Allergies in children
introduction
Allergies in children are becoming more common. Around every fifth child has an allergy and the number is increasing. The most common allergies in childhood are to pollen, dust mites, animal hair and certain foods.
definition
At a allergy the body reacts excessively to a certain substance - that Allergen. Because the allergen is actually one for the body harmless substance is, is that excessive immune response not adequate. If the immune system has reacted excessively to an allergen, it “remembers” this reaction every time it comes into contact with the allergen and triggers it automatically.
In order for an allergic reaction to occur, a so-called Awareness have taken place. As part of this sensitization, the body comes into contact with the allergen for the first time, recognizes it as harmful and reacts with an excessive immune response. It comes to the formation of allergy-specific antibodiesthat bind to specific cells. As part of the sensitization, there is not yet an allergic reaction, but only upon second contact with the allergen. Upon second contact, the allergen can then bind to the cell-bound antibodies. The cells then release various substances that cause the symptoms of an allergy.
causes
One factor plays a role in the development of allergies genetic component a role. If one or both parents have one or more allergies, the risk that the child will develop allergies is significantly higher. If only one parent is affected, the risk for the child is 30%. If both parents are affected by allergies, the risk is correspondingly higher and is 80%.
Research has shown that children who have late or little contact with other children or with nature are more likely to develop allergies. Through contact with germs and pathogens, the immune system learns to fight them off. So too much hygiene is not necessarily beneficial for the child's development. Statistically speaking, “city children” are more likely to develop allergies than children in rural areas.
Protective factors are, for example, attending the day nursery or kindergarten or the presence of siblings. Dealing with animals also protects. Breastfeeding and vaccinating children also protect against allergies.
A Risk factor however, is for the development of an allergy Passive smoking. Parents should definitely avoid smoking around their children.
diagnosis
Is in a child due to the symptoms (please refer: Symptoms of an allergy) and due to the nature of the occurrence an allergic disease is close, various examinations can be carried out. These can often be carried out by the pediatrician, or alternatively by dermatologists or special allergists. Allergy tests are usually done in children from three years done because the immune systems of infants and young children are not yet mature enough to respond properly to the tests.
Typically the so-called Prick test to use. The children should not be too young for this test as the test can be uncomfortable and the children have to sit still for half an hour. For the test, small ones are placed on the flexor side of the forearm using a wooden lancet Skin punctures made that are perceived as small pricks. Various substances that can trigger an allergy are applied to these punctures. If there is an allergy, a local skin reaction should occur within a few minutes Redness and wheals occur. Based on the strength of the skin reaction, roughly the Strength of the underlying allergy can be read. With the prick test, allergies of the immediate type (type I allergy) can be identified.
In particular Contact allergies do not cause an allergic reaction within minutes. This is where the symptoms develop over several hours to days. One speaks of a type IV reaction, an allergy of the delayed type / delayed type.
In this case you can add another Patch test carry out. For this, allergens are applied to the back and covered with a special plaster. After 24 to 48 hours, a doctor will check for a possible allergic skin reaction.
In addition to the two common allergy tests, you can also do a blood test antibody that develop as part of an allergic reaction (immunoglobulin E). If this test is positive, there is very likely an allergy to the symptoms present as the cause.
Provocation tests with the likely triggering allergen, in terms of exposure of the child, such as food usually not performed due to the possible side effects in childrent.
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergy most commonly affect the respiratory and olfactory systems. The appearance of symptoms is characteristic of attacks.
If there is an allergy to pollen or the like, a seasonal occurrence of the symptoms can be observed. Typical for this are the months of March to August, while there are no complaints in autumn and winter. Frequently occurring symptoms are coughing, runny nose with a practically chronically blocked nose, as well as watery, itchy, reddened and sometimes swollen eyes.
Read more on the subject at: Symptoms of hay fever.
If you have a food allergy, an allergy to drugs, or certain materials such as nickel, a rash typically occurs. For a contact allergy (for example contact with a certain metal) it is typical that there is a rash at the point of contact. In the case of a drug or food allergy, however, the rash can be generalized. A food allergy usually leads to diarrhea or abdominal cramps, sometimes nausea and even vomiting.
Read more on the subject at: Rash from an allergy.
Allergy can also lead to allergic asthma. This is often the case with a house dust mite or pollen allergy. Excessive contact with the allergen then triggers a paroxysmal asthma attack with shortness of breath, whistling noises when exhaling and coughing. Children often feel anxious when they have a seizure.
Read more on the subject at: Symptoms of an allergy.
to cough
Cough is a typical symptom of allergies. The cough can be dry or slimy. The cough occurs seizure if the airways come into contact with the allergen. Usually there is an urge to cough accompanying you difficult exhalation. The cough is usually strongest at night or in the morning, as this is when the pollen load in the air is greatest.
The same applies to an existing one House dust mite allergy, this also usually manifests itself at night because the mites are in large numbers in the bed. If you also have a cough Whistling when breathing, this can be a sign of a allergic asthma causing the airways to cramp up.
Why does a cough occur in the event of an allergy? This comes about, among other things, because the allergy mechanism releases substances that lead to a Constriction of the bronchi to lead. It also serves as a protective mechanism because the body tries to transport the inhaled allergen out of the body by coughing.
skin rash
A skin rash as part of an allergy typically occurs in one Contact allergy, one Food allergy or one Drug allergy on. It is typical of a contact allergy that the rash is usually limited to the point of contact with the allergen, while a drug allergy leads to a whole-body rash.
