Symptoms of allergies in children largely mimic those of adults. However, parents should be aware that children – especially younger children – cannot always communicate the nature of what they are experiencing. Therefore, parents must watch carefully for the signs and symptoms of allergies, including:

Infants

• Labored breathing
  
  
• Stuffy nose
  
  
• Recurring ear infections (otitis media)
  
  
• Skin rashes (especially on cheeks, behind ears or on thighs)
  
  
• Colic (repeated, prolonged episodes of intense crying for no apparent reason)
  
  
• Diarrhea or vomiting
  
  
• Excessive drooling, spitting or perspiration
  
  
• Eczema (a skin condition often exacerbated by food allergies)

Children

• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Chronic sore throat or nasal congestion
• Rubbing the nose excessively (allergic salute)
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Ear and nose infections
• Tiredness and irritability
• Eczema, hives or other skin conditions
• Breathing through the mouth (particularly while sleeping)
• Itchy, watery and/or red eyes
• Puffy eyes
• Changes in behavior

It is important to note that the type and severity of allergy symptoms will vary from child to child and allergy type to allergy type, as well as from year to year and from exposure to exposure in a given child. Symptoms can be minor or severe. They can also appear year-round or just during certain times of the year.

In rare cases, a child’s allergic reaction may take the form of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that involves two or more body systems. Anaphylaxis usually develops rapidly and demands immediate, emergency medical attention. The condition can quickly progress to life-threatening anaphylactic shock, which is characterized by difficulty breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Seek immediate medical care after observing the following signs and symptoms:

• Severe itching of the eyes and face
• Feelings of anxiousness
• Palpitations (an awareness of a strong, fast, irregular, abnormal or "galloping" heartbeat)
• Slurred speech
• Inability to swallow
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Red or swelling skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe wheezing or coughing
• Bluish tint to skin (cyanosis), including lips or nail beds
• Choking or shortness of breath