How do allergies catch Children?

Allergies are immune system problems. Most allergic reactions occur when the immune system responds to “false alarms.” Normally, the human body protects itself from harmful agents such as viruses and bacteria. But defences can sometimes hit things that are mostly benign, like dust, mould, and pollen. In This Blog, We will discuss the Top Child Allergies that are most common.

 

Allergic reactions can occur anywhere in the body. This includes the eyes, stomach, skin lining, lungs, throat, sinuses, and nose. These are the places where immune system cells fight germs that are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin. Allergic reactions can cause:

 

  •     Nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, runny nose, ear, and palate itching.            
  •     Red, itchy, watery eyes.
  •     Redness, itching, dry skin.
  •     Hives or itching.
  •     Itchy rash.

 

Allergens are usually harmless. However, when a person has allergies, the body perceives these allergens as harmful. The body then attacks the allergen with an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies bind to specialized cells called mast cells. Allergens bind to antibodies. This causes the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions. When chemicals irritate the tissues surrounding the nose, they cause nasal allergy symptoms. When this happens in the airways of the lungs, it can cause asthma symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. If the reaction is systemic, it may be a severe allergic reaction.

What causes children’s allergies?

Many things can cause allergic reactions. Some common triggers for allergies are:

  •     Pollen from trees, grasses, and Weeds.
  •     Natural rubber latex.
  •     Animal dander, urine, sebum.
  •     Food.
  •     Medicines.
  •     Bee sting.
  •     Pests such as cockroaches and mice.

Which children are prone to allergies?

Allergies can happen to anyone. Age, gender, race, and social status are not important. Allergies are common in children. But allergies can occur at any age. And it can relapse after years of recovery. 

Allergies usually run in families. However, the exact reason is still unclear. Allergy symptoms often develop slowly over time.

 

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs immediately after eating certain foods. Even a small amount of the food you are allergic to can cause signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, and airway swelling. It can cause or even cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Food allergies affect about 8% of children under the age of 5 and up to 4% of adults. There is no cure, but some children get better with food allergies as they get older.

 

Facts about Common Child Allergies 

  1.   About 26 million (10.8%) US adults have food allergies
  2.   About 5.6 million (7.6%) of US children have food allergies
  3.   In 2018, 4.8 million (6.5%) children under the age of 18 had a food allergy in the past 12 months.
  4.   In 2018, 6 per cent of black and Hispanic children had a food allergy in the past 12 months, compared to 6.6 per cent of white children.
  5.   Most common child allergies to food have increased among US children over the past two decades, with the largest increase among black children.
  6.   Milk is the most common allergen in children, followed by eggs and peanuts. 10
  7.   Shellfish are the most common allergens in adults, followed by peanuts and tree nuts.
  8.   Sesame is on the rise in the field of food allergies. It is estimated that 1 million people in the United States have this disease.11 In 2021, it was named a major allergen in the United States.

 Learn more about common Skin Allergies in Kids

INDOOR ALLERGIES 

Indoor allergens such as mould, dust mites, and pet dander are common causes of allergy symptoms in children year-round.

Some of them are:

Mould

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungus that reproduces by releasing tiny spores in the air. Common types of fungi include moulds, yeasts, and moulds. Mould grows in moist, warm, dark places and can be found both indoors and outdoors.

Symptoms

  •     Breathing problems such as coughing or chest tightness
  •     Sneezing or stuffy nose
  •     Itchy and watery eyes
  •     Itchy skin and rashes
  •     Frequent colds
  •     Cold symptoms such as fatigue

Prevention

To prevent mould in your home, ventilate your basement, bathroom, and kitchen well. Repairing leaky pipes and removing puddles will help prevent mould growth.

Dust Mites

What is a Dust Mite allergy?

House dust mites are tiny creatures that live in house dust and cannot be seen without a microscope. They are very common and often known to trigger many allergies and asthma throughout the year.

Dust Mites can be found in:

  1.   Mattress and pillow
  2.   Carpet
  3.   Clothes
  4.   Plush doll
  5.   Items covered with fabric, such as furniture
  6.   Bedding

Prevention

  •     Use zippered dust covers for mattresses and box springs.
  •     Avoid feathers, foam, and feather pillows, and store them in dust-proof covers.
  •     Wash all bedding regularly in hot water.
  •     Avoid carpeting the entire wall. If you can’t do this, vacuum regularly.
  •     Reduce or eliminate the use of moisturizers.
  •     The most important thing is to keep the humidity in your home below 50%.

