Recognizing the Child with Allergies

• Excessive wheezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing.
• Intermittent hearing loss.
• Frequent, unexplained, brief absences from school.
• Inconsistent behaviour - occasional spells of hyperactivity and irritability in a usually well-adjusted child.
• Lethargy and sleepiness. This may be a result of allergic reactions, antihistamines or lack of sleep if the child has been restless at night.
• Occasional decrease in attention span and lack of concentration.
• Headaches (sinus).
• Weakness and pallor.
• Listlessness and withdrawal from classroom activities.
• Specific learning difficulties particularly in reading and listening skills.
• Itchy rashes.
• Hives.
• Dark circles under the eyes.

• Allergens may include:
  • certain odors from chemicals, smoke, cosmetics or perfumes,
  • heavily chlorinated pools,
  • dust,
  • cold air,
  • paints or magic markers, and
  • clay or play dough.
• Irritants may include:
  • animals,
  • plants,
  • insect stings or bites,
  • foods, especially nuts, seafood and dairy products,
  • drugs, such as antibiotics, and
  • preservatives and coloring additives.