Introduction
Today in this article we discuss Managing allergies in children. Children’s allergies are tough for both children and parents.
Allergies can lead children to sneeze, have itchy eyes, (and) even worse reactions that interfere with a child’s daily life and health. A good deal may be known of how to control allergies, so that relief can be obtained and your child can enjoy a healthy, active life.
If you are a parent of a child with an allergy, you must have many questions of your own as to what types of allergies are common, what can be done to treat that allergy and what can be followed for ideal allergy management.
Understanding Allergies in Children
Allergies happen when the immune system reacts to a substance, which cause a reaction in your body, that normally produces no reaction. These allergens are available in different forms, such as:
- Pollen: Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, are caused by hay fever which is triggered by pollen from different kinds of trees, grasses, and weeds.
- Dust Mites: Allergic reactions are caused by Dust Mite which are microscopic creatures that live in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture.
- Allergie Off the Beaten Track: Someone’s allergic to proteins found in the skin flakes, saliva or urine of a specific pet.
- Mold: In areas with dampness, mold spores can also cause allergy, especially in children with asthma.
- Aggravating Foods: Common aggravating foods include congenital heart disease (CHD), exercise, illness, stress, ingestion of allergenic foods, seasonal allergies, and hot weather.
Symptoms of Allergies
This is important because it is important if you can recognize the symptoms of allergy in a timely manner. Allergies in kids may present as:
- Allergic Rhinitis: Frequent sneezing, a runny nose or nasal congestion may be as a result.
- Itchy Eyes, Throat: Often allergies cause itchiness in the eyes, throat and the nose.
- The signs of allergic reactions include: rashes, hives, or eczema, especially due to food or contact allergens.
- Asthma Symptoms: Allergies often cause asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
- Digestive Issues: Food allergy may cause pain in the stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.
Diagnosing Allergies
If you have such a feeling, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified healthcare provider. Below are some of the items which one can undergo when seeking an allergist:
- Skin Prick Test: A small portion of the probable allergen is scratched, inserted on the skin to check if there will be a reaction.
- Blood Test: It involves testing the blood reaction to the allergens, IE the allergic reaction.
- Food Allergy: In such cases, it may be advisable to take an elimination diet to find out which foods trigger the allergy.
Treatment of Children With Allergy
For every disease, there are diverse ways that can be undertaken in order to control the effects of the allergens once they are identified.
Avoidance of Triggers
The best form of dealing with the allergies is avoiding any circumstances that result in coming into contact with the allergens. Here are some practical tips:
- Pollen: Do not open the windows during certain times of the year, if you have an air conditioning system, then use it most of the time and avoid going out during breezy weather.
- Dust Mites: Wash bedding in hot water, covers your mattress and pillows with dust mite proof covers, ensure the house has low humidity of less than 50%RH.
- Pet Allergies: This is a common one which affects a number of children and if your child has this type of allergy you need to ensure that he or she does not sleep with the pets, and the room should be equipped with air purifiers.
- Mold Allergies: Control lighting to prevent mold on curtains, dry the wet areas, and fix any leaks as soon as possible, use air conditioners that have a dehumidifier feature.
Medications
There are over-the-counter as well as prescription medications to manage this condition:
- Antihistamines: These are effective in reducing the effects of histamine on the body’s receptors and help in treating sneezing, itching and runny nose. Some of the choices are cetirizine commonly known as Zyrtec and loratadine which go by the brand name Claritin.
- Nasal corticosteroids: The medications such as fluticasone like Flonase help in the reduction of inflammation in the nasal passages and is used in treatment of allergic rhinitis.
- Leukotriene Modifiers :These drugs can be prescribed for the treatment of asthma and other allergy-related conditions.
- Epinephrine Auto-Injectors: Severe meal allergies and anaphylactic reactions require epinephrine auto-injectors such as EpiPen, which should be taken in case of such an emergency.
Immunotherapy
For the long-term arrangements to be made for the patients, immunotherapy may be employed. This treatment helps the child to be gradually introduced to small portions of the allergens in order to develop tolerance to them. Options include:
- Immunotherapy: Given in small or gradually increasing doses over several months and years, they are used to reprogram the immune response to a certain allergen.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy: It entails placing a tablet containing allergens under the tongue; it is relatively acceptable as a method of injections.
Practical Tips for Parents
Live with these allergy problems may be a real difficult in children but using some practical approaches, one can try to ease the situation:
Instruct the child: Make sure that the child is fully aware on the allergies he/she has, the things that they should not take, or some signs to look out for. It enables the individuals to assume an active part in managing their health.
Develop an ALLERGY EMERGENCY PLAN: Discuss with your physician and establish a detailed plan on the necessary measures to follow in case of an allergic attack. Read this plan with teachers, parents, and other similar individuals and authorities who are in charge of children.
Maintain a Symptom Diary: Recording how one feels and possible cause may be easy if there is a diary that shows any changes that may be caused by allergies.
Stay Prepared: Always make sure to have spare medications like antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times. This can only be possible if the caregivers and teachers are informed on the location of these medications.
Healthy living should be the order of the day: Off late, it has become importance to undertake regular exercises, take balanced meals and ensure that your child is active during the day and has enough rest at night.
Regular Check-ups:This category involves making follow-up appointments with the allergist from time to time to assess the condition of your child and provide the necessary adjustments to the treatment if needed.
Conclusion
Allergies in children can be successfully managed only if parents are aware of the causes and follow certain interventions regarding it. As much as possible parents have to look for symptomatic signs, seek medical advice and build up a favorable environment and situation, children with allergies should be able to live happily and healthy.
Recalling that each individual goes through allergic situations in a different way, Be knowledgeable, involve the child and cooperate with the health care givers in the management of allergies.
When the appropriate measures are taken, it is possible for your child to be a happy, joyful, active, and smiling child as much as he or she desires.