Many allergies can surface during the toddler years.
Many allergies are identified in toddler age children because this is when many new foods are able to be offered. It is also a time when children are gaining mobility and a certain amount of independence, which means they explore and are exposed to many more things than they were as an infant. Allergies are more common in toddlers than adults because their immune system is not yet fully developed.
Being allergic to something simply means your immune system has identified it as an invader, but has overreacted in its fight against it. There are several things that are commonly identified as allergens during the toddler years. The most frequent causes of allergic reactions are pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander and insect bites. Food allergies are common in toddlers and most often result from nuts, cow's milk, wheat, soy products, and eggs. Toddlers can also show a reaction to soaps, lotions, and other cosmetic items. Allergies to medications are possible, as are reactions to latex products, but these are less common in toddlers than previously listed allergens.
There are several different ways an allergic reaction can present itself. Some reactions come in the form of a runny nose, constant sneezing, itchy watery eyes, or other cold-like symptoms. Other reactions can be identified when a child breaks out in various types of rashes, including hives (raised patches of skin that can be confined to one area or spread over the entire body). It is also common for children reacting to certain allergens to have swelling of a certain area of the body, or in dangerous cases, swelling throughout the body. Severe reactions, which require immediate medical attention, may include difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Sometimes it is easy to tell what your child is reacting to. If they eat a peanut and immediately break out in hives, it's probably safe to assume the peanut caused the reaction. However, some allergies are harder to identify. To help determine what your child is allergic to, it may be necessary to document what things your child is exposed to, including food and environmental allergens. Make a list of everything your child eats and drinks, places they visit, items they come in contact with, etc. This is very helpful to the child's doctor to assist in determining possible causes of allergic reactions.
The most frustrating part about allergic reactions is that toddlers can react to an allergen that may never be identified. Regardless of how diligently a parent documents the child's food and environmental exposures, there may seem to be no similarities relative to when the child exhibits symptoms. It is possible the allergy is to something so odd that the parents simply didn't think to record it, or it is possible the allergic reaction is due to a virus or bacterial infection the child is fighting.
Because a toddler's body is still developing, it is possible they will outgrow the allergy you have identified. Sometimes the allergy may stay with them for life, but will lessen in intensity as they mature. In any event, the best way for you to help your toddler while they develop and deal with allergic reactions is to educate yourself and be prepared for possible circumstances related to allergic reactions.
