Advice and resources : Allergies in children

Overview

An allergy is the body’s hypersensitive reaction to a particular food or substance. Allergies are thought to affect more than one in four people in the UK at some point in their lives.

They’re particularly common in children. Some allergies go away as a child gets older and some will be lifelong. Most allergies are mild, but severe allergic reactions can occur. These are uncommon. If a young person suffers a severe allergic reaction, it’s vital they get immediate help, call 999.

Common allergens

Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. Common allergens include:

• pollen
• dust mites
• animal skin and hair
• food, particularly nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs and cow's milk
• insect bites and stings
• medication – including antibiotics
• latex
• mould
• household chemicals

You can learn more about different types of allergies by visiting the NHS website. 

• Visit NHS allergies page

What you might see

Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen.

They can cause:

• sneezing
• a runny or blocked nose
• red, itchy, watery eyes
• wheezing and coughing
• a red, itchy rash
• worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms

Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur.

Signs of anaphylaxis

Signs of anaphylaxis include any of the symptoms above, as well as:

• swelling of the throat and mouth
• difficulty breathing
• lightheadedness
• confusion
• blue skin or lips
• collapsing and losing consciousness

If a young person is showing symptoms of anaphylaxis, you must:

• Call 999 for an ambulance immediately and say that you think they're having an anaphylactic reaction to the substance you believe has caused the reaction
• Remove any trigger if possible, for example carefully pull out a wasp or bee sting stuck in their skin
• Lie them down flat, unless they're unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties
• If they have one, use an adrenaline auto injector and follow the instructions on the box
• If there's a second auto injector available, give them a second injection five to 15 minutes after the first if their symptoms haven’t improved, in a different site to the first
• Try to remember the times when the adrenaline auto injector was given

How you can help

If you think your child may have an allergy, make an appointment with your GP.

If the GP thinks your child has a mild allergy, they will give you advice and may prescribe medicine, such as antihistamines. If your child needs medicine at school, tell the school so it can be stored safely and given when needed.

If your child's allergy is severe, or it is not clear what is causing it, the GP may refer them to an allergy specialist for tests and treatment.

If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction), you must tell their school. Make sure they have their adrenaline auto-injector with them at school.

For children at state schools, academies and free schools, the school nursing service can offer support.

When the school or school nursing service is told that your child has anaphylaxis, you will be asked to complete an allergy action plan. This explains your child's symptoms, medication and what to do in an emergency.

Tell the school if there are any changes to your child's treatment. Check regularly that any medicine kept at school is still in date.

Some schools allow children to carry their own adrenaline auto-injectors. Other schools keep them in a central place. School policies vary, and this may depend on the child's age.

The school may ask you to provide two adrenaline auto-injectors. By secondary school age, children are usually expected to carry their auto-injectors themselves.

If your child is going on a school trip, make sure they take their adrenaline auto-injectors with them.

The school nursing service provides training and updates for school staff. This helps them understand anaphylaxis and know how to respond to a severe allergic reaction.

If your child attends an independent school, tell the school that they have an adrenaline auto-injector. The school can then explain what support they provide for children with severe allergies.

You can help your child learn about their allergy, understand what triggers it, and avoid those triggers where possible. Encourage them to take their medicine as prescribed so they can become more confident in managing their condition as they grow up.

When to ask for help

If your child attends a state maintained school, free school or academy, your school nursing service is available to offer support and advice.

We’re able to liaise with your GP practice on your behalf and we have strong links with the local hospitals. We offer anaphylaxis updates to school staff to support them.

We run a full service Monday to Friday term time and a reduced service throughout the school holidays.

External support

Allergy UK

The leading national patient charity for people living with all types of allergies. They work with government, professional bodies, healthcare professionals and corporates towards to help improve the lives of the millions of people with allergic disease.

• Visit Allergy UK

NHS Anaphylaxis support

Check out the NHS page for information, support and treatment of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food, medicine or insect stings.

• Visit NHS anaphylaxis support