Allergies in children - a life sentence?
Allergies in children - a life sentence?
Dear parents, given that many of you are interested in questions related to allergies in children, in this article, a pediatrician of the highest category, VITAMED MEDICAL clinic, Lyudmila Evgenievna Nosichenko, will answer several of them:
1. Is there such a thing as childhood allergies? Is it different from allergies in adults?
In medicine there is no such thing as childhood allergies. The fact is that the development of allergic reactions (AR) occurs according to the same development mechanisms, but their causes differ. They are different depending on age. In young children, as a rule, the development of AR occurs in an immediate manner - within the first two hours. The main cause of AR at this age is food. But in adults, among allergens (substances that can cause allergies), it is not food products that dominate, but chemicals. Therefore, AR can develop in a delayed manner and may appear on days 2-3. But adults also have immediate allergic reactions, just as children have delayed ones. In children under 3 years of age, the development of allergic reactions is most often provoked by food allergens, then they are joined by household allergens (house dust, animal hair, etc.), and from 5 years of age, sensitivity to pollen increases.
Allergic reactions, as a rule, develop in a sensitized body, that is, already prepared for allergies. There are a lot of factors that contribute to this. Unfavorable course of pregnancy, use of medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding, early transfer to artificial feeding, especially with unadapted milk formulas, heredity. And also - the child’s abuse of various sweets. And, of course, worms. Clinically, many helminthic infestations have a similar picture to allergic manifestations, especially atopic dermatitis (the so-called pseudoallergy). Therefore, all children with skin manifestations should be examined for the presence of worms.
2. Is it possible to determine the type of allergy and the possible cause of its occurrence based on the symptoms?
There are many manifestations of AR: from single skin rashes to the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell syndrome and anaphylactic shock, which can threaten the child’s life. Allergies can also manifest themselves in the form of damage to the respiratory tract (respiratory allergy) according to the type of development of false croup syndrome - rapid swelling of the larynx (rough, “barking” cough, difficulty noisy breathing when inhaling) or bronchial obstruction (reminiscent of an attack of bronchial asthma: dry obsessive cough, difficulty breathing when exhaling).
Most often, AR manifests itself in the form of normal nasal congestion - dry or runny nose, frequent causeless sneezing, lacrimation or coughing, as well as conjunctivitis. In young children, gastrointestinal manifestations in the form of unstable stools are quite common. To determine the type of allergy based on symptoms, you need either the attentiveness of parents or a carefully collected medical history and life history (history).
3. Treatment or self-medication. Is self-medication acceptable for AR, especially using traditional medicine?
Treatment of allergic diseases is a rather complex and lengthy process. Parents' patience is needed here. The main thing is strict adherence to the elimination regime in everyday life, that is, the elimination of all possible allergens. If you have a food allergy, strictly adhere to a hypoallergenic diet, especially in young children. Medicines should be used only after consultation with a pediatrician, allergist or dermatologist (if there are skin manifestations of allergies). Self-medication of allergies in children, and indeed in general, is unacceptable.
If a child suffers from severe forms of allergies, attacks of suffocation, angioedema, especially of the upper respiratory tract, then parents should always have a first aid kit on hand to provide first aid. But you still need to consult a doctor. If a child has bronchial asthma, then the home medicine cabinet should always have a nebulizer (inhaler) to relieve exacerbations. Traditional medicine can help, but rather in terms of preventing exacerbations, and not in stopping attacks.
4. What is the diet during treatment?
For skin or gastrointestinal forms of allergies, especially during exacerbations, strict adherence to a hypoallergenic diet is necessary. What can children eat, and what should even non-allergenic people avoid? Strong meat broths, liver, mushrooms, eggs, chocolate, citrus fruits, smoked foods, ketchup and mayonnaise, frozen sea and river fish, canned food, sweet carbonated drinks, chips, candies, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza can potentially cause allergic reactions. It is better for teenagers who have had any manifestations of allergies not to use cosmetics and perfumes. It is not recommended to smoke in a house where there is a child, even on the balcony, or to spray cologne, perfume, or deodorant in the room where the child is. His room should not be cluttered, especially with natural carpets and old books - particles of wool from carpets, book dust can cause the development of respiratory allergies, including bronchial asthma, as well as pet hair, feathers and bird down. Children need to be fed simple, natural food. Meat broths and boiled pureed liver are not recommended for children under one year of age, and mushrooms, even the best ones, are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
5. Is it possible to get rid of allergies?
The allergic mood of the body remains for life, but this is not a death sentence. Careful implementation of all doctor’s recommendations will avoid exacerbations of the disease and will allow you to achieve stable remission.
Like many childhood diseases, allergic diseases are at the intersection of such specialties of pediatricians as pediatricians, allergists and dermatologists. It is most reasonable for the doctor of first contact with a child with allergies to be a pediatrician, who will decide on the need for additional examination and the advisability of consulting other doctors. During treatment, the unity of opinions and actions of all family members is very important. The child needs to be taught to understand the words “no” and “no” and to show character. There is no need to provoke allergies (including respiratory: obstructive bronchitis, allergic stenotic laryngotracheitis, exacerbation of bronchial asthma) - use products with a strong odor in the treatment of respiratory diseases: mustard, mustard plasters, rub the skin with strong-smelling ointments based on menthol, lavender and other oils, balms. There is no need to apply aromatherapy to children from the first years of life. If, nevertheless, the child develops acute obstructive bronchitis or acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, he needs outpatient treatment using nebulizers (inhalers) and other necessary physiotherapeutic equipment. In most cases, outpatient physical therapy treatment is effective. In some cases, for example, with unabated shortness of breath, hospitalization of the child is necessary.
For any allergy symptoms in a child, contact an experienced specialist immediately
I wish good health to your children!
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