Coughing, itching, wheezing, sneezing, skin rash - children suffering from allergies, face many unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the triggers of allergic reactions may change over time, and some children even weather changes cause the next exacerbation. To be able to make life easier for their children, parents, first of all, you should know what is the trigger (or triggers) allergy in children, and then - to begin to take steps that will reduce their impact on the child.
Allergy Triggers
The most common allergens in children are:
- Dust (dust mites);
- Pollen;
- Fungus, mold;
- Tobacco and wood smoke;
- Pet dander;
- Various chemical evaporation - aerosols, fresh paint, perfumes, scented products;
- Weather factors - wind, cold or humid air;
- Litter cockroaches.
Get rid of dust mites
Dust mites are found in dust that accumulates in your home, and the waste of their life are the most common triggers of allergic reactions (with the exception of seasonal allergies). If your child regularly having allergy symptoms, it is recommended to take the following measures:
- Remove from the child's bedroom carpets - they are especially going to a lot of dust. Vinyl or real wood floor will look better than any carpet. Instead, hang curtains on the window blinds, and wipe them regularly;
- Remove most of the books, toys and other items that collect a lot of dust (such as stuffed animals) to another room;
- Make a professional cleaning of ventilation;
- Install the air conditioner in the house to reduce the concentration of pollen in the air and other possible allergens;
- Do wet cleaning at least once a week is better - more often;
- Use special vacuum cleaner bags, which do not allow dust to fall back into the air;
- Get rid of the thick curtains of wool fabric;
- Wash bed linen child at least once a week at a high temperature;
- Adjust the air conditioner so that the house maintains a relatively low temperature (below 21 C) and low humidity (less than 50%). Such conditions are the least favorable for the reproduction of dust mites, cockroaches, and mold growth;
- Install special filters on the vents (especially those who are in the baby's room). Instead of filters, you can use plain gauze, folded in several layers. Do not forget to change it at least twice a year;
- If possible, keep the baby clothes in his bedroom.
Limit your exposure to pollen
If your child is allergic to pollen:
- Find out when the plants bloom, pollen that cause allergic reactions, and how long the period of flowering. This information can be obtained from a doctor, or found on a special website;
- Explain to your child that he should be as small as possible to visit outside those hours of the day, when the air is especially a lot of pollen. At this time also need to keep the windows closed;
- In addition, during the flowering period, try to rarely let out into the street pets, and often wash them - their hair sticks pollen and other allergens.
Mildew
Mold is one of the most common allergens in children. Outside the house it can grow in the soil, rotten wood, wet leaves and mulch in the canvas and garden furniture. House mold is most often found in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen (especially in the refrigerator), in the attic, in the trash, damp wallpaper, carpets, furniture in padded.
To prevent mold:
- Always wipe dry all surfaces in the kitchen and, where possible, in the bathroom;
- Remove mold from surfaces with a solution (5%) bleach;
- Keep in a residential area a low level of humidity;
- As soon as possible, any repair the cracks in pipes, through which water may flow;
- Get rid of houseplants, especially those that need to be frequently and abundantly watered - in their pots often starts to grow mold;
- Do not use electric air fresheners.
No smoke in the building
Smoke can trigger an allergy in itself, and may aggravate allergy symptoms caused by other triggers. To a child less likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis and other problems, the ban in his home smoking and use of candles and incense sticks. Also, it is not recommended to heat the fireplace or wood-burning stove, though with good traction smoke should not get into the room.
Pets and Allergies
Your child may be allergic to the proteins contained in the saliva, dander
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and urine of domestic animals.
If you live in the house pet allergens into the air is inevitable; Moreover, they will be in the air, even if you do several times a week to do wet cleaning (although in this case the concentration is, of course, will decrease).
Wash your pet every week and do not let him sleep in the child's room - it will help to some extent reduce the incidence of allergic reactions. However, if a child has a severe allergy, the animal will have to find another home.
Medication
If allergy symptoms persist for a long time, consult a doctor. He can recommend a child-counter antihistamines, nasal wash saline, or the use of any prescription nasal spray. Your doctor may also carry out a number of tests that can help identify triggers allergies in children.
Food allergies in children
Food allergies - a negative reaction of the immune system
The immune system - how it works?
the normal amount of certain foods. This reaction starts each time after a person eats allergen. In general, food allergies are rare, but they are quite common in children younger than four years. The most common food allergies cause the following foods:
- Milk;
- Eggs;
- Fish;
- Nuts;
- Citrus fruits;
- Tomatoes.
Symptoms of food allergies and children
Food allergies can cause a child a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Extensive skin rashes or eczema;
- Vomiting and diarrhea that occur for no apparent reason;
- Asthmatic bronchitis
Bronchitis - protection if the body has malfunctioned
or asthma;
- The symptoms are similar to symptoms of the common cold - runny nose, itchy and watery eyes.
How is food allergy in children
Hypersensitivity reactions to food are commonly called first type allergic reactions to certain products that are provided in the diet of children. This means that a child's immune system when ingested certain foods produces a special kind of antibody
Antibodies - "soldiers' immunity
- Immunoglobulin E; the effect of this substance leads to the appearance of allergic symptoms.
It is estimated that about a third of the parents excluded from the diet of their children certain foods because they believe that they cause an allergic reaction. In fact, only about 3% of children suffering from allergic reactions to food, and in most cases it takes before a child is three years.
Who is at risk?
Development of the first type of allergy to some extent influenced by heredity. If your personal or family history of violations such as food allergies, hay fever, eczema or asthma, it is likely that your child will develop allergies. This should be discussed with your doctor during pregnancy - it can make recommendations on how to limit exposure to potential allergens in the child.
What to do if you suspect a food allergy in a child
First of all, contact your doctor.
It does not severely restrict the diet of a child - it can lead to a deficiency of certain nutrients, but it is much more dangerous allergies.
Changes in color, consistency or other characteristics of the child chair are not signs of food allergies. Chair, as well as the frequency of bowel movements, can vary depending on what the child eats - this is perfectly normal.
Most importantly, relax. Wait for the results of tests to find out whether the child has a food allergy, and if so, do not get too much upset - with this disorder can live a full and happy life.
How to treat food allergy
The primary goal of treatment for food allergies is to prevent new allergic reactions. As a rule, it is sufficient to eliminate allergens from the diet.
In rare cases, even a small amount of allergen can cause anaphylactic shock - a severe allergic reaction, the main features of which are shortness of breath and impaired heart function; All this may lead to collapse. If anaphylactic shock is needed urgent medical care, so if a child suddenly starts choking, collapses, it there are other worrying signs, immediately call an ambulance.
