Allergic reactions are one of those classic pediatric conditions that often scare parents, even when they are causing mild symptoms.
Westend61/Getty Images
Classic Allergy Symptoms
Classic allergy symptoms and signs, some mild and some more severe, can include:
Most parents would be concerned if their child had an allergic reaction triggering any of these symptoms. However, mild congestion and coughing—or even hives that quickly come and go—would likely not be as big a worry as some of the other more severe symptoms of an all-out anaphylactic reaction.
Ananaphylactic reaction, with coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, itching in the throat, vomiting, and dizziness, is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
On the other hand, a child who just has hives and no other symptoms might just need an age-appropriate dose of an antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
Swollen Tongue
A swollen tongue can sound like a serious symptom that should be amedical emergency. While a swollen tongue can be serious, it is important to consider what other symptoms your child has at the same time and to consider some of the things that can cause a child’s tongue to become swollen.
As part of an allergic reaction, a child may get hives on his tongue or lips, in addition to the more classic hives on his skin.
An allergic reaction can also trigger another type of swelling that causes a swollen tongue. This type, called angioedema, leads to swelling beneath the surface of the skin, but the result is basically the same—a swollen tongue.
Without other more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, a swollen tongue is likely a part of a milder allergic reaction, but parents should still call their pediatrician in case their child needs more aggressive treatment.
Non-Allergic Causes
In addition to allergies, non-allergic causes of a swollen tongue can include:
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms in children.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Food allergy. Reviewed October 24, 2018.Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.Tongue problems.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms in children.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Food allergy. Reviewed October 24, 2018.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.Tongue problems.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
