It’s common for children to grow out of their allergies over time, but for many children, a strong allergic reaction can put them in the hospital. Keep in mind that childhood allergies have a genetic component, but it’s best to get your child checked for allergies early. Here are some of the most common allergies that can land your child in a family urgent care or other emergency care.
Tree nuts
Surprisingly a peanut isn’t a type of tree nut. While peanuts are a widespread allergy across the globe, many children also suffer from tree nut allergies. This is a particularly dangerous allergy since so many processed food are made with tree nut oils. This includes walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and shea nuts. Any and all of these nuts can cause itchy hives on the skin, abdominal pain, vomiting, problems in the respiratory tract, and even fainting. If your child suffers from any of these symptoms after exposure to a tree nut, search for a “pediatric urgent care near me” before a serious reaction occurs.
Dogs
Dogs, cats, and other four-legged creatures can incur allergy symptoms in your child. Children are usually allergic to pet dander, but in more serious cases, they can be allergic to the saliva of the animal. Look for skin rashes, respiratory issues including wheezing, and itchiness in the eyes, ears, nose, and throat to diagnose a pet allergy in your child.
Bees
It’ll be hard to tell if your child is allergic to bees until they get stung. Be sure to tell your child to run to you when and if they get stung by a bee. Urgent care centers will be able to treat your child for anaphylactic shock following a bee sting. This is especially important in the warm spring and summer months when bees are plentiful.
Pollens
While these are unlikely to cause a severe allergic reaction, if you notice your child has trouble breathing or forms a rash, it’s likely due to seasonal allergies. Get your child tested before you need to take them to an urgent care nearby.
Luckily, most urgent care facilities have a wait time that only lasts 15 minutes, while 65% of facilities have a physician available around the clock. If you don’t already know, search for “pediatric urgent care near me,” to keep your children safe from severe allergy reactions.