Allergic reactions in children
ACCORDING to paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith, “an allergic reaction is an exaggerated response of the body to an otherwise harmless substance (allergen). These allergens include food, chemicals, pet hairs, dust, plants and other environmental factors”.
Exposure to allergens produce a chemical reaction under the direction of the immune system. The chemical reaction triggers a cascade of other responses and interactions, which can manifest as a local reaction at the site of contact, or entry into the body or the body system involved or it can become generalised, involving the entire body.
Dr Griffith said allergic reactions can easily be identified. They usually come in the form of itching, redness and swelling, sneezing when exposed to dust, coughing, wheezing, vomitting and diarrhoea. Dr Griffith added that symptoms such as a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Chemicals released by your immune system during anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock.
Some common allergic conditions are asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema and atopic dermatitis.
The more common allergenic substances that children react to are:
Food
Peanuts, seafood, wheat, milk, soy, citrus.
Medications
Penicillin based, medications containing sulphur.
Environment
Environment
Dust, pollen, dustmites, animal hairs and furs, bee/wasp stings.
Chemicals
Chemicals
Latex
Identifying allergens
Identifying allergens
The best way for parents to find out if their children have allergies is to look out for these symptoms when children are consuming food and taking medications, when they are around animals, and when they are outdoors. Dr Griffith recommends that you make note of these triggers and reactions. If you realise that your child is allergic to something, seek medical advice immediately to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment for allergies vary based on the severity of the reactions. Usually allergies are treated with Epinephrine(Epi-pen); asthma inhalers/pumps; antihistamines (some available over the counter); emollients; steroids (inhaled, topical, oral, or injectable depending on severity); adrenaline or immunotherapy (to downgrade the exaggerated immune response).
Dr Griffith pointed out that allergic conditions cannot be cured, but can be effectively controlled. As a parent it is imperative that you stay informed about your child’s allergies and the medication(s) used to treat their condition. Always have medication on hand.
