Allergic diathesis

Allergic diathesis (Greek "diathesis" - predisposition to something) indicates the human body's tendency to allergies, inflammatory diseases, as well as respiratory infections, convulsions and other pathological conditions. This is a constitutional feature of the body, which, when exposed to unfavorable factors, can cause the development of a disease. Most often, this anomaly occurs in infants in the first 6 months of life and is associated with the adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract to food. At the same time, substances entering the body with food are almost not absorbed, i.e. they are poorly digested in the intestines, and the liver neutralizes them.

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Epidemiology

Allergic diathesis has another medical name - "exudative-catarrhal". This is an anomaly of the human constitution, which is characterized by frequent allergic reactions and reduced resistance of the body to infections. In the majority of cases, the manifestation of allergic diathesis is associated with an abnormal reaction of the immune system to the entry of foreign food protein into the human body. Most often, such an inadequate reaction to food components is based on the immaturity of the digestive system in an infant, insufficient production of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and ineffective functioning of the liver (reduced barrier function). This form of diathesis occurs in 50-80% of babies in the first year of life and is especially pronounced during the introduction of complementary foods, as a result of which the digestive system of the infant undergoes an increased functional load.

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Causes allergic diathesis

Allergic diathesis can appear both in children and adults. Predisposing factors for the occurrence of this pathological condition are considered to be food allergies that arise in childhood.

The causes of allergic diathesis in children may be associated with an incompletely formed or weakened immune system. The mechanism of diathesis manifestation in adults is more complex, but in most cases it also indicates a decrease in the protective function of the body. Metabolic disorders, which are associated with the manifestation of an allergic reaction, are often provoked by a hereditary predisposition of the human body to skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema), gastritis, bronchial asthma. With a combination of many factors (infections, unhealthy diet, stress, eating disorders, poor ecology), any irritant substance entering the human body can cause an immediate release of histamine into the blood. The consequence of such a reaction is skin rashes on different parts of the body, which are often accompanied by inflammatory processes.

In some cases, diathesis occurs during the development of an infectious disease. In infants, such pathology appears due to improper nutrition of the mother or her use of medications during pregnancy. Toxicosis, which affects expectant mothers, also has a negative effect.

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Pathogenesis

"Diathesis" should not be understood as an independent disease, but as a specific condition of the body, a manifestation of an allergic reaction through skin changes, which can occur due to various reasons: immaturity of the digestive system in newborns, liver dysfunction (severe insufficiency of its detoxifying function), poorly developed immunity. There are frequent cases when diathesis manifests itself over several years and then recedes. It is important to identify the causes of allergic diathesis in time with the help of a medical examination and eliminate them. Preventive measures play an important role in this case.

Allergic diathesis is a genetic change characterized by a predisposition of the human body to allergic and inflammatory diseases. This is the initial stage of skin diseases (atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and in some cases, psoriasis). Diathesis, which manifests itself in childhood, is most often caused by increased sensitivity of the body to various allergens - certain foods, animal hair, household dust, etc.

The pathogenesis (the mechanism of origin) and etiology of allergic diathesis have not yet been fully clarified. A number of medical studies will be needed to establish the causes. In modern medicine, several main factors have been identified that in one way or another influence the occurrence of this pathological condition:

• Hereditary predisposition.
• Toxemia in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
• Adverse environmental conditions.
• Taking medications during pregnancy.
• Unhealthy diet of the expectant mother.
• Certain foods consumed by the mother during lactation (eggs, pickles, fruits, honey, milk, etc.).
• Infectious diseases.

Even during the period of intrauterine development, the fetus can become diaplacental sensitized to various allergens that circulate in the mother's body. In this case, we are talking about the so-called "congenital allergy according to Ratner". During the breastfeeding stage, trophoallergens penetrate the infant's body through the mother's milk and complementary foods. Even the most ordinary overfeeding of the baby can cause intense allergization.

