Childhood allergies

Childhood allergies differ from adult allergies only in possible causes, etiology, and all other parameters, including symptoms, are almost identical. Childhood allergies are often associated with a hereditary factor, so if one of the parents or both suffer from allergic diseases, first of all, it is necessary to take preventive measures to prevent allergies in the child.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

What causes childhood allergies?

An allergic disease is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to various allergens, which can be caused by both external and internal factors. The list of allergens is so large that it is worthy of not just a separate article, but also possibly a serious scientific study. Often, both adult and child allergies are accompanied by polysymptomatic symptoms, this is explained by the fact that almost all systems and organs are involved in the allergic process. Most often, children living in cities suffer from allergies, especially in large industrial megalopolises. It is no coincidence that one of the main causes of allergies is considered to be an unfavorable ecological environment.

Among the typical triggers of childhood allergies are the following:

• All types of dust, especially household dust;
• Products, especially whole milk products;
• Pollen of flowering plants, trees;
• Insect bites;
• Animal hair, especially domestic;
• Chemicals – household chemicals.

Symptoms of childhood allergies

Childhood allergies manifest themselves clinically quite noticeably, any attentive parent will immediately be able to notice redness on the child's skin, increased lacrimation, runny nose of unclear etiology and other typical allergy symptoms. Manifestations of allergies in children begin almost immediately after contact with the allergen carrier or with the allergen itself. Childhood allergies, as a rule, are not a serious threat to the health and life of the baby, but some of its symptoms, which cannot be stopped without medical assistance, can pose a danger to the child's life. We are talking about suffocation and anaphylactic shock. In order for childhood allergies not to progress to such a threatening stage, it is necessary to know how allergies manifest themselves in children and how the symptoms differ from similar signs of other diseases:

• Runny nose of allergic etiology. Unlike the common runny nose, allergic rhinitis lasts more than ten days and is not relieved by standard remedies for runny nose caused by ARVI;
• Sneezing, allergic sneezing differs from normal sneezing caused by a cold, in frequency. Allergic sneezing is three to four sneezes in a row;
• Redness of the eyelids, whites of the eyes, itching and tearing are typical signs of an allergic reaction;
• "Classic" circles under the eyes, typical of allergies. Dark puffiness under the eyes;
• The child rubs his nose frequently, sometimes for weeks, which indicates a developing allergy. A typical allergic fold between the eyes on the nose may appear as a symptom;
• Difficulty breathing, stuffy nose. The child breathes through the mouth.

Allergies in newborns

Childhood allergies in newborns deserve close attention. Their bodies are not yet fully formed, all protective and barrier functions are weak, so allergies are often expressed as food intolerance. With adequate diet therapy and drug treatment, adherence to the daily routine and strengthening of the immune system, allergic food symptoms may disappear with age. In children of this age, allergies manifest themselves as typical dermatitis - reddening of the cheeks, rash and itching. Less common are enteritis of allergic etiology, which eventually disappear with normalization of nutrition.

Childhood allergies are, unfortunately, a fairly common phenomenon, which is monitored and treated with timely actions from parents and doctors. The first and most reliable means of treating allergies in children is to exclude contact with the allergen, but for this, the allergen provocateur must be identified using diagnostics, and then begin a set of therapeutic measures under the strict supervision of a doctor.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]

How are childhood allergies recognized?

Of course, childhood allergies are subject to differential diagnostics, since even an experienced doctor sometimes finds it difficult to clearly determine the diagnosis. Allergies are often disguised as colds and their symptoms are also similar to those of ARVI. The same runny nose, moderate increase in body temperature, difficulty breathing due to a stuffy nose. Allergies can be differentiated by the time period of the disease, as a rule, ARVI does not exceed 10 days in duration. Allergies last much longer, especially if contact with the allergen continues. A runny nose, or rather nasal discharge, with a cold has a thicker consistency than with an allergy, allergic rhinitis is accompanied by transparent secretory discharge.

Allergens that provoke reactions in children can be pollen, animal hair and dander, dust, food products. The child's body reacts quickly enough to the invasion of an allergic agent, releasing specific antibodies and histamines into the blood. It is histamine that is the main culprit, the "provocateur" of allergic troubles in the baby. The most sensitive areas of a child are the skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. Especially often, childhood allergies have food causes, among which the leader is an allergy to whole milk protein. Also, an allergy in a child can manifest itself with signs that are not standard for this disease, such as enuresis, older children often become melancholic, can demonstrate symptoms of depression. In adolescents, childhood allergies often look like acne, pimples.