Allergies affect different children in different ways.
Allergy symptoms can appear in the nose, ears, lungs, skin,
digestive system, or all over. Your child may experience common
everyday allergy symptoms that are in fact caused by allergy.
While these symptoms may seem inconvenient at first, many children
(and parents) grow so accustomed to them that they never even consider
seeing a doctor about them. Lingering common allergy symptoms can hide
bigger problems (or lead to more serious illness), so it’s important to get
them checked out. An allergy blood test can help your doctor tell you if your child has allergies and,
if so, what his or her specific allergic triggers are.
Select an allergy symptom below to see a definition. For a complete allergy symptom list, click here.
Allergy Symptoms
Abdominal cramps (colic)—May be a symptom of food allergies in young children; the term colic often refers to the crying and upset that the cramps cause in infants
Chest tightness—A common symptom of asthma; may also signal a serious allergic reaction to food
Congestion—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis; may also be caused by an allergic reaction to food
Constipation—Sometimes caused by food allergies in children
Coughing—A common symptom of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children
Diarrhea—May be caused by food allergies
Ear pulling—A sign of pain or discomfort from ear infection (otitis media), which can result from underlying allergy to inhaled or food allergens
Fatigue—A symptom of allergic rhinitis or asthma; also can be a symptom of the sleep disturbance sometimes caused by those conditions
Feeding issues—When their breathing is hampered by asthma or rhinitis, infants may have difficulty feeding or may grunt when sucking
Hives—Swollen, red welts or patches on the skin that often result from food allergies
Hoarseness—Sometimes caused by respiratory or food allergies; may indicate reflux, which can also be caused by food allergies in young children
Itchy eyes—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis; may also result from an allergic food reaction
Itchy lips—A symptom of oral allergy syndrome, a mild allergic reaction usually triggered by fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well as certain pollen (and frequently seen in those with allergic rhinitis)
Itchy roof of the mouth (palate)—A symptom of oral allergy syndrome, a mild allergic reaction usually triggered by fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well as certain pollen (and frequently seen in those with allergic rhinitis)
Itchy throat—A symptom of oral allergy syndrome, a mild allergic reaction usually triggered by fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well as certain pollen (and frequently seen in those with allergic rhinitis)
Itchy tongue—A symptom of oral allergy syndrome, a mild allergic reaction usually triggered by fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well as certain pollen (and frequently seen in those with allergic rhinitis)
Mouth breathing—A sign of the chronic nasal congestion often caused by allergic rhinitis
Nasal crease—A line across a child’s nose that often results from continual upward nose rubbing to relieve the itching caused by allergic rhinitis
Nausea and vomiting—Common symptoms of food allergies
Nose rubbing—Children with allergic rhinitis often rub or push the nose to relieve nose itching; upward nose rubbing is called the "allergic salute"
Rapid breathing—A common symptom of asthma in infants
Rash/Hives—A common symptom of atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition that often results from sensitivity to food
Reddening of the skin (flushing)—May be caused by an immediate allergic food reaction
Reflux—Return flow of stomach contents to the throat; sometimes a symptom of food allergies in children
Rings under the eyes—This symptom may be caused by the chronic nasal congestion of allergic rhinitis; also called "allergic shiner"
Runny nose—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis
Severe symptoms—Swelling of the lips or tongue, sudden and unexplained wheezing, or fainting may result from food allergy. Seek medical attention immediately
Shortness of breath—A common symptom of asthma
Skin itching—A common symptom of atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition that often results from sensitivity to food; may also be caused by an immediate food allergy reaction
Skin scratching—May be caused by itching due to food-related atopic dermatitis or an immediate allergic food reaction
Sneezing—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis
Sore throat—A symptom of many conditions often found in children with allergic rhinitis
Stuffy nose—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis; may also be caused by an allergic reaction to food
Throat clearing—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis
Throat tightness—A common symptom of food allergies. Seek medical attention immediately
Watery eyes—A common symptom of allergic rhinitis; may also result from an allergic food reaction
Wheezing—A common symptom of asthma; sudden, unexplained wheezing may also indicate a severe allergic reaction to food
Please note:
- Not all possible allergy symptoms are listed
- For many of these symptoms, allergies are not the only cause
- It is important to see your doctor to discuss the need for allergy testing in order to determine the true cause of symptoms
