CONDITIONS
Allergic Conditions
What is an allergy?
An allergy is the body's reaction to substances that are typically considered harmless. An allergic reaction occurs when antibodies multiply to fight against an allergen. An allergen could be a type of food, pet dander, dust, mould, pollen, perfume or medication.
What triggers an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system's proteins, also known as antibodies, perceive harmless substances like pollen, pet dander and fragrances as harmful invaders and prompts an unfavourable reaction.
How do children get it?
Direct exposure to an allergen triggers an allergic reaction ranging from mild, moderate or severe. Apart from exposure to these irritants, children acquire allergies as a result of genetics.
Airborne irritants are:
- High pollen counts
- Mould spores (fungi)
- Pet saliva and dead skin cells
- Dust mites on bedding, curtains, carpets and upholstery
Besides pollen and other airborne irritants, children are susceptible to food allergies, the allergens being cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, shellfish and nuts.
What are the symptoms?
- Red, itchy eyes
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Tight throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or nausea
- Large round red skin swelling wheals/flares
What does a diagnosis entail?
An allergic skin test will help identify triggers, causing an allergic reaction. Moderate amounts of a substance (mould, pollen, a liquid fragrance or pet saliva) remain on the child’s skin. An adverse reaction to any of these substances confirms an allergic condition.
Alternatively, your doctor can suggest a blood test to check for high immunoglobulin E levels, an antibody the body produces to fight against allergens. Antibodies cause cells to release histamine, a chemical within the bloodstream that defends the body against harmless agents.
How do you treat allergic conditions?
There is no specific cure for allergic conditions, but symptoms can be prevented through adequate management techniques. The first preventative measure is to identify and avoid the irritant causing an allergic reaction.
Prescription medications to manage symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
- Nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Antihistamines
- Prednisone
Your doctor can commence immunotherapy which is an allergy shot to prevent a flare-up. An allergy shot is only applicable when preventing a reaction to pollen, pet dander and dust. Allergy shots are not recommended to treat food allergies.
What is the result?
By managing your child’s condition and removing allergens to reduce exposure, the chance of an allergic reaction is slim.
What does prevention for allergic reactions entail?
Finding out what substances children are allergic to through an allergic skin test ensures one is a step closer to treatment and prevents a reaction altogether. Take the necessary precautions by cleaning your house and closing your windows during high pollen season to avoid an allergic reaction.
Takeaway
An allergic reaction is how the immune system retaliates to what is perceived to be a harmful invader. When exposed to the allergen, the body releases high amounts of immunoglobulin E, which triggers cells to release the chemical histamine, reinforcing the body’s line of defence. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction are a stuffy nose, red, itchy eyes and nausea. Treatment to manage symptoms of an allergic reaction includes nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamines.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Persistent coughing and wheezing
Stomach pain
Runny stomach
Vomiting
Red sores on the skin (hives)
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
PRACTICE INFO
ABOUT DR CAJEE
CONTACT
DR CAJEE
What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.