Common allergy types in children, symptoms and treatment
Common allergy types in children
Children’s health is one of the most important issues for parents. But sometimes things happen that make you worry about children’s health. One of them is allergies. Allergies can significantly affect children’s quality of life and even cause serious health problems. Here are the most common types of allergies in children:
-
Food allergies: Food allergies are one of the most common types of allergies children encounter. Foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat and some fruits can cause allergic reactions in children. Food allergies can range in severity from mild itching and rashes to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
-
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that makes it difficult for children to breathe due to narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
-
Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and blisters on the skin. Eczema usually appears in childhood and disappears over time. However, some children may continue to experience eczema symptoms.
-
Pollen allergies: Pollen allergies are another type of allergy that children often encounter. Especially in the spring, pollen in the air can cause complaints such as itching, sneezing and runny nose in the nose and eyes of children.
-
Animal Allergies: Children who are allergic to pets such as cats, dogs, and birds may experience symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes when they come into contact with them.
Most of these types of allergies can be treated to reduce their symptoms. It is important for parents to talk to their doctor and seek appropriate treatment if they are concerned about their child’s health.
Causes of allergies in children
Allergies are a common health problem that significantly affects children’s quality of life and in some cases cause serious health problems. The causes of allergies are quite diverse and many factors can contribute, from children’s lifestyle to their genetic predisposition. Here are the possible causes of allergies in children:
-
Genetic predisposition: Allergies can occur due to genetic factors. Children with a family history of allergic disease are among the groups at higher risk of developing an allergic disease.
-
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors play an important role in the onset of allergic diseases. Factors such as polluted air, humid environments, cigarette smoke, dust mites, pollen and some chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in children.
-
nutrients: Some foods can cause allergic reactions in children. Foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and some fruits are common types of allergies in children.
-
Medicines: Some medications can cause allergic reactions in children. Antibiotics, painkillers and other medicines can cause allergic reactions in children.
-
Tension: Stress can affect the body’s immune system and cause allergic reactions.
-
infections: Some infections can lead to the appearance of allergic diseases. Some of these infections are infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis A and B, herpes, and measles.
-
Other Factors: Other factors may include vitamin deficiencies, nutritional disorders, immune system disorders, skin contact, mode of delivery, and the child’s diet.
The causes of allergic diseases are quite diverse and can be different in every child.
Allergy symptoms and diagnosis
Allergic reactions in children can manifest with many different symptoms. Allergy symptoms can range from mild itching and rashes to severe breathing problems. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of allergic reactions is very important.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergic reactions in children can occur with different symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the allergy. The following are common allergy symptoms in children:
- Nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, red and blistering rash
- Itching, redness and watery eyes
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness
- Sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness and fainting
Allergy diagnosis
Allergy diagnosis can be made in different ways. These include allergy testing and observing symptoms.
-
Allergy Testing: Allergy testing is one of the most commonly used methods to identify allergic reactions. The most commonly used tests are skin tests and blood tests. Skin testing is done by injecting a small amount of allergen into the skin. Blood tests, on the other hand, are done by taking a blood sample and are used to detect the body’s allergic antibodies.
-
Observation of symptoms: The appearance of allergic symptoms after exposure to a particular allergen is another method used to diagnose allergy. Doctors consider the child’s history of symptoms, exposure to allergens, and the severity of symptoms to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Allergy symptoms can significantly affect children’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent more serious complications in the future.
Severity and management of allergic reactions
Allergic reactions in children can occur in varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild itching and redness to anaphylaxis. The severity of allergic reactions is important for the type and duration of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the severity and management of allergic reactions in children:
Mild allergic reactions
Mild allergic reactions usually begin with skin symptoms such as itching, rash, and hives. These symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroid creams. Also, stopping contact with the allergen can help relieve symptoms.
Moderately severe allergic reactions
Moderate allergic reactions, in addition to mild symptoms, can include symptoms such as respiratory symptoms, cough, shortness of breath, and nausea. These symptoms can be treated with prescription medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators. Keeping an allergy diary recommended by your doctor to track children’s symptoms can help manage symptoms.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions are called anaphylaxis and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can range from mild symptoms that rapidly worsen to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, palpitations, unconsciousness and shock, which can result in death.
Treatment for anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and may involve subcutaneous injection of an epinephrine drug such as epinephrine. This medicine quickly controls symptoms and helps prevent life-threatening conditions.
Allergy treatment and medicines
Especially in the spring months, families with allergic children have major problems. However, if families are informed about childhood allergies and take precautions against them, they can easily overcome this period.
The most common allergies in children are generally asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, skin allergy, drug allergy and insect allergy.
The causes of these allergies are usually genetic and environmental factors. However, it is usually due to genetic factors. Even if a family allergy appears as another allergy in the child, it is due to genetic factors.
Allergies caused by environmental factors are usually caused by the presence of too much dust. In addition, pollen can be caused by dog-cat allergy, asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Hygiene is a very important factor in the onset of allergies. Giving importance to hygiene prevents the body from encountering allergic microbes. In addition, too frequent and unnecessary, unconscious use of antibiotics contributes to the development of allergic diseases.
Excess weight, excessive stress, exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, unhealthy diet are other factors that contribute to the onset of allergic diseases.
What should be taken into account in children’s allergies?
First of all, some measures can be taken to prevent allergic diseases. Mother’s milk is the main protector that protects children from allergies. It is necessary to give breast milk to children for at least 6 months after birth. The incidence of allergic disease is increasing in most children who are not breastfed.
In addition, the use of antibiotics by children up to 2 years old is another factor that increases the likelihood of allergic diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to stay away from using antibiotics in children unless it is necessary.
It is also wrong behavior for parents to be too scrupulous with their children. When treated with extreme care, we completely prevent children from coming into contact with microbes, and this hinders the development of the immune system. Therefore, the risk of allergic diseases in these children increases.
In addition, children with asthma or allergic rhinitis should be extra careful when using unscented laundry detergents.
What allergic reactions occur in children?
Many different allergic reactions can occur in children. The most common are food allergies, respiratory allergies, and contact allergies. Food allergies are often associated with certain foods such as eggs, nuts, milk, soy, wheat and seafood. Respiratory allergies can be caused by allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. Contact allergies, on the other hand, can be reactions that develop after contact with substances such as cosmetic products, latex, detergents and plant extracts.
What Causes Allergies in Children?
Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system reacts more strongly than usual. Normally, the immune system shows a defensive response to a harmful substance, but it overreacts to some substances called allergens. This overreaction can cause allergic symptoms.
What Are Allergy Symptoms in Children?
Allergy symptoms can vary in children. Some children experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe reactions. Food allergies are often accompanied by symptoms such as skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath. Respiratory allergies can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath. Contact allergies, on the other hand, can cause symptoms such as itching, rashes, redness, and blisters.
Is it possible to prevent allergies in children?
Preventing allergies is completely impossible. However, some changes in the environment can help your child relieve allergic reactions. For food allergies, it is recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months and avoid allergens. In the case of respiratory allergies, it is recommended not to smoke in the house and to ventilate the house regularly. For contact allergies, it may be helpful to use appropriate clothing and supplies to protect your child from potential allergens.