Healthy Mama - Collaborative Post
Allergy prevalence has seen a steady rise over the past few decades, and it does not appear to be waning. While mostallergies are minor, some can be severe and even life-threatening. Allergies typically develop in children withintheir first two years of life. Allergies develop gradually, and parents must be patient and committed to controlling them. Some allergy symptoms may appear to be nothing more than a nuisance, but if you've ever watched your child battle with allergies, you know they're not quite that straightforward.There are several suggestions as to how parents can help to alleviate and possibly prevent their children from developing allergies.
What is an Allergy?
Allergies are unusual immune system responses to items that are normally innocuous to most people, known as allergens. This can result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from mildly unpleasant to potentially life-threatening. Many adults and children suffer from allergies.
Why Are More Children Allergic These Days?
Allergy susceptibility is commonly inherited, meaning it can be handed down through the generations from parents to their children. However, just because a parent has allergies, it does not guarantee that their children will as well. Specific allergies are rarely inherited – it is more common to inherit the chance of having allergies. Some children develop allergies even though no one else in their family suffers. Children who are allergic to one item are frequently allergic to other things and cross-reactions are also present in some children.
There are varied responses from researchers when asked why more people are allergic these days. Some say it comes down to better diagnosis skills while others suggest it could be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of vitamin D, gut health, and pollution. Another popular explanation (that has also been highly disputed) has suggested that much of the world's living environments are excessively clean and that children aren't exposed to germs that train their immune systems to distinguish between safe and hazardous irritants.This is known as the "hygiene hypothesis.”
Recognising Allergic Reactions and symptoms
When a youngster with an allergy is exposed to an allergen, their immune system believes it is causing harm to their body. It overreacts, mistaking the substance for an intruder and attempting to repel it. The immune system produces antibodies and releases histamine (among other things) into the bloodstream. Allergies are triggered by the release of these substances. The eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract can all be affected by reactions. This allergic response will be triggered again if you are exposed to the same allergen in the future. Common symptoms include a stuffy nose, itchiness, rashes or blistering on the skin, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, breathing difficulties and diarrhoea.
There are a few ways to tell the difference between a cold or sinus infection and allergies. If symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is time to seek professional advice through your trusted healthcare services. Circle Health Group have an extensive team of paediatric allergy specialists who are ready to ensure that testing and subsequent diagnosis can be done as soon as is feasible. An accurate allergy diagnosis (a variety of testing methods are available for patients) is required to identify allergens and allow for optimal treatment to successfully eradicate them and control the symptoms.
Common Allergies
Common airborne allergens encountered include pollen, dust mites, and moulds. Insect sting allergies are also common. Food allergens often arise from eggs, cow’s milk protein, shellfish, peanuts and other tree nuts, soy, sesame, and wheat. Some pharmaceuticals like antibiotics and OTC medications can trigger allergies. Chemicals found in cosmetics, pesticides, and detergents can also cause reactions.
Ways to Keep Allergies at Arm’s LengthStudies have shown that there are several ways that you can help your child to try and avoid allergies from developing. Breastfeeding babies for as long as possible aids in the development of immunity to a variety of chemicals, including many common allergies.
In the past, health professionals advised parents to keep their babies away from common dietary allergies like nuts and fish throughout their first few years of life. Withholding these items, though, only tended to increase the number of children who were allergic to them. These foods should be introduced to your infant between the ages of four and six months, according to current recommendations.
Getting a family pet when your child is young can help prevent your child from acquiring a pet allergy. For your child to receive the maximum advantage, the pet must reside in your home.
Don't be too concerned about dirt. Young children must be exposed to a variety of items at an early age for their bodies to produce antibodies to them. Digging in the soil and playing with mud can be encouraged but let common sense prevail.
Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and other anti-inflammatory foods can be added to a child's diet to help manage allergy symptoms. These components can be used to prepare tea or added to a glass of hot milk or tea.
While allergies are often inconvenient, most allergic reactions are moderate and can be managed efficiently. Some children outgrow their allergies while others remain with them for the rest of their lives.
