Allergies in children hay fever house dust animal hair

Allergies in childrenWhether neurodermatitis, animal allergy, dust mite allergy or food allergy: Children can also develop allergies at an early age. But what to do if the nose runs consistently or the eyes burn with the little ones? What triggers an allergy in children, what symptoms it causes and practical tips for everyday life: you can get all this info here.

Allergies in children – how does it happen?

The greatest risk factor for the occurrence of allergies is predisposition. If both parents have allergies, there is a 40% risk that the child will also have allergies.

In addition, allergies have spread due to high hygiene standards. Children need dirt to exercise their immune systems: Digging in mud and romping in the park, petting animals, and exploring the environment with their mouths – the countless, mostly harmless microorganisms in our natural environment are important stimuli for the developing immune system. If this training is missing, the immune defense is also directed against harmless substances such as pollen, animal hair or dust mites.

Discuss allergies in a child-friendly way

When children develop allergies, you should provide them with understandable explanations that will help them better understand the symptoms and limitations:

Why do I always have to sneeze / scratch / cough?

This comes from tiny, almost invisible particles that are in the air / on animals / in food. These particles are actually quite harmless, but your body thinks that these particles are harmful and therefore it tries to defend itself against them. It's like the police having a wild chase after someone who isn't actually a criminal.

Why does Teddy have to go into the freezer?

Such a "winter vacation" is like a refreshing bath for the teddy – it gets clean again in the process. The mites in his fur froze afterwards. To make it completely clean again, it then has to go into the washing machine. Soon you can cuddle again. See also house dust mite allergy.

Why I can't have every pet?

Some pets have those tiny little particles in their fur that you're allergic to – especially cats, hamsters, birds and dogs. But we can keep fish or a turtle. You can find more tips under animal allergy.

Why do I have to take medicine?

The medicine will make you stop sneezing / scratching / coughing. So we can play outside again properly / go to the zoo.

Allergies in children – What to do?*

General advice

– Make sure rooms and beds are well ventilated and remove damp potted plants to prevent mold (see Mould allergy). – Remember that dust mites feel particularly at home in bedding, carpets, cuddly toys and sofa cushions; wash these regularly at a minimum of 60°C. – Avoid tobacco smoke, as it increases the risk of allergies and asthma and endangers health.

* based on recommendations of the Nutrition Commission of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)

Treat allergies in children

If your child has already developed an allergy, consistent allergen avoidance and targeted treatment should be addressed. Because what many parents do not know: Allergies can otherwise get worse. A "simple" hay fever can develop into allergic asthma. In medicine, this migration of the allergic reaction from the upper to the lower respiratory tract is called a "change of floor". Ask the doctor or the pharmacy about quickly effective. Advice on tolerable treatment options. There are medicines that can be used for children as young as one year old. For example, there are various over-the-counter medications available in pharmacies for the medical relief of symptoms associated with allergies of the upper respiratory tract:

Hyposensitization can also be used for children. You can read more under allergy treatment.

Are you not sure if your child suffers from an allergy?? Then you should have an allergy test done by a doctor. For an initial assessment of a pollen allergy, our allergy self-check is also helpful.