Potential sensitizing agents often include foods and dishes that have not undergone heat treatment (seasonal vegetables and fruits in raw form, eggnog, cow's milk, fresh berries with whipped egg whites, etc.), seafood, fish, nuts and other foods that retain their allergenic properties even with thorough heat treatment. Eating a large amount of "seasonal" foods (berries, fruits) provokes allergies, since they easily become irritants. Negative effects on the body are also caused by the abuse of salty and spicy foods, sweets, irregular eating, and the introduction of new (including exotic) foods into the diet.

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Symptoms allergic diathesis

Allergic diathesis in children most often manifests itself in the form of red spots on the cheeks, which are then covered with gray-yellow crusts. At the same time, the affected areas of the skin become painful and itchy, causing discomfort. This is how allergies manifest themselves, i.e. metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of allergic diathesis in children may be associated with a lack of enzymes necessary for the high-quality breakdown of food. One of the first signs of such a pathology is crusts on the baby's head, which turn red and turn into wet spots. Itchy nodules can appear on the folds of the arms and legs, and also spread throughout the body, forming lesions. Often, with diathesis in adults, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyeball (conjunctiva), burning under the eyelids, swelling of the affected areas are observed. In this case, the skin tends to change color from pale pink to burgundy.

At the first appearance of an allergic reaction, symptoms often disappear quickly, in particular, skin rashes. However, with constant human contact with an allergen (household chemicals, odors, dust, building materials, irritating products, animal hair), exudative-catarrhal diathesis in adults often takes a protracted (chronic) form. In this case, the burning and itching of the skin intensify, become simply unbearable, the affected skin areas are difficult to restore and are characterized by increased dryness.

If diathesis is caused by allergenic products, the first redness and rashes on the skin appear 20-30 minutes after eating. Due to constant itching, a person experiences insomnia and unmotivated anxiety, which, in turn, worsens the situation and contributes to the intensification of symptoms.

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First signs

Allergic diathesis usually manifests itself immediately after allergens enter the body, which can be irritating foods, dust, animal hair, and other substances.

The first signs of diathesis are changes in the skin (redness with increased sensitivity). Small children may experience frequent diaper rash and profuse prickly heat, which do not go away even with careful care and hygiene. Yellow-gray "milk crusts" appear on the head, and areas of increased dryness and severe peeling may appear on other parts of the body (face, on the folds of the limbs, behind the ears). When touching the affected areas, pain, itching, severe itching and burning appear.

It is necessary to note the variety of clinical manifestations of exudative-catarrhal diathesis not only by external signs, but also by severity. After the initial stage (reddening of the skin), elements of a rash, pink or burgundy spots, oozing skin, crusts, blisters filled with transparent liquid may appear. In especially severe cases, skin changes are accompanied by severe, debilitating itching, which provokes insomnia and anxiety. The child sleeps poorly, becomes agitated, capricious and refuses to eat.

In small children suffering from diathesis, a "milk scab" may form on the cheeks, which is characterized by a bright red color and roughness of the skin. Sometimes not only different parts of the body are affected, but also the mucous membranes (conjunctiva of the eyes). Against the background of allergic diathesis, symptoms of gastrointestinal tract damage may be observed, and diseases such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis and enterocolitis may develop.

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Allergic diathesis in a child

Allergic diathesis in children is most often caused by genetic predisposition - heredity, which makes the baby vulnerable to an inadequate response of the immune system to common irritants. In addition, the living environment is important, including the lifestyle of a woman during pregnancy, environmental conditions, and hygiene features in the family.

Allergic diathesis in children can be of three types (according to MD Vorontsov I.M.): atopic, autoimmune and directly allergic. The first type (atopic) is characterized by the following indicators: excess of immunoglobulin E and deficiency of immunoglobulin A, insufficient activity of phagocytes, imbalance of the produced interleukins. As a rule, the anamnesis of parents whose child suffers from allergic diathesis contains positive allergological data.

Clinical manifestations of autoimmune diathesis include increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, increased levels of g-globulins, the presence of antinuclear factors and other pathological disorders at the cellular level.

Infectious-allergic diathesis most often manifests itself against the background of a prolonged increase in ESR, respiratory viral infection, subfebrile temperature, and diseases of the nasopharynx.

