What Are the 10 Most Common Allergies?

Allergies aren't just a problem for adults, they can affect children too. If your child suffers from one of these common allergies, the Grayslake, IL, pediatricians at Mundelein Pediatrics offer treatments that will ease their symptoms.

Could your child have one of these top 10 allergies?

Allergies happen when your child's immune system mistakenly decides that a harmless substance is a danger to their health. Once your child is exposed to one of these substances, called an allergen, they may develop one or more of these symptoms, depending on the allergen:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Scratchy throat
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Hives

The top 10 allergens include:

• Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Cockroaches
• Plants (like poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac)
• Peanuts, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and other tree nuts
• Other foods (Common food allergies include wheat, milk, eggs, soy, fish, and shellfish)
• Stings from bees, wasps, or bites from ants
• Latex

What you can do to relieve your child's allergy symptoms?

If you suspect your child has allergies in Grayslake, IL, it's a good idea to visit the pediatrics office. The pediatricians can recommend over-the-counter and prescription medications that will reduce allergy symptoms, including antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, nasal sprays, or allergy shots.

They can also make a few suggestions that may help you manage your child's allergy symptoms, such as:

• Vacuuming and mopping floors often to remove dust and allergens
• Removing shoes to prevent tracking allergens throughout your home
• Keeping pets out of your child's bedroom
• Using air-conditioners and air purifiers to filter the air during allergy season
• Staying indoors when the pollen or mold count is high in your area. Pollen is usually higher in the morning than any other time of day. You can find information about area pollen and mold counts on weather websites.
• Running a dehumidifier to decrease mold in your home
• Wiping pets with a damp cloth after they've been outside (The cloth removes pollen that collects on the fur.)

Is your child struggling with allergies in Grayslake, IL? Call the pediatricians of Mundelein Pediatrics at (847) 548-7337 to schedule an appointment.