Doctors and child nutrition experts recommend introducing fruits to children at an early age. Fruits can be offered in different forms, such as mashed, boiled, or juiced. Ultimately, children should eat a variety of fruits, as they are a rich nutritional source of vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.
Despite the general recommendations to include fruits in children’s diets, there are warnings regarding offering certain fruits to children who suffer from respiratory allergies, whether upper respiratory allergies or chest (asthma-like) allergies. In a special interview with Nadormagazine, chest and allergy specialist Dr. Yasser Hammad pointed out fruits that should be given with caution to children with chest allergies—such as grapes and strawberries—as well as their symptoms. On the other hand, there are fruits that help reduce allergy symptoms like coughing, as explained below.
Symptoms of Chest Allergy in Children
It is important for mothers to recognize the symptoms of respiratory allergies, especially chest allergies, in order to deal with them properly. Neglecting treatment may lead to serious health complications that are difficult to manage later.
One of the key signs that your child has a respiratory allergy rather than a simple cold is wheezing. When your child coughs, you may hear a whistling sound or shortness of breath when you place your ear close to the child’s chest. This indicates that the child is not just experiencing a temporary cold, but rather a chest allergy.
You should ask your child if they are having difficulty breathing. If the child is under two years old, you may notice signs such as persistent crying, facial congestion, or a change in facial color to bluish during coughing. In such cases, the child may be suffering from a respiratory allergy affecting the nose or chest.
Monitor how long the cough lasts. If coughing continues for more than two consecutive weeks, or if the cough worsens when the child inhales household fragrances such as perfumes or fabric and floor fresheners, this is a strong indication of respiratory—especially chest—allergy. In such cases, the child should be handled carefully and examined by a chest specialist.
Children with untreated chest allergies may also experience slow growth. Continuous coughing consumes much of the child’s energy, which should otherwise be used for growth and weight gain. As a result, the child may appear shorter, thinner, and physically weaker compared to peers of the same age. Therefore, mothers should closely monitor their child’s growth and not neglect treatment of chest allergies.
Three Fruits to Avoid for Children with Respiratory Allergies
1. Grapes
Although grapes have many health benefits for bones, skin, and blood, they are not recommended for children suffering from respiratory allergy symptoms such as coughing. Grapes contain a high amount of sugar, which increases bacterial growth in the throat, leading to more irritation, congestion, and coughing.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are known to worsen both respiratory and skin allergies. They increase histamine levels in the body, which can intensify coughing, especially at night and in the early morning. Therefore, strawberries should be avoided when the child has a cough. If the child does not have a genetic chest allergy, strawberries may be introduced only after complete recovery from colds and flu symptoms.
3. Oranges and Citrus Fruits
Oranges and other citrus fruits—such as mandarins, grapefruit, and clementines—should be avoided for children with respiratory allergies. These fruits are high in citric acid, which can increase coughing in both children and adults.
Why Is Milk Not Recommended for Children with Respiratory Allergies?
Milk should be completely avoided—whether hot, warm, or cold—when a child has a respiratory allergy. During colds and flu, mucus and phlegm accumulate in the chest. Consuming milk in the early days of illness makes it harder for the body to expel mucus, leading to chest congestion and worsening complications. Milk should be avoided during the first one or two days of illness. If coughing with phlegm persists, medical advice should be sought.
Tips to Reduce Chest Allergy Symptoms in Children
Keep your child away from passive smoking. Even if a parent smokes on a balcony, smoke residues and harmful chemicals cling to clothes, hands, and breath, worsening allergy symptoms.
Do not allow your child into the kitchen while frying food, as oil fumes can be very harmful. Ensure proper ventilation if the child must stay nearby.
Keep your child away from artificial fragrances, dust, and dirt during house cleaning. It is best to clean while the child is outside and to ventilate rooms well, especially the child’s bedroom. Avoid synthetic bedding materials, as they can trigger allergies.
Offer your child apples during the day, preferably slightly warm. Apples help reduce coughing significantly. The child can eat apple slices throughout the day to lessen coughing episodes. Avoid giving apples before bedtime, as they may cause insomnia. Apples are ideal during school breaks, as they help reduce coughing that interferes with concentration and also enhance attention and cognitive ability in the classroom.
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