Allergic diathesis is expressed through the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which include loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and irritability. At the same time, there may be an enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, prolonged subfebrile conditions, and the occurrence of chronic foci of infection. The provocateurs of this condition are: past infections, toxicosis of pregnant women, taking medications during pregnancy, and improper nutrition of the expectant mother. It is food that is the main source of allergens for children in the first year of life. The development of an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes occurs against the background of an increased content of biologically active substances in the blood. Thus, childhood diathesis is manifested by increased sensitivity of the body to common food irritants that do not cause similar reactions in adults. Skin changes (allergy) are a hyperactive immune response to the action of antigens. Unfortunately, statistics show that today every third child aged 3 months to 2 years suffers from allergic diathesis.

Since diathesis is not a disease, but only a predisposition of the body, there is no point in talking about "diathesis treatment". First of all, it is necessary to establish a diagnosis and find out the main reasons for the development of such an anomaly. Usually, therapy comes down to rational nutrition of the patient and a properly selected diet: the consumption of protein and fatty foods, liquids, as well as legumes, nuts, eggs, fish, seasonings and spices is limited; vitamins C and B are added to the diet. It is not recommended to wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics, washing things with synthetic powder is prohibited - only baby soap should be used.

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Allergic diathesis in infants

Allergic diathesis most often occurs in newborns due to improper feeding, and this also concerns the nutrition of the expectant mother. This disease is also based on the negative impact of ecology and the external environment.

Allergic diathesis in infants can be provoked by various factors, not only food, but also insect bites, pet hair, cosmetics, household chemicals and cigarette smoke. Allergens enter the child's body through breastfeeding. The external manifestation of diathesis is reddening of the cheeks, internal - problems with glands and lymph, nervous disorders.

The danger of infantile diathesis is that it can provoke the development of chronic diseases - eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis. That is why it is so important for parents to promptly respond to the symptoms of pathology and take appropriate measures. One of the most important tasks is for the mother to follow a special diet during breastfeeding. Irritating foods (red vegetables and fruits, pickles and smoked foods, chocolate, honey, eggs, spices and spicy dishes) should be completely excluded from the diet. An important nuance is the correct choice of milk formula, which should be hypoallergenic.

Since allergic diathesis can occur on the mucous membranes, preventive measures should be taken - eliminating dysbacteriosis with the help of prebiotics and probiotics, which contain nutrients that are beneficial for the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating and restoring its vital activity. It is important to carefully maintain the baby's hygiene, daily wet cleaning in the children's room, choosing the right (hypoallergenic) washing powder, etc. Self-medication is prohibited; if symptoms of diathesis appear, the child should be shown to a pediatrician who will prescribe the correct treatment using medications and folk remedies.

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Allergic diathesis in adults

Allergic diathesis can occur not only in children, but also in adults. This is a very common phenomenon, which is often associated with allergies or food intolerance. Symptoms of diathesis (skin rashes, the appearance of itchy nodules on the body) are often attributed to other diseases, which complicates treatment. It should be noted that the course of allergic diathesis in adults is less painful than in children, but requires a review of lifestyle and a change in diet.

Allergic diathesis in adults can manifest itself in the following forms:

• allergic (a traditional type of diathesis, characterized by skin rashes);
• gastrointestinal (aggravated by the development of dysbacteriosis);
• lymphatic-hypoplastic (characterized by the body's tendency to infections, which often affect the mucous membranes and skin);
• hemorrhagic (accompanied by increased sensitivity of the skin to various mechanical influences, as well as a tendency to bleeding);
• neuro-arthritic (strong nervous excitability becomes the main cause of skin rashes).

Exudative-catarrhal diathesis in adults is almost always masked by other ailments and can spread to various organs. Hypersthenic diathesis is typical for people with an exaggeration of vital processes: rapid heartbeat, increased skin density, high blood pressure, excessive body weight.

The direct opposite of the hypersthenic type is asthenic diathesis, which occurs in people with low blood pressure, sluggish blood vessels and weak tissues, underweight, thin skin. Other symptoms include general malaise and muscle weakness, poor appetite, insomnia. The speech of such people is measured, quiet and calm.

