Understanding Childhood Allergies

For centuries parents have fretted over their children's childhood allergies.  From peanuts to milk, there are a great many allergies that can plague a child in their early years.  Even though most childhood allergies fade over time, usually disappearing altogether by the time the child reaches puberty, there are still many years in which parents must be overly cautious about what their children come into contact with.

If you are worried that your son or daughter may be suffering from childhood allergies, but aren't sure if your child's symptoms fit the bill, read on to see a list of the most common childhood allergies and signs of how to recognize them.

By far the most dangerous of all childhood allergies, an allergy to peanuts usually appears the very first time a child is given anything that may contain peanuts, or peanut byproducts.  The most common reaction to peanuts if an allergy is present are: swelling of the mouth, especially the lips and tongue; hives; and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis, which is where the throat swells and the child stops breathing.

Anytime you believe your child may be having a reaction caused by childhood allergies, it is absolutely vital that you take him or her to the emergency room as soon as possible.  This is especially true if your child may have an allergy to peanuts, due to the possible severity of symptoms.

The most common of all childhood allergies is milk.  Most children who are to be allergic to milk will develop this allergy while still infants.  Signs of a milk allergy include hives and stomach aches, but generally nothing as fatal as anaphylaxis.  Other common childhood allergies include products that contain soy, apples, juice or sauce, wheat and gluten, wool, pet dander and dust.

Childhood allergies can also develop into asthma and asthma like symptoms.  It is especially important to get your child to a doctor if he or she begins having trouble breathing caused by childhood allergies.  Generally, this symptom can be controlled through the use of an inhaled steroid; but may require steroid shots if very severe.

Many children suffering from childhood allergies must take regular allergy shots to control the symptoms.  You can help to prevent this from becoming necessary by making certain that you take your child to his or her pediatrician at the first sign of childhood allergies.  Any reaction to any food that previously has not bothered a child should be investigated by their pediatrician.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with allergies in children such as lactase, butterbur, flavonoids, folic acid, Glucosamine, magnesium and M.S.M.

Lactase Enzyme makes milk products more readily digestible.  This is used for lactose intolerance and not allergies to milk.

Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy.  As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.

Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables.  When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.

Folic Acid is a member of the B-complex family.  Folic Acid participates in coenzyme reaction that is needed for cell growth and new cell formation.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from bronchitis symptoms.

Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma.  Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.

M.S.M maintains the development of the body's protein by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain amino acids and in maintaining the strength of connective tissue.  This allows water and nutrients to flow freely into cells and allows toxins to flow freely out of the cells.  M.S.M increases athletic stamina and helps eliminate muscle soreness.  M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level.  It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.