Allergies in children are on the rise. We know that this can quickly become a source of stress for parents and disrupt the whole family’s daily routine, whether at home or at school.
An allergy occurs when the body reacts too strongly to something that is normally harmless, such as pollen or certain foods. These triggers are called allergens. When your child’s body is exposed to an allergen, their immune system responds by releasing substances, such as histamine, which cause the familiar symptoms of a runny nose, itchiness, and rashes. These reactions can also affect your child’s skin, breathing, and even their digestive system.
Among children in Quebec, food and respiratory allergies are still the most common in 2025. According to the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, nearly 10% of Quebecers suffer from pollen allergies. Ragweed is responsible for approximately 75% of seasonal allergy symptoms, but allergens also vary with the seasons:
The signs of an allergic reaction can vary, but some are easy to recognize.
To get a better idea of the situation, your health care professional will want to discuss your child’s symptoms and health history.
In the most serious cases, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis may occur. Signs include wheezing and stomach pain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, act quickly and call emergency services immediately.
Childhood allergies fall into four main categories: food, respiratory, drug (and insect stings), and contact. Read on for the details of each type
Food allergies affect around 8% of young children, a percentage that has doubled in recent years. These immune system reactions to certain foods can range from mild to potentially serious.
The most common allergens in young children are as follows:
According to Allergy Quebec, there are nearly 75,000 children with food allergies in Quebec schools today.
After contact with an allergen, various symptoms can quickly appear:
It’s important not to confuse the two. An allergy involves the immune system and can be dangerous. An intolerance is merely a reaction of the digestive system. The symptoms of an intolerance (e.g., bloating or stomach ache) can be uncomfortable, but are not dangerous.
There are several options for replacing common allergens:
|
Allergen |
Allergen-free substitute |
|
Wheat/gluten |
Rice flour, quinoa, buckwheat, tapioc |
|
Milk |
Plant-based beverages (almond, soy, oat) |
|
Eggs |
Plant-based beverages (almond, soy, oat) |
|
Peanuts |
Sunflower seeds, roasted lentils |
|
Nuts |
Pumpkin seeds, avocados |
An itchy nose and watery eyes can ruin a beautiful day. In Quebec, one out of five people suffers from seasonal rhinitis. Seasonal allergies are often triggered by:
Helpful tip: Keeping your windows closed when there are high levels of pollen in the air can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Allergies and the common cold may have some of the same symptoms, but there are a few key differences between them:
|
Symptôme |
Allergie |
Rhume |
|
Fever |
No |
Common |
|
Runny nose |
Thin and clear mucus |
Thick and yellowish mucus |
|
Itchy eyes |
Very common |
Rare |
Consult a health care professional if your nasal congestion symptoms persist for more than 10 days, or if they get worse instead of improving. A consultation is also recommended if over-the-counter medications don’t relieve your symptoms, or if your runny nose is accompanied by significant breathing difficulties.
Although medication and insect sting allergies are less common, they can be serious. Take note of any symptoms that occur after your child is given medicine or is stung by an insect, and consult your health care professional promptly.
Good to know:
Did you know that excipients can cause allergies? You should always read the label on any type of medicine before giving it to your child. An excipient is a substance that is added to a drug to make it easier to administer and/or improve its form, taste, stability, or ability to be absorbed by the body.
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin disease. The symptoms are easy to recognize: The skin becomes dry, irritated, and very itchy. This condition can last a long time and is often related to allergies. It makes the skin more fragile and puts it at greater risk of infection.
This less common allergy causes itching and small bumps on the skin after exposure to the sun. To prevent these symptoms, it’s recommended to apply a mineral sunscreen with a high SPF, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay out of the sun when it’s at its strongest.
Take note of anything that could trigger an allergic reaction in your child, whether it be a meal, an outdoor activity, or a new lotion. Before consulting a health care professional, you can do the following:
How long do allergic reactions last?
Allergic reactions can last for anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the level of exposure to the allergen. Severe reactions generally occur within two hours of contact.
Note: Other conditions can mimic allergy symptoms. Following a diagnosis, desensitization treatments can be considered for certain allergies.
Key risk factors include family history, exposure to pollutants, and a humid environment favourable to dust mites. Here are some methods for prevention:
The right treatment depends on the type of allergy your child has and the symptoms they are experiencing. The first step is always to avoid the allergen, but since that’s not always possible, there are several options for relieving allergy symptoms:
For chronic allergies, desensitization treatments, which are spread over 3 to 5 years, can be considered, with regular monitoring by an allergist.
Your emergency kit
Living with an allergy is also a psychological challenge. For example, your child may experience anxiety before eating outside the home, or worry about being left out because of their allergy.
To help your child:
Managing childhood allergies requires vigilance and preparation. By being well-informed and working with health professionals and your child’s school, you can give your child all the tools they need to live a full, safe life.
If you see signs of a serious reaction in your child (facial swelling, difficulty breathing), don’t wait to act: This is a medical emergency. If your child is showing signs of anaphylaxis, call 911. When in doubt, administer epinephrine, if it has been prescribed.
Even if you child’s symptoms improve after the injection, medical supervision is essential in the hours that follow.
We’re here to help. Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist-owner is your go-to resource for health-related questions. We’d be happy to talk to you about treatment options or help you get comfortable using an epinephrine auto-injector.
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Last updated on November 24, 2025
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