In most cases, allergic diathesis in adults is diagnosed as an allergy, so it is treated incorrectly. For this reason, the development of concomitant diseases is possible: bronchitis, rhinitis, bronchial asthma, etc. It should be emphasized that diathesis is not a disease, but a predisposition of the body to the development of a particular ailment, a kind of warning about a malfunction in the organs and systems.

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Complications and consequences

Allergic diathesis as a special constitutional anomaly has an extremely negative impact on the human body (especially children), which is fraught with frequent respiratory diseases, weight loss, the development of dysbacteriosis, as well as sensitization (increased sensitivity of the body to the effects of irritants), which can further provoke the development of serious allergies.

The consequences of allergic diathesis can be very diverse: such anomaly causes allergic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, hay fever, allergies to food products, pet hair, plants, household dust, etc. That is why it is so important to pay attention to the first signs of this pathology in time (redness and itching of the skin, the appearance of crusts and itchy nodules, weeping skin, etc.). Only the correct approach to diagnosing such a constitutional feature of the body can prevent negative consequences. It is also important to follow preventive measures aimed at preventing pathology in order to avoid the development of dangerous diseases.

It should be emphasized that diathesis itself is not a disease. It is a predisposition of the body, which can lead to a particular disease only when exposed to unfavorable factors (stress, infections, unbalanced nutrition, poor living conditions, etc.). If a person is diagnosed with "exudative-catarrhal diathesis", they should listen to the doctor's recommendations and strictly follow all medical prescriptions, including lifestyle changes.

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Complications

Allergic diathesis in advanced manifestation can lead to adverse effects and cause various complications. Everything depends on the state of the body and the severity of the pathology.

Complications of allergic diathesis are most often associated with skin infection as a result of penetration of harmful microorganisms (bacteria) into wounds that form in places of skin scratching, since such an anomaly is accompanied by unbearable itching. Ulcers appear on the skin, which eventually become covered with crusts. When infection gets into the wounds, they become purulent.

In some cases, diathesis becomes the cause of the development of allergic diseases such as:

• allergic rhinitis,
• atopic dermatitis,
• allergic bronchitis,
• bronchial asthma,
• psoriasis,
• hay fever, etc.

To prevent complications of this kind, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and strictly follow his recommendations. A child who has the first symptoms of exudative-catarrhal diathesis must be provided with appropriate care, proper nutrition and effective treatment.

If exudative-catarrhal diathesis is not treated in childhood, the likelihood increases that the pathology will transform over the years into a chronic itchy dermatosis - neurodermatitis, and will also serve as a basis for the development of other allergic diseases. For example, a predisposition to bronchial asthma is indicated by the presence of conjunctivitis, dermatitis, allergic rhinitis. In addition to allergies, colds are dangerous for children suffering from diathesis, which can give such serious complications as bronchial asthma, false croup and even pulmonary edema. If the child's diathesis is not limited to redness, but is complicated by a bacterial infection, the use of special antibacterial ointments or antibiotics is indicated. Antiseptic solutions are used to avoid complications.

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Diagnostics allergic diathesis

Allergic diathesis requires careful diagnosis by an experienced medical specialist. The key factors for an accurate diagnosis are: clinical manifestations of the pathology, patient information about previously suffered diseases. The presence of a hereditary nature of diathesis (cases of allergic diseases in the family) plays a special role.

Allergic diathesis is diagnosed based on a comprehensive laboratory examination. The main symptoms and anamnesis are taken into account. The importance of timely detection of an anomaly and determination of its type is associated with the need for a special approach to the issues of creating a balanced diet, proper organization of the daily routine, implementation of immunoprophylaxis, and effective treatment of concomitant diseases. A correctly made diagnosis will prevent the development of chronic diseases (rhinitis, bronchial asthma, allergic reactions).