 

Allergy to pets

What is a pet allergy?

Pet allergies are caused by pet dander. Contains proteins that can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms in young children. Children with pet allergies may experience runny noses, itchy eyes, and watery eyes during and after contact with dogs, cats, or other animals. If the family has pets at home, these symptoms may become chronic in most common child allergies.

What are the symptoms of pet allergies?

  •     Sneeze.
  •     Runny Nose.
  •     Itchy, watery eyes.
  •     Cough.
  •     People with asthma may experience wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Prevention:

  1.   Antihistamines are usually used to temporarily relieve symptoms after you or your kid has experienced an allergic reaction. Common examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, etc.
  2.   Allergy shots have been proven to be the most effective long-term treatment.
  3.   Acupuncture

OUTDOOR ALLERGIES

Causes of Outdoor Allergies

 

  • Pollen Trees tend to release pollen in the spring. Grass continues in early summer and weeds begin to grow in late summer. In the north, the growing season begins later in the year. This means that pollen-related allergies have a slower onset.

 

  • Mould Spores These are usually airborne in the summer, but in warmer regions, mould spores can remain airborne year-round.

Outdoor allergy symptoms

  •     Allergic Rhinitis

Commonly known as “hay fever”.

Symptoms include:

  1.   runny nose
  2.   itchy nose
  3.   sneeze
  4.   Congestion, crowding
  5.   Red and itchy eyes

Prevention of outdoor allergies

Help your child feel better by:

 

  1.   Tracking Pollen Counts Some weather stations and websites report the amount of pollen in the air in specific areas.
  2.   Cool your home or car with an air conditioner without opening the windows.
  3.   Prevent children from playing with fallen leaves in the fall. Mould often grows on the leaves.
  4.   Use the dryer instead of hanging the laundry outside.
  5.   Local honey may want to feed children over one year of age to help with allergies.

Signs And Symptoms Of Most Common Child Allergies

Allergic reactions can occur anywhere in the body. This includes the skin, eyes, stomach lining, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These are the places where immune system cells fight germs that are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin. Allergic reactions can cause:

 

  1.   Nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, runny nose, ear, and palate itching.
  2.   Red, itchy, watery eyes.
  3.   Redness, itching, dry skin.
  4.   Hives or itching.
  5.   Itchy rash.

How is allergy diagnosed in children?

To diagnose allergies, your healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and examine your child’s allergy. Providers may also test for:

 

  • Skin test: This is the most common allergy test. Skin tests show whether you have IgE antibodies to specific allergens (food, pollen, animal dander, etc.). Apply a small amount of the diluted allergen to the skin. Getting stabbed or injured. If a person is allergic to an allergen, small raised bumps (like mosquito bites) will appear after about 15 minutes. Several allergen tests can be performed simultaneously.

 

  • Blood test: Allergy blood tests measure IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the blood. The most widely used test is called RAST (radio allergy absorbance test). If a skin test is not possible, a blood test may be done. For example, people with certain skin diseases. or someone who has recently had a severe allergic reaction.

 

  • The challenge test: It is performed under the supervision of an allergist. Very small amounts of allergens are given to children by mouth. Only a challenge test can determine the severity of the allergy. A skin reaction or blood test only indicates the possibility of some reaction, not what the reaction is.

Also Read:- Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Treat these Allergies at Home by:

  1.   Avoid allergy triggers.
  2.   Protect your home from allergies.
  3.   It suppresses the adhesion of pollen.
  4.   Protect your child’s eyes.
  5.   Try salt water.
  6.   Avoid smoke.
  7.   Use a cold compress.
  8.   Drink a lot of water
  9.   Eat foods that reduce the effect of allergies such as:
  •     Blueberries and raspberries
  •     Apple
  •     Onion
  •     Honey
  •     Hot food

After following the above steps of remedies at home, If there are still some symptoms of allergies, then you should see your paediatrician as you weren’t able to fulfil the parenting responsibilities.

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