Allergy season in children. Do you know what respiratory allergies are?
“Allergy season in children Do you know what respiratory allergies are? How to know if your child has them and what you should do about it.
What are allergic diseases?
Allergic diseases are a very common health problem, especially respiratory and food allergies. It is estimated that they affect 25-30% of the population, and often begin during childhood. Generally, a family predisposition to these diseases is observed.
Specifically, respiratory allergies are manifestations of the respiratory system due to intolerance to a certain substance, such as dust, pollen, or the hair of certain animals. The body acts against the determined substance (allergen) producing symptoms in the child.
What are the symptoms?
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy throat.
- Itchy nose.
- Mucus.
- Cough.
Environmental allergens trigger inflammatory responses in the respiratory tract of people at the level of:
- Nose (allergic rhinitis): your child may have congestion, sneezing, clear, “watery” mucus, and itching in the nose, throat, or ears.
- Eyes (allergic conjunctivitis): causes itching, redness, tearing, or swelling of the eyelids.
- Bronchi (allergic asthma): causes symptoms of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, “whistling,” or chest tightness. The intensity, frequency, and duration of respiratory allergy symptoms varies greatly from person to person.
Some of the causes of respiratory allergies are:
The origin of allergies is a combination of genetics and the environment. In many cases, the genetic component plays a role, as does the level of exposure to the potential allergen.
Prognosis of the disease
Currently, there is no cure for respiratory allergies. However, there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms so that they have the least possible impact on the lives of patients.
How can you prevent it?
To prevent respiratory allergies, it is recommended to avoid exposure to allergens that cause symptoms; ventilate the house during the day; clean furniture with a damp cloth; frequently wash sheets, curtains and bedspreads; avoid having stuffed animals, rugs or books piled up; avoid places that concentrate pollen such as parks or rural environments.
Diagnosis of respiratory allergies
In the case of a child with symptoms suggestive of respiratory allergy, it is recommended to perform allergy tests on the skin (called “prick test”) or on blood.
- Skin tests: they are usually performed using the prick technique, so they are painless, fast, reproducible, sensitive and practically free of risks for the patient.
- Blood and secretion analysis: they check for the existence of allergy markers such as an increase in eosinophil leukocytes or an increase in immunoglobulin. They also measure the level of specific IgE antibodies for pollen, fungi, mites, animal epithelia.
- Provocation tests on the mucous membranes: the relationship between exposure to the allergen and the symptoms is verified, using the supposedly involved allergens in a controlled manner. The tests, always in combination with the information provided by the family, aim to find out which environmental allergen produces the symptoms.
Treatment for respiratory allergies
Once the allergy has been diagnosed, the treatment is based on different options:
- Avoid exposure to the allergen: take measures in the environment in which the child develops.
- Medications: drugs such as antihistamines, inhaled bronchodilators or anti-inflammatories are administered.
- Desensitizing immunotherapy: this is considered the most complete treatment and is carried out through anti-allergy vaccines.
Prepared by: Dr. Benny A. Rodriguez G. Pediatrician- Infectologist
Remember that if any of these symptoms appear, it is important to schedule an appointment with the pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. If you are looking to perform health check-ups for your child in Caracas, at Clínica de la Vida we have services such as clinical laboratory, vaccination and diagnostic imaging.
Contact us! Make your appointment:
0212.308.1900 Op 2
Últimas noticias e información