The main criteria for diagnosing allergic diathesis:

• hereditary predisposition;
• identification of allergens among medications, food products, chemicals, household dust, etc.;
• determination of the degree of allergy development;
• increase in the level of immunoglobulin IgE;
• increased levels of eosinophils in the blood, nasopharyngeal mucus, sputum and saliva;
• deficiency of immunoglobulin IgA and T-lymphocytes;
• presence of secondary acute obstructive bronchitis;
• pronounced sensitivity of the body to neurotransmitters - acetylcholine, histamine.

Other clinical manifestations of allergic diathesis include metabolic disorders, a tendency to spasms, and increased excitability of the nervous system.

Allergic manifestations in the anamnesis may include skin reactions to certain odors, medications or food products. Children may experience erythema, peeling and dry skin, seborrheic scales, and in some cases increased sweating, a tendency to diaper rash and prickly heat. Such symptoms are often combined with an unmotivated increase in temperature to 37.0-37.5 °C, which is associated with disturbances in thermoregulation and vegetative mechanisms.

Allergic altered reactivity manifests itself through:

• paroxysmal cough resembling whooping cough;
• repeated cases of laryngeal stenosis and broncho-obstruction against the background of viral and bacterial diseases;
• catarrhal syndrome in acute respiratory infections;
• changes in the lungs.

Many children have unstable appetite, unmotivated constipation, often followed by diarrhea, intestinal dysbiosis. At the same time, the symptoms are episodic - many of them are detected only during a thorough clinical and anamnestic examination and do not correspond to the manifestation of an allergic disease. This is the main reason for diagnosing allergic diathesis.

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Tests

Allergic diathesis is diagnosed based on the results of laboratory tests. Thus, if any changes appear on the child's skin, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor and take a stool sample for microbiological testing. If the test result shows intestinal dysbacteriosis, then the main cause of the diathesis will become clear.

Tests will help identify the pathogen - for example, in the case of dysbacteriosis, it may be Staphylococcus aureus, which caused digestive problems, as indicated by a lot of undigested food residues in the stool. Accordingly, the child's body has increased the production of IgE antibodies, which triggered an allergic reaction. Treatment will be reduced to combating the pathogen - Staphylococcus aureus.

Laboratory diagnostics of diathesis is reduced to taking urine and blood tests (general, biochemical), as well as immunological research to identify B- and T-lymphocytes, IgA and IgG antibodies, CIC (circulating immune complexes), determining the level of phospholipids, catecholamines, cholesterol, uric acid, glucose. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe additional methods of medical examination to the patient: ultrasound of the abdominal organs (liver, adrenal glands, spleen), lymph nodes and thymus gland, chest X-ray.

Since diathesis is considered not a disease, but only a constitutional anomaly, depending on the manifestations of this condition, you should contact different doctors: dermatologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, nephrologist, allergist-immunologist.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Allergic diathesis is a constitutional feature that predisposes the body to the occurrence of pathological reactions and certain diseases. The type of diathesis determines the symptoms: metabolic disorders, tendency to allergic reactions and infectious diseases, hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, etc.

Instrumental diagnostics includes the following methods of medical examination: ultrasound, radiography, fluoroscopy, electrodiagnostics, computed tomography, endoscopic examination, etc. Depending on the manifestation of diathesis, the doctor prescribes one or another examination using various devices. For example, a dermatoscope is used for better visualization of rashes. Allergological (scarification) skin tests are also carried out.

Laboratory and instrumental methods for diagnosing allergic diathesis include blood analysis. Allergization may be indicated by an increase in the level of eosinophils, serum IgE, a violation of protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which manifests itself through an imbalance of amino acids, a decrease in the level of albumins and gamma globulins, and a high initial sugar level. A general and biochemical blood test can detect bacterial or viral infections.

The probable development of diathesis is indicated by hereditary cases of allergic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, hay fever. A thorough assessment of the anamnesis will help in diagnosing the pathology. The treatment tactics include drug therapy depending on individual manifestations, adherence to an optimal regimen and diet, gymnastics and massage.

Differential diagnosis

Allergic diathesis requires a more precise diagnosis, since many symptoms of this pathology are similar to the symptoms of other diseases.

