Allergy Education
Allergic, or “atopic” conditions, affect nearly 20% of all children and frequently go underdiagnosed. The following information is intended to inform parents of conditions that frequently mimic or look like the following allergic illnesses and connect them and primary care providers with expert resources on allergic conditions.
The “Allergic March” is a term used to describe how children who are diagnosed with an allergic condition in childhood are more likely to develop other allergic conditions as they grow older.
By providing this information, we aim to educate families, prevent complications from allergic disorders and help create a normal, healthy life for the children of West Virginia.
This information is not intended to replace a visit to your pediatrician. All medical needs should be evaluated by a physician.
- Due to exposure to environmental allergens such as tree pollen and pet dander.
- Symptoms begin suddenly.
- Symptoms include redness, itching, burning and eyelid swelling. Normally both eyes are affected.
- Pus in the eye is generally not a symptom.
Look Alike Condition: Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis can look very similar to allergic conjunctivitis because both conditions result in redness of the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis, however, does NOT commonly involve itching. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis usually only affect one eye, but they can affect both. Bacterial conjunctivitis normally has a pus-colored discharge.
Resources
- Due to the exposure of environmental allergens.
- Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, postnasal drip, cough and fatigue.
- Can be seasonal and diagnosed by your primary care provider based on your child’s history. The child will have the same symptoms during each period of the year, year after year. Indoor or pet dander allergens, however, may result in more constant symptoms.
Look Alike Condition: Cold (infectious) Rhinitis
Children under the age of 2 years do not typically have allergic rhinitis symptoms especially pollen. Viral illnesses with runny nose are generally limited in time to 7-14 days. If prolonged nasal symptoms are present in this age group allergy testing may determine if symptoms are from irritants (non-allergic rhinitis) or from indoor allergens such as pets or mold.
Resources
- Normally co-exist with other allergic conditions in this list.
- Symptoms are most commonly dry skin and severe itching. Skin usually turns red during flare ups of atopic dermatitis.
- There are characteristic lesion locations. Birth to 2 years typically have lesions on the face, scalp and elbows and knees. From two years old on to puberty, lesions most commonly occur on the inside of the elbow, back of the knees and neck. Skin darkening also occurs.
Look Alike Condition: Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This is a common condition in children. It includes allergy to nickel in earrings, and more commonly, poison ivy. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include red, bumpy, scaly, and itchy lesions on the skin. In contrast to atopic dermatitis, these lesions only occur at points of contact with what one is allergic to.
Resources
- An atopic disease (also known as EoE) that is diagnosed by the presence of immune cells called eosinophils within the esophagus.
- Symptoms vary by age. Younger children tend to develop poor weight gain, difficulty feeding, and even vomiting. As the child ages, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain and food impaction.
Look Alike Condition: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD symptoms are similar to EOE with difficulty feeding (or spitting up in an infant) and heartburn or the taste of acid in the mouth of an older child.
Resources
- One of the most common conditions worldwide.
- Symptoms often begin in childhood and vary. The most common are coughing and wheezing. Others may include breathlessness, chest tightness, pressure and chest pain.
- Symptoms can be exercise induced, seasonal, or due to allergens.
- Wheezing and cough are recurrent with repeat exposure to the triggers.
Look Alike Condition: Aspiration
Aspiration, or inhaling a toy, piece of food, mucus or liquid, is common in children and can be a cause of wheezing. It is normally sudden. GERD can mimic some of the symptoms of asthma such chest tightness and chest pain. These symptoms, however, normally occur with eating/drinking and are associated with vomiting and failure to thrive.
Wheezing should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
Resources
- Virtual allergist option for differential diagnoses
- Treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis
- Treatment options for allergic rhinitis: Allergy medications | Nasal sprays
- Treatment options for atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Treatment options for asthma
This project is made possible through a grant from the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health (2023-2024) with financial support from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Reference: Tools for the Public. (n.d.). https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public