Understanding Allergies in School-Age Children

Why Allergies Often Surface at School Age

For many children, allergies become more apparent between the ages of six and nine — not necessarily because they are newly developing, but because school environments expose children to a far wider range of allergens than the controlled home setting. From lunchboxes to classroom pets, the school day is full of potential triggers.

The Most Common Allergens in School-Age Children

• Food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish
• Environmental allergens: pollen (hay fever), dust mites, pet dander, mould
• Contact allergens: latex, nickel, certain plants
• Insect venom: bee and wasp stings

Recognising the Signs

Mild to Moderate Reactions

These include itching, hives, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and skin redness. They are uncomfortable but not immediately life-threatening.

Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Signs include:

1. Swelling of the throat or tongue
2. Difficulty breathing or wheezing
3. Sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, collapse
4. Vomiting combined with any of the above

If you suspect anaphylaxis, call emergency services immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if one is available.

Managing Allergies at School

• Share a written allergy action plan with the school and class teacher
• Ensure the school holds a spare EpiPen if prescribed
• Label all food and inform other parents if your child has severe allergies
• Teach your child to recognise their own symptoms and ask for help

"An allergy is not a preference or a phobia. It is a genuine immune system response that deserves the same respect as any other medical condition."

Toy Sharing and Allergy Awareness on Loopelo

On Loopelo, parents can indicate whether their home is pet-free, helping families with pet-dander allergies make safe choices when borrowing toys or arranging meetups. This small piece of information can make a significant difference for children with respiratory allergies.