Differential diagnostics are performed with dermatitis, erythroderma, psoriasis, immunodeficiencies, and malabsorption syndrome. Skin rashes and itchy nodules may be signs of lichen ruber, dermatophytosis, toxicoderma, Duhring's dermatitis, secondary syphilis, sarcoidosis, strophulus, etc. The final diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and the collected anamnesis.

When conducting differential diagnostics, the following diseases are also taken into account:

• chronic tuberculosis intoxication (with a positive Mantoux test result);
• dermatitis (inflammatory reactions of the skin as a response to the negative influence of negative factors (irritants) of the external environment);
• minimal brain dysfunction syndrome;
• eczema (serous inflammation of the dermis and epidermis);
• neurodermatitis (chronic itchy dermatosis).

Untimely or incorrect diagnosis, as well as ineffective treatment often lead to the development of various complications: early atherosclerosis, gout, diabetes, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, atopic bronchial asthma. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor at the first suspicion of diathesis and undergo a full diagnosis to identify the true cause of the development of the pathology.

Treatment allergic diathesis

Allergic diathesis passes quite quickly with proper treatment. At the same time, there are no visible traces of itchy rashes, pustular acne and scratched wounds on the skin. It is very important to develop a special diet depending on the severity of the anomaly. In each individual case, the doctor develops the most effective treatment regimen.

Treatment of allergic diathesis is based on the use of antihistamines, produced in the form of ointments and tablets, the action of which is aimed at reducing the sensitivity of the skin to allergens. Third-generation drugs (Xizal, Telfast, Fexadin) have the most positive effect and have fewer side effects. Children are most often prescribed Erius in the form of syrup. Medicinal ointments and sprays, created on the basis of plant components, moisturize the skin well and have an antiseptic effect. Such drugs prevent bacteria and fungi from entering inflamed areas of the skin, as well as the development of an infectious process. Special applications of ointment are applied to the skin in a thin layer and covered with gauze.

Since diathesis signals about disorders in the functioning of the body, at the first symptoms of pathology it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe effective therapy. It is impossible to use ointments and other medicines without a doctor's prescription, since the symptoms of diathesis are similar to the manifestations of more serious diseases.

Medicines

Allergic diathesis as a predisposition of the body to certain diseases requires therapeutic measures, which include etiotropic treatment: prescribing hyposensitization to the patient, eliminating the impact of causative factors.

Medicines used in treatment are aimed at strengthening the immune system, eliminating allergic reactions, stopping respiratory symptoms, and purifying the blood. The most commonly used antihistamines are Claritin (Loratadine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Xizal (Levo-cetirizine), etc. Inhalation agents (Intal, etc.), which affect the bronchial mucosa and stop respiratory symptoms, help reduce the dosage of antiallergic drugs. Binding and removing allergens from the body is the task of modern enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Polysorb, Lactofiltrum), which have sorption and detoxification properties.

Taking antioxidant drugs (Polyoxidonium, Mexidol) is aimed at restoring immune responses, including secondary immunodeficiency, often caused by infections. In addition, antioxidants act as stimulants on phagocytic cells and antibody formation. The detoxifying activity of such drugs is manifested in improving the resistance of cell membranes to the action of drugs and chemical agents, effectively reducing their toxicity.

Glucocorticosteroid hormones are used strictly for medical reasons, most often in the form of sprays, creams (Celestoderm, Triderm) and ointments (Hydrocortisone 1%). Extrarenal blood purification using activated carbon and ion exchange resins has a lasting positive effect. Zinc oxide cream is used to treat skin areas affected by rashes. Decoctions of chamomile, string flowers, oak bark and celandine, which have healing and anti-inflammatory properties, have a positive effect.

Folk remedies

Allergic diathesis is treated with both medical drugs and folk remedies. Herbal decoctions and applications cannot completely eliminate the pathology, but they significantly alleviate the condition, eliminate itching, improve the skin structure and relieve inflammation.

