At a glance
- Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander can cause sneezing, an itchy nose and watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis itself does not cause fever.
- Food allergy may cause hives, swelling, vomiting, cough or wheeze after a food. Some reactions are delayed. A symptom diary can help assessment but cannot confirm an allergy.
- Antihistamines may help selected mild allergy symptoms, but they do not replace epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Follow the child’s clinician-written emergency plan.
- Testing should follow the reaction history. A positive skin or specific-IgE blood test alone does not prove clinical food allergy. Food IgG panels are not recommended; a diagnostic food challenge belongs in a supervised medical setting, not at home.
- Avoid a food that caused a suspected reaction until you have medical advice. Do not remove many otherwise tolerated foods without a clinician or dietitian; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition.
- Ask for a clinician-written allergy and anaphylaxis plan when the child is at risk. Caregivers should know the exact prescribed device, where it is kept and how to use it; check expiry dates and share the official plan with school or childcare.
Symptoms and possible triggers
Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander can cause sneezing, an itchy nose and watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis itself does not cause fever.
Food allergy may cause hives, swelling, vomiting, cough or wheeze after a food. Some reactions are delayed. A symptom diary can help assessment but cannot confirm an allergy.
Assessment and testing
Testing should follow the reaction history. A positive skin or specific-IgE blood test alone does not prove clinical food allergy. Food IgG panels are not recommended; a diagnostic food challenge belongs in a supervised medical setting, not at home.
Avoid a food that caused a suspected reaction until you have medical advice. Do not remove many otherwise tolerated foods without a clinician or dietitian; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition.
Recognizing an emergency
Suspect a severe reaction with sudden breathing or swallowing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling, fainting or collapse, or symptoms in several body systems after a possible allergen, such as hives with repeated vomiting. Anaphylaxis can occur without hives.
For suspected anaphylaxis, give the child’s prescribed epinephrine immediately if available, following the device instructions, then call local emergency services. If epinephrine is unavailable, call immediately. Do not wait for a rash, a diary entry or an antihistamine to work. Emergency assessment is needed even if symptoms improve.
Antihistamines may help selected mild allergy symptoms, but they do not replace epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Follow the child’s clinician-written emergency plan.
Everyday care and school
For recurrent nasal or eye symptoms, record where and when they happen and discuss targeted trigger reduction and age-appropriate treatment with the pediatrician. Wheeze or breathing difficulty needs separate assessment.
Ask for a clinician-written allergy and anaphylaxis plan when the child is at risk. Caregivers should know the exact prescribed device, where it is kept and how to use it; check expiry dates and share the official plan with school or childcare.
If epinephrine is prescribed, ask the clinician how to keep two doses available and when a second dose is needed. Use the instructions for that specific product.
Common questions
Can allergies cause fever?
Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander can cause sneezing, an itchy nose and watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis itself does not cause fever.
Does a positive allergy test mean a food must be avoided?
Testing should follow the reaction history. A positive skin or specific-IgE blood test alone does not prove clinical food allergy. Food IgG panels are not recommended; a diagnostic food challenge belongs in a supervised medical setting, not at home.
Can an antihistamine treat anaphylaxis?
Antihistamines may help selected mild allergy symptoms, but they do not replace epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Follow the child’s clinician-written emergency plan.
Should I remove several foods to find the cause?
Avoid a food that caused a suspected reaction until you have medical advice. Do not remove many otherwise tolerated foods without a clinician or dietitian; unnecessary restrictions can harm nutrition.
What should school or childcare have?
Ask for a clinician-written allergy and anaphylaxis plan when the child is at risk. Caregivers should know the exact prescribed device, where it is kept and how to use it; check expiry dates and share the official plan with school or childcare.
Sources
- AAP — Allergies in children
- AAP — Anaphylaxis in infants and children
- AAAAI — Food allergy and testing
- AAP — Allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plans
- AAP — Seasonal allergies in children
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.