.

Here’s a simple guide to the most common childhood allergies and what you can do about them.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are among the most common in children. Reactions can happen quickly — sometimes within minutes — after eating even a small amount of a problem food.

Common triggers:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (like almonds or cashews)
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish and shellfish

Symptoms to watch for:

• Hives or rash
• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Trouble breathing

How to manage:

• Avoid the food completely once diagnosed
• Read all food labels carefully
• Have an emergency plan and keep an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed
• Schedule regular visits with your pediatrician for monitoring and advice

If you’re unsure whether your child has a food allergy, the best place to start is a pediatric consultation. At Bread of Life Pediatrics, we help families navigate testing, diagnosis, and long-term care.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, grass, or mold.

Typical signs:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes or throat
• Sneezing
• Coughing, especially at night

What you can do:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
• Use air purifiers and keep home surfaces dust-free
• Bathe children after outdoor play
• Consider over-the-counter antihistamines (ask your doctor first)

Consistent symptoms during certain times of year? We can help pinpoint triggers and develop a care plan that works for your child.

Skin Allergies

Skin reactions often come from contact with something irritating or allergenic, such as soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics.

Common skin issues:

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Hives
• Contact dermatitis

Tips to soothe skin allergies:

• Use fragrance-free soaps and laundry products
• Keep skin moisturized with gentle lotions
• Dress your child in breathable cotton fabrics
• Avoid known irritants and allergens

Managing eczema and other skin conditions often involves trial and error. Our team at Bread of Life Pediatrics offers guidance to reduce flare-ups and improve comfort.

Insect Sting Allergies

Bee stings and other insect bites usually cause mild pain or swelling, but for some children, they can trigger serious allergic reactions.

Watch for signs of a severe reaction:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling in the throat or mouth
• Dizziness or fainting
• Hives spreading quickly

What to do:

• Teach your child to avoid wearing scented products outdoors
• Be cautious around flowering plants and trash bins
• Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if your child is allergic
• Seek emergency care if symptoms appear

Even mild reactions should be discussed with your pediatrician to decide if further testing is needed.

Pet Allergies

Some children are sensitive to proteins found in pet dander, saliva, or urine — often leading to sneezing and itchy eyes around animals.

Management tips:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture
• Use HEPA filters to clean the air
• Bathe pets regularly
• Wipe down surfaces often

If your child struggles with pet allergies but you want to keep your furry friends, let’s talk about solutions. There are often practical ways to ease symptoms.

When to See a Pediatrician

Not all sniffles or rashes mean your child has an allergy. But when symptoms become frequent, persistent, or severe, it’s time to get expert advice.

At Bread of Life Pediatrics, we take a compassionate, personalized approach to allergy care. We help identify triggers, provide allergy testing, and walk you through medication and lifestyle adjustments — all in a calm and kid-friendly environment.

Ready for Peace of Mind?

If you suspect your child has allergies or want help managing known triggers, schedule a consultation today. Let’s help your child breathe easier, sleep better, and feel their best — naturally and confidently.