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There are several different types of allergies that can occur at an early age, some more common than others, but they can sometimes be difficult to detect. What are the symptoms of various allergies in children and what should you do if you suspect your child is allergic? 

Not everyone develops allergies, but it's important to be aware if your child doesn't seem to be feeling well. However, you don't have to be afraid of your child becoming allergic! In fact, there is research that suggests that early introduction of the foods that can create allergic reactions actually decreases the risk of suffering from an allergy.

Common allergies in children

There are several common allergies among children and these are usually divided into food allergies and airborne allergies. Allergies usually appear in the first year of life and usually outgrow them in the same year! In terms of percentages, by the age of one year, approximately 50 % of all children will have outgrown their allergy and 75 % will have outgrown their allergy by the age of three.

Food allergies
The most common is that children become allergic to different foods and this includes milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, shellfish, seeds, wheat and soy (note that there is a difference between allergy and intolerance). Having an allergic shock is extremely rare but to it happens, the reaction is often rapid and can be life-threatening. This is also known as anaphylaxis and is most often caused by nuts, milk, seafood, eggs or soy.

Airborne allergies: Pollen and furry animals
A common culprit of allergies during spring and summer is pollenHowever, it is rare for children under the age of two to suffer from pollen allergy. If they do, you will usually notice nasal congestion, runny nose, tiredness and itchy eyes in your child. There are nasal sprays and eye drops designed for young children that can provide relief, but always consult your pharmacy and health center in the first instance.

If your child comes into contact with furry animals and experience itchy eyes, repeated sneezing, nasal congestion or runny nose, it may be time to start suspecting fur allergy. The symptoms of airborne allergies are incredibly similar, but it is much more common to show signs of furry animals than pollen at an early age.

How are allergies detected?

Until children can communicate sufficiently, it can be difficult to understand what is wrong, but there are signs to look out for when it comes to allergies. For example, vomiting, loose or hard stomach and upset stomach can give you a clue that something is going on, but also various skin symptoms such as dry skin, eczema, redness or scabs on the scalp that spread to the eyebrows. Look for repeated patterns that indicate the allergy, for example if your child always gets a runny nose when you are at someone's house who has a cat or gets an upset stomach after eating dairy products. But remember, you don't have to figure everything out on your own! You can always turn to your child's health center for advice.

Who is affected by allergies and why?
It is difficult to say why some children develop allergies, but what is known is that heredity plays some role, along with some foods and allergens in the environment, such as molds and mites.

What does child insurance cover for allergies?

• In general, Länsförsäkringar covers allergies, but it depends on the type of allergy
• Severe allergies, such as airborne nut allergy, can result in medical disability.
• If the child suffers from more severe cases of food allergy that require treatment, up to 2% medical disability can be given. This means compensation of SEK 52500 if you have chosen Länsförsäkringar's highest insurance amount (50 Pbb)
• If the child suffers from celiac disease (intolerance to gluten), this can also result in up to 2 % of medical disability
• Should the allergy require mite protection, a grant of SEK 4500 can be paid from Länsförsäkringars Child insurance.

Not sure how children's insurance can cover your child's allergies? Please contact Länsförsäkringar to get help and advice!