One in three children across Europe today suffers from some form of allergy – so parents need to be very careful in monitoring and detecting symptoms. So what do they need to know about both the disease and the treatment?
Definition
Hereditary susceptibility that manifests as intense acute or chronic reaction to something non-pathological.
Why does it happen?
Because the immune system overreacts to an “innocent” substance, such as milk, powder, bee (allergens) that considers it “enemy”.
Causes (allergens)
Examples: medicines, foods (milk, egg, fish, nuts, etc.), substances we inhale (pollen, animal hair, house dust mite), silicone (latex), contrast agents, local anesthetics.
How does it appear?
Usually with skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal symptoms.
Acute allergic diseases
Urticaria appears with redness on the body, extremities or face. Angioedema, Anaphylaxis, Allergic shock are serious acute reactions. They are manifested by sudden swelling on the face, lips, eyes, ears, or elsewhere on the body, with or without a rash. If hoarseness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain or dizziness occur the condition is very serious and should be treated immediately in an emergency.
Chronic allergic diseases. Rhinitis, Conjunctivitis, Bronchitis / Asthma, Eczema, Rash.
How do they manifest?
Rhinitis: a nose that often runs, “tickles” or gets stuffy. Nasal secretions often go down the throat and cause coughing.
Conjunctivitis: itching and red eyes.
Asthma: common viruses, bronchitis or laryngitis. Frequent cough or wheezing (whistling) regardless of cold, cough during exercise, easy shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, tightness in the chest.
Eczema: dry, itchy skin that is often infected with staph.
The diagnosis of allergy for the detection of the guilty allergen is based on the history but also on blood or skin tests. However, the child’s symptoms should always be related to the tests because they can be false positive.
The treatment of allergies aims to eliminate the symptoms and, depending on the case, includes:
1. The removal / avoidance of the guilty allergen.
2. Treatment with antihistamines and / or inhaled for the nose or lungs or cortisone.
3. Desensitization to the allergen, in chronic allergy, if the medicine does not improve the child and it is not possible to remove the allergen.
4. Supply with adrenaline injection, if needed.
5. Educating the family on successfully dealing with a possible future allergic reaction.
In conclusion, allergies can occur at any age. They have a hereditary predisposition and can leave completely or change character or manifestation system as the child grows. With proper treatment the symptoms are completely controlled and children with allergies can have a completely normal life.
Writes Evangelia Mantzourani Emeritus Professor of the University of Crete, Head of the Department of Allergic – Respiratory – Immunological Diseases of MITERA Children.
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