What is an allergy?

An allergy is when the body overreacts to something that is normally harmless. Allergic reactions happen because the immune system thinks the substance – known as an allergen – is dangerous and tries to fight it off.

Some common allergies include:

• Pollen (known as hay fever)
• Dust mites
• Animal fur and dander (tiny skin flakes)
• Bee and other insect bites
• Medicines
• Latex (rubber)
• Food.

Pollens, dust mites and animal fur and dander are unlikely to cause severe allergic reactions.

What causes allergies?

Allergies are thought to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If you have allergies, your child is more likely to develop allergies in general, but not your specific allergies.

There are ways to reduce the risk of your child getting allergies, such as:

• Eating a balanced diet, rich in fibre, vegetables and fruit during pregnancy
• Avoiding smoking during pregnancy and/or around your baby
• Breastfeeding for at least six months, if you can
• Introducing solid foods around six months of age when your child is ready
• Slowly giving your child common food allergens in their first year of life, including cow’s milk, wheat, egg, nuts, sesame and seafood.

If your child has eczema, managing their condition well may also reduce their risk of food allergies.

Signs and symptoms of allergies

Your child’s first allergic reaction

The first time your child has an allergic reaction, it is a good idea to note their symptoms and possible triggers. For example, did your child’s skin develop itchy, raised patches after touching a cat? You could take photos of any visible signs as well.

Take your child to see their doctor shortly after their reaction. They may refer your child to an allergy specialist for testing. This usually involves a skin-prick test or blood test.

Make sure to avoid the suspected trigger until you see a doctor. Occasionally, your child may have a more serious reaction the next time they are exposed to the trigger.

What to do during an allergic reaction

Mild to moderate food allergy

An oral antihistamine medicine (liquid or tablet) should help your child with symptoms of mild to moderate allergies. There are three main types of non-drowsy antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine – these are all available over-the-counter at pharmacies. A doctor or pharmacist can suggest the best medicine for your child's needs.

Mild to moderate allergies can take a few hours to get better.

Severe allergy (anaphylaxis)

Your child will need adrenaline (epinephrine) during an anaphylactic reaction. This medicine reverses the effects of anaphylaxis by increasing blood pressure and making it easier to breathe. Antihistamines will not help with anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis first aid

1. Lie your child down flat, if possible. If it is hard for them to breathe in this position or difficult to keep them still, sit them up with their legs out.
   
   
2. Remove the safety cap from the adrenaline device (blue cap on EpiPen®, black needle shield and grey cap on Anapen®) and inject the adrenaline into their outer mid-thigh, with or without clothing. If they do not have an adrenaline device, call an ambulance (000) immediately.
3. Call an ambulance (000).
4. If your child still shows signs of anaphylaxis after five minutes, you can give them a second dose of adrenaline. This will not harm them.
5. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your child becomes unresponsive and is not breathing.

After an anaphylactic reaction

Your child will need to be monitored in hospital for at least four hours after an anaphylactic reaction to make sure they are stable. If it is the first time your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, their treating team will talk with you about their condition, create an Action Plan and prescribe your child an adrenaline device. They will also help you organise follow-up care.

Helping your child avoid allergic reactions

The best way to manage allergies is to avoid known triggers. This is not always easy – especially if your child is allergic to things in the environment like pollen.

• Environmental allergies: Reduce your child’s exposure to their allergen.
  • If they are allergic to pollen, try to keep them inside on high-pollen days. You could give them an oral antihistamine before they go outside.
  • If they are allergic to dust mites, vacuum their room and living spaces more often, and wash their bedding in hot water every week.
  • If they are allergic to animal fur or dander, teach them to keep their distance from pets and wash their hands after touching them.
• Insect allergies: Encourage your child to avoid insects when playing outside. They should also wear shoes.
  • If they are allergic to bees or wasps, watch out for any swarms or nests. It is best to get them removed by a professional.
  • If they have had an anaphylactic reaction to a stinging insect, they are more likely to have another if they are stung again. Speak to your child’s doctor or an allergy specialist about special treatments for insect allergies.
• Medicine allergies: Tell health professionals about your child’s allergy before they prescribe any new medicine.
• Latex allergies: Inform health professionals of your child’s latex allergy before they touch or treat your child.
  • Many medical supplies contain latex, such as gloves, catheters and some bandages.
• Food allergies: Teach your child not to share or swap food with others, and to be careful when eating outside of home.
  • If they are eating at a restaurant, it is best to tell the staff about their allergies.
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  Avoiding allergic reactions at childcare and school

  In Victoria, childcare centres and schools must have their own anaphylaxis management policy. They must also train staff on how to prevent and manage allergic reactions.

