An overview of Allergies in children
What are allergies in children?
An immune system issue is an allergy. When the immune system responds to a "false alarm," most allergic responses take place. The human body normally defends itself against dangerous items like viruses and germs. But, occasionally the defenses forcefully assault generally harmless substances, including pollen, mold, or dust.
Allergens are often safe. The body, however, interprets these allergens as dangerous when a person develops allergies. The immune system then uses antibodies known as immunoglobulin E to combat allergens (IgE). Mast cells are particular cells that are connected with these antibodies. Antibodies bind to allergens. This prompts an allergic reaction by stimulating the mast cells to release histamine and other substances. The irritation of surrounding nasal tissue by the chemicals results in nasal allergy symptoms.
What are the symptoms of allergies in a child?
An allergic reaction can happen anywhere in the body. This includes the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These are the places where immune system cells are found to fight off germs that are breathed in, swallowed, or come in contact with the skin. Allergic reactions can cause:
1. A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). This can cause trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, fainting, or death.
2. Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing
3. Itchy rash
4. Hives or itchy welts
5. Red, itchy, dry skin
6. Red, itchy, watery eyes
7. Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, or runny nose, and itching in ears or roof of mouth
What causes Allergies in a child?
Many things can trigger allergic reactions. But the most common triggers or allergens are:
1. Pests such as cockroaches and mice
2. Bee stings
3. Feathers
4. Medicines
5. Foods
6. Animal dander, urine, and oil from skin
7. Dust mites
8. Molds
9. Natural rubber latex
10. Tree, grass, and weed pollens
Which children are at risk for allergies?
Everyone can develop allergies. No matter your age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing, it doesn't matter. In general, youngsters are more likely to have allergies. Yet, allergies can strike anyone at any age. They can also return years after going into remission.
Families frequently experience allergies. Yet the precise cause is still unclear. Allergic symptoms frequently develop gradually over time.
How are allergies diagnosed in a child?
Consult your doctor if your child experiences cold-like symptoms for more than a week or two, or if they appear around the same time every year. Your doctor may identify an allergy and prescribe medication, or he or she may refer you to an allergist (a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies) for allergy testing. Allergists typically conduct skin tests for the most prevalent food and environmental allergens to determine the source of an allergy. For children with skin disorders, those on specific medications, or those who are extremely sensitive to an allergy, blood testing may be performed instead.
Even if testing shows an allergy, a child also must have symptoms to be diagnosed with an allergy. So, a toddler who has a positive test for dust mites and sneezes a lot while playing on the floor would be considered allergic to dust mites.
How Are Allergies Treated?
Allergy problems can be controlled, but there is no known cure. Keeping away from the allergens is the best method to deal with them. The allergy itself, as well as the potential effects of ingesting or coming into touch with the allergen, should be frequently discussed with children by their parents.
Inform every person who will be looking after your kid, including the childcare staff, teachers, family members, and the parents of his or her friends.
Doctors may recommend medications such as antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays if preventing environmental allergens isn't feasible or doesn't work. (Many also are available without a prescription.)
In some cases, doctors recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help desensitize a person to an allergen. But these are only helpful for allergens such as dust, mold, pollens, animals, and insect stings. They're not used for food allergies.