Traditional medicine comes down to the use of herbal infusions, ointments, powders, compresses and lotions. Thus, a collection of yarrow, gentian and elecampane strengthens the immune system well, and a bath with grated potatoes or an ointment with fir oil moisturize the skin, help eliminate crusts and painful oozing skin.

Treatment of allergic diathesis with boiled eggshells gives positive results. To obtain a folk remedy, the egg must be boiled, cooled and peeled. Remove the thin film from the shell and dry, then grind into powder. Depending on the age of the child, the dosage is determined: for a baby under 6 months, egg flour on the tip of a knife is enough, for a one-year-old child - half a shell per day. Before use, add a couple of drops of lemon to the powder.

A mixture of medicinal plants violets, string, walnut leaves, burdock and yarrow roots, blackcurrant leaves, strawberries, birch and bearberry (20-30 g of each plant) helps cleanse the skin, eliminate itching and burning. To prepare the remedy, 4 tbsp of the mixture must be poured with half a liter of cold water, infused for 6 hours, boiled and filtered. Children's dosage - 2 tbsp three times a day.

A decoction of dried and crushed roots of creeping wheatgrass helps restore metabolism and cleanse the blood. To prepare the decoction, pour 1 tbsp of the plant with half a liter of water, boil, leave for 2 hours and strain. Take half a glass before meals three times a day.

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Herbal treatment

Allergic diathesis requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. In addition to medications, various herbs are used as therapeutic agents – decoctions, infusions, medicinal ointments, etc.

Herbal treatments are aimed at eliminating problems such as itching, flaking and inflammation of the skin, as well as strengthening the immune system and improving metabolism. Below are some effective recipes.

• Pour boiling water over elecampane, gentian and yarrow in equal proportions and leave for half an hour. Take 100 g of the infusion three times a day to strengthen the immune system.
• Black radish juice should be taken 1 tbsp. three times a day for adults and a few drops, gradually increasing the dose, for children.
• To prepare an ointment with fir oil, mix 5 teaspoons of baby cream with 2 teaspoons of fir oil (from the pharmacy), and then add another 2 teaspoons of sulfur ointment. You can also add a few drops of vitamin C. Apply the resulting ointment to the affected areas twice a day - morning and evening.
• Add 25-30 drops of brilliant green to a bottle of sea buckthorn or olive oil, shake and apply to itchy areas of the skin several times a day.
• Place a tablespoon of bearberry in a glass, add cold water and put on the fire. Boil for 30 minutes, cool, strain and use to wipe the affected areas of the skin.
• Baths with celandine (500 g per 1 l of boiling water), fresh or dried walnut leaves, crushed chicory root (50 g per 1 l of boiling water) are used both for the treatment and prevention of diathesis. They have a calming, disinfectant and general strengthening effect on the skin. The duration of the procedure should be at least 20-30 minutes.
• Crushed dandelion root (1 tbsp.) pour 250 ml of boiled water, boil for 15 minutes, cool. The strained decoction should be taken warm, half a glass at least 3 times a day before meals.

Before using the above herbal remedies, you should consult your doctor, as improper self-medication can lead to a worsening of the condition.

Homeopathy

Allergic diathesis is becoming an increasingly pressing problem, the solution of which requires a special approach. One of the methods of treating diathesis is the use of homeopathic drugs. However, this therapeutic approach still raises doubts and disputes among medical specialists regarding its appropriateness and effectiveness.

Homeopathy captivates with its specific philosophy, which is based not only on the external signs of illness, but also on the patient's condition preceding the disease. That is, the homeopathic doctor's special attention is concentrated on the causes of the pathology, and not on the symptoms. The goal of homeopathic treatment is to activate the immune system through the selection of drugs according to the patient's constitution and individual characteristics.

The arsenal of homeopathic remedies is huge, so the choice should depend on many factors, in particular, the nature of the rash (nodular, vesicular), their location, the circumstances under which the itching intensifies. For example, if the redness and rash are on the child's face, you can prescribe Rhus toxicodendron, Calcarea carbonica or Staphyzagria. If the reaction worsens in damp weather and itching increases during night sleep, Calcarea carbonica will be the best option. Other homeopathic remedies include Sulfuris, Alumina, Sepia, Sabadilla 6C, Bromium, Euphrasia 6C or Arsenicum iodatum 6C, Allium cepa 6C, which reduce the manifestation of symptoms such as sneezing and itching, lacrimation of the conjunctiva, hay fever. Only a medical specialist can determine the exact dosage of a particular herbal medicine.