  Talk to your school or childcare centre about your child's allergies and what relevant policies they have in place. It is a good idea to speak with their educators, too.

  When to get help

  Call an ambulance (000) if:

  your child is having an anaphylactic reaction (symptoms like trouble breathing and/or noisy breathing, wheeze or persistent cough, throat swelling, dizziness and/or collapse, and stomach pain and vomiting for insect bites). use their adrenaline device before calling an ambulance, if they have one.

  Go to a hospital if:

  you think your child is having a mild or moderate allergic reaction, but you are not sure how to treat it. your child’s reaction is getting worse.

  See a doctor or health professional if:

  you think your child has had an allergic reaction for the first time. your child is having a mild or moderate allergic reaction, and you have given them antihistamines, but you are still concerned.

  Look after your child at home if:

  they are having a mild or moderate allergic reaction, but you are following their Action Plan and they are getting better.

  Common questions about allergies and anaphylaxis

  My child has had a mild allergic reaction to some things. Should I buy an adrenaline device just in case they have an anaphylactic reaction one day?

  There is no need to buy an adrenaline device for your child unless a doctor believes they need one. If you are worried about your child’s allergies, it is best to speak with an allergy specialist. They will prescribe your child an adrenaline device if they believe your child has anaphylaxis or is at greater risk of an anaphylactic reaction.

  Do allergies change over time?

  Allergies can change over time. Some become more troublesome, and others become milder or completely go away. People may also develop new allergies as they get older. If you are worried that your child’s allergies are getting worse, there are simple treatments that can help – speak with their doctor.

  My child has asthma and anaphylaxis. What are the best ways to keep them safe?

  If your child has asthma and anaphylaxis, it is very important for them to control their asthma. This will reduce their risk of serious breathing problems during a severe allergic reaction. You should take your child to see their doctor if they are using their asthma reliever more than once a week; this is a sign their asthma may not be under control.

  If my child is having an anaphylactic reaction and their adrenaline device has expired, should I still give it to them?

  Expired adrenaline devices do not treat anaphylaxis as effectively. However, it is still better to use an expired device than no device if that is all that is available in an emergency.

  Should my child have their adrenaline device in hospital?

  If your child is in hospital, they should have their adrenaline device with them. Make sure to let staff know that they have it. They will ask you about your child’s allergies and let you know where to store the device for quick and easy access. When you leave the hospital, remember to take the device home. If your child used it in hospital, make sure a health professional gives them a new prescription.

  How long after an allergic reaction can my child return to childcare or school?

  Your child can return to childcare or school when they are feeling well again and their symptoms have gone away. If they only have a mild reaction, they may be fine within hours. However, if they have a severe allergic reaction, it may take anywhere from one day to a few days.

  My child has been anxious and upset since they had an anaphylactic reaction. What can I do to help them?

  Anaphylaxis is a scary experience for anyone to go through. It is important to support your child while they are recovering and encourage them to share how they are feeling. You may want to talk with your child about how they managed their anaphylactic reaction, and what they should do if it happens again.

  If your child is nervous to eat or struggling to get back to their routine after a few weeks, you may want to speak with their doctor about extra support. Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia also have some great resources about anxiety linked to allergies.

  For more information

  • Speak to your child’s doctor
  • Kids Health Info: Food allergies
  • Kids Health Info: Hives
  • Kids Health Info: Hay fever
  • Kids Health Info: Insect bites and stings
  • Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia: Anaphylaxis management videos
  • Allergy 250k: Resource hub for young people with severe allergies
  • Prevent Allergies: Nip allergies in the bub
  • Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
    

  
  Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department, with input from the Allergy and Immunology department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

  Reviewed December 2025

  Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.