Such a rash sometimes develops as a so-called Hives. These are small protrusions on the skin, so-called Whealsthat are fluid-filled and itchy. If these elevations are larger, they are referred to as Angioedema. Such a thing is formed Angioedema in the pharynx off, one speaks of a life-threatening one Quincke's edemawhich can significantly impede breathing.
Itchy eyes
The eyes are not affected in every allergy. Typically, they are particularly involved in hay fever. In this case the nose is usually also involved and shows symptoms in the form of a Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane on. Typical symptoms are itching of the eye, burning sensation and increased tearing. Reactively, the eyes are often reddened from the itching.
With some children they are too Eyelids swollen and / or the veins around the eye congested so that eye bags arise. Because the nose is usually also blocked, the increased tear fluid that is formed cannot drain off properly, as the tear duct runs over the lower turbinate. As a result, those affected often complain of watery eyes.
therapy
There are three levels in the treatment of allergies.
The first is avoiding the allergen so that it doesn't cause an allergic reaction in the first place. In the case of a food allergy, this is perhaps still comparatively easy, but it becomes more difficult in the case of a house dust mite or pollen allergy. You cannot avoid these allergens. Even if one takes certain precautions against dust mites in bed, they cannot be completely eradicated.
The second stage is the use of medication to reduce the symptoms of an allergy. This can be taken prophylactically, for example, in the event of severe impairment due to a pollen allergy, or, as in the case of allergic asthma, to combat acute symptoms. In addition to the use of medication, other measures also help. For example, performing a nasal douche, in which the nose is rinsed with a saline solution so that the mucous membrane is freed from allergens such as pollen and dust. The nasal douche can usually be performed on children aged three and over.
The last step you can take against the allergy is desensitization, with which you can usually fight the allergy very successfully in the long term. However, desensitization is not suitable for every form of allergy and should not necessarily be carried out unless the symptoms are severely restrictive. The desensitization is mainly carried out in the case of a dangerous wasp venom allergy and a severely debilitating pollen allergy.
Desensitization is a lengthy therapy that extends over a period of three years. For the treatment, allergy preparations are injected under the skin, which is why desensitization should only be carried out in older children - the children must be at least five years old. In the case of hyposensitization, the allergic immune response is converted into a normal immune response, as is the case with a non-allergic person. Desensitization is traditionally started in autumn, i.e. after the high allergy season.
Read more on the subject at: Therapy of allergies.
Medication
Commonly prescribed drugs for allergies include Nasal sprays and eye drop. They are only used for Treatment of Symptoms and do not fight the cause itself. Nasal sprays are not only used to combat runny nose. If the nose is blocked, the tear fluid cannot drain properly through the nasal concha, which leads to increased pressure in the eyes and watery eyes. So if you fight a blocked nose, the symptoms of the eyes will usually get better.
As a nasal spray, for example, a completely normal Seawater nasal spray used to clear the nose. It can also nasal decongestant sprays be applied with an active ingredient. By narrowing the local vessels, these lead to a decongestion of the mucous membrane so that the secretion can flow away better. Since there is a Habituation effect (please refer: Dependence on nasal spray) the mucous membrane should use these sprays not used for more than a week - Sea salt sprays, on the other hand, can be used over a longer period of time without hesitation.
If a saltwater nasal spray is not enough, you can Nasal sprays containing cortisone recommended. There is no need to be frightened of the ingredient cortisone, because it is only contained in a very small dose in the nasal spray and only works locally, so that there are no cortisone-related side effects. Same thing in terms of side effects applies to one cortisone ointmentthat at allergy-related rash can be used and, above all, relieves itching.
At Cortisone tablets however, it may increase due to the higher dose Side effects of cortisone come. Cortisone tablets should be used by children only in a very small dose be taken, as otherwise stunted growth may occur. At a allergic shock However, cortisone preparations are essential and possibly life-saving. In the event of allergic shock, one should not worry about the possible side effects. Cortisone preparations are particularly helpful on the mucous membranes. In the therapy of the allergic asthma preparations containing cortisone are often essential.
Especially with hay fever The drug is often used in children Cromoglycic acid for use. It cannot acutely relieve allergy symptoms, but is used for preventionso that the symptoms do not appear in the first place or are only weakened. It is a so-called Mast cell stabilizer, which prevents histamine from being released on contact with the allergen. Cromoglycic acid is given regularly about two weeks before the plant in question begins to flower.
Also AntihistaminesAs well as cortisone the most popular antiallergic drugs, it can be used in children. However, are not all antihistamine preparations are suitable for children. Antihistamines ensure that the released histamine cannot work. As a side effect, antihistamines can make children tired.
homeopathy
In addition to classic allergy medication, many also use it homeopathic remedies back. These can be used for both acute and long-term care. Which preparations are used individually depending on the specific symptoms. The known ones are mainly used Globules. Experts recommend taking five of the small beads every two hours the first time symptoms appear. After the first twelve hours of symptoms, the globules should then be taken regularly three times a day.
A distinction is made between the globules different potencies. For example, if the nose is slightly blocked, the globules should be taken in a 6th potency. If the nose is constantly running, the potency D12 can be used. Since there are so many homeopathic remedies that are used for different symptoms, it is helpful if you want to use homeopathy to combat symptoms, one consult trained homeopaths.
When do allergies occur in children?
Allergies can appear very early. Among the first allergies that were already in Infancy occur usually count Food allergies. Since babies should only be supplied with breast milk or breast milk substitutes in the first six months, these allergies usually only become apparent after six months at the earliest when they come into contact with other food. This early allergy is often a cow's milk allergy. The infants typically react to this with diarrhea.
Typical for that Preschool age is the appearance of a pollen allergy.
