Most of us are familiar with the term ‘allergy’, and use it quite frequently. By definition, an allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system if the human body to an allergen (an agent that can trigger allergy). Allergies in children are quite common in today’s context. Many children attending pediatric clinics today do so for allergy-related complaints.

An allergy can crop up at any age and can continue for months or years until the child outgrows it, or till the allergen is discovered and eliminated from the child’s environment. Allergies are usually a result of both genetic susceptibility and environmental stimulation.

Types of Allergies in children:

Allergies in children can involve any or all of three or four systems:

1)The nose, throat and chest (respiratory allergies)

2)The skin ( cutaneous allergy)

3)The stomach and intestines ( gastrointestinal allergies or food allergies)

4)The eyes (ocular allergy)

Allergic symptoms depend on the system involved.