Homeopathic remedies used in the treatment of allergic diathesis are available in the form of granules, tinctures, ointments and creams. The remedy "Rus toxicodendron" has proven itself well, it is used to eliminate itching and prevent inflammatory processes on the skin. For extremely painful small pustules, Arnica is prescribed.

Surgical treatment

Allergic diathesis requires therapy based on the correct construction of a diet. In each specific case, an optimal scheme for consuming products is selected. Having confirmed the allergic nature of skin rashes, the doctor prescribes an adequate diet. For example, the diet of a nursing mother should consist of "light" products and limit the consumption of carbohydrate and fatty foods, table salt, and possible allergens. Conducting special allergy tests will help to identify the nature of allergic reactions in cases where they are unclear, and the patient's condition remains without improvement for a long time.

Surgical treatment for allergic diathesis is not performed. An exception is the situation with hay fever, which can spread to the bronchi and cause attacks of shortness of breath, and in more severe cases - laryngeal edema. If the edema is not relieved by medication, surgical intervention can be used. To relieve unpleasant symptoms, such as itchy skin, antihistamines and sedatives, vitamin preparations of group B, as well as A and C are prescribed. In more severe cases, glucocorticosteroids are required. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) may be needed for children with particularly severe, recurrent allergic reactions. Only an experienced doctor can develop an accurate method for treating allergic diathesis.

Prevention

It is easier to prevent allergic diathesis than to treat the diseases associated with it. To do this, you should remember about a balanced diet and the correct daily routine. It is important to exclude irritating foods (allergens) from the diet, such as citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, red fruits and vegetables. A pregnant woman should remember about rational nutrition, since overeating certain foods can lead to the accumulation of allergens in the body, which will subsequently affect the child's condition, i.e. the manifestation of diathesis. Modern nutritionists recommend that expectant mothers eat more dairy products, proteins, salads.

Prevention of allergic diathesis in children also includes compliance with hygiene procedures, the use of neutral washing powders and special products for baby's skin care. The child's diet is also selected based on the tolerance of products. Other preventive measures include:

• regular monitoring of the condition of a pregnant woman (routine check-ups with an obstetrician-gynecologist);
• timely treatment of diseases detected in pregnant women;
• hypoallergenic, balanced nutrition for the expectant mother;
• natural feeding of a newborn;
• careful and gradual introduction of new foods into the baby's diet;
• use of items (diapers, clothes, bed linen) made exclusively from natural fabrics;
• use of baby soap and special allergen-free washing powder;
• daily massage, hardening, and gymnastics procedures;
• individual schedule of preventive vaccinations.

Thus, prevention of constitutional anomalies should be carried out even at the stage of bearing a child and continue in the postpartum period.

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Forecast

Allergic diathesis can be prevented with the help of preventive methods and recommendations of a medical specialist. If the diagnosis is made, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment to get rid of the main cause - a specific disease. Thorough hygienic care of the baby is extremely important: you should avoid using shampoos, washing powders, any other allergens that can aggravate the course of the pathological process. Vaccination should preferably be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and only during the period of remission.

The prognosis with the right treatment is always favorable. Parents of a child diagnosed with diathesis should seriously review the daily routine and diet of the baby, follow all the doctor's instructions. You cannot use medications (pills, ointments, folk remedies) on your own - treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist depending on the symptoms of diathesis (allergist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, etc.).

Proper nutrition, as well as the exclusion of possible allergens from the diet, is considered one of the most important components of the treatment of diathesis and subsequently - a favorable prognosis. Usually, the doctor prescribes drugs that reduce itching and strengthen the immune system. In this case, a comprehensive approach to therapy is important, since allergic diathesis is a multifactorial constitutional anomaly.

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