Breaking the Cycle: Protecting Your Child from the Allergic March

If you’re hoping your child will outgrow allergies, think again. “Allergies aren’t just a seasonal nuisance; they’re a progressive disease,” explains Lauren Whalen, a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology Group, in Middletown, NY. As a mom of two boys who knows the importance of staying proactive about health, she warns, “Left untreated, allergies can worsen over time and even lead to more serious conditions like asthma or chronic sinusitis.”

The Allergic March

Often, the first sign of allergies in young children is eczema. The progression from eczema to developing food allergies, allergic rhinitis and asthma is called “the allergic march.” Also known as the atopic march, it is the natural progression of allergic diseases from infancy to adulthood.

This is why eczema in infants and young children raises red flags for allergy providers. While many people view allergies as minor irritations, Whalen reiterates they’re far more complex. “Think of allergies as your immune system overreacting to something harmless, like pollen or pet dander,” she says. “Over time, this overreaction can escalate, causing inflammation that may affect your respiratory health and overall quality of life.”

Studies show about 50% of children with eczema develop asthma and 33% develop food allergies, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. They’re also at higher risk of developing allergic rhinitis and asthma.

The progression of the allergic march, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network, typically manifests in these stages:

• Birth to one year: Skin irritation, such as hives or eczema
• One to three years: Food allergies, such as peanut, tree, nut, cow’s milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish
• Four to six years: Seasonal and environmental allergies, including allergic rhinitis
• Five to seven years of age: Asthma, a chronic disease characterized by inflamed airways in the lungs

Management Tools

Early intervention is the key to managing this progressive disease. “The earlier you address allergies, the better your chances of minimizing long-term complications,” says Whalen. “This could mean anything from taking preventive medications to making lifestyle changes, like reducing exposure to allergens or investing in an air purifier.”

Whalen also stresses the importance of seeking professional guidance. “Don’t just self-diagnose and grab the first over-the-counter antihistamine you see. Consulting a healthcare provider can help you uncover triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan.”

Your provider may suggest immunotherapy, delivered through shots or drops, which gradually trains the immune system to become less reactive to specific allergens. It’s showing promise in slowing or preventing some effects of the allergic march. According to an article Allergy, the medical journal of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, allergen immunotherapy may prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis to asthma and stop new allergies from developing.

Parental Guidance

If your children are experiencing allergies or eczema, take action. “As a mom, I’m especially vigilant about recognizing allergy symptoms in kids. If untreated, childhood allergies can set the stage for more serious health issues later.” As Whalen puts it, “Taking allergies seriously today can save you a lot of trouble tomorrow. Your health — and your family’s health — is worth it.”

Lauren Whalen, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She has spent years training under a board-certified allergist and immunologist and has been a practicing allergy provider since 2018. Lauren treats a wide range of conditions including but not limited to food, drug and environmental allergies. She has a particular passion for pediatric food allergies and has many years of experience treating food allergies with oral immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy.