Children’s allergies
The most common causes of allergic reactions are pollen, animal dust and certain foods. However, the cause of the allergy can be almost anything. It’s important to find out the cause of the allergies. Adults should be aware of their own allergies and those of their children. Causes for an allergy should be studied in advance in order to minimise or avoid exposure to them entirely.
In the interview video below, our paediatrician Ove Mickelsson, who specialises in children’s allergies and lung diseases, discusses children’s allergies, the origin and prevention of allergies, the hereditary nature of allergies and when the child should be examined, what are the most common allergy tests and how allergies can be treated.
Children’s allergy symptoms
Children experience different allergic symptoms depending on their age. The child may develop atopic dermatitis during the first months of their life. Some of these children later develop food allergies and others develop pollen allergies or asthma.
Children’s allergy treatment
Allergy tests provide more detailed information about the cause of the allergy and a pulmonary function test can be used to determine possible asthma. The symptoms of allergy can be alleviated effectively by avoiding exposure to the allergens and administering appropriate medication for the symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy aims to improve tolerance. Some allergies can be permanently avoided in this way. Milder allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamine. More severe symptoms require also cortisone. The emergency treatment for most severe allergic symptoms is adrenaline.
The aim of treating all allergies is to eliminate as many symptoms as possible and to achieve a balanced quality of life.
When should you see a doctor?
It is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible if certain allergic symptoms occur. Such symptoms are severe rashes, strong allergic reactions to certain foods, shortness of breath and other strong reactions.
Read more (in Finnish): Paediatric allergist
If you suspect an allergy in your child, make an appointment with the nearest doctor. At Mehiläinen, children have access to the services of paediatricians, general practitioners and otorhinolaryngologists. If you need further instructions or want to book a doctor’s appointment for your child, please call to Children’s Mehiläinen, tel. 010 414 0414 (0,0835 €/call + 0,1669 €/min) or book an appointment online. Remember that help is always available in the Digital Clinic every day! The service can be accessed through the OmaMehiläinen mobile application or online service.
Learn more:
Allergic rhinitis in children (in Finnish)
Children’s allergies can be affected early – even during pregnancy (in Finnish)
Atopic dermatitis in children (in Finnish)
Common skin problems among children
Asthma in children (in Finnish)
