The prevalence of allergic diseases among children has notably risen in recent times. A child who sneezes or coughs often, gets rashes or hives frequently, or feels sick after eating certain foods might have allergies. The Phase 3 International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) in India shows rising childhood allergies: Asthma affects about 7% to 20% of 6- to 7-year-old and 13- to 14-year-old children. Allergic rhinitis affects 11.3% and 24.4% and eczema affects 2.7% and 3.6% of 6- to 7-year-old and 13- to 14-year-old children, respectively. Food allergies are lower but still concerning at 0.14% in children between 6 and 11 years of age. Every parent wishes to shield their child from suffering, especially from something like allergies that can be managed well. This article aims to advocate testing with an allergy test package and provide parents and caregivers with tips for managing allergies in children.
The most frequent types of allergies in children are due to environmental allergens (like pollen or dust), food allergens (like peanuts), medicines (such as antibiotics), irritants (like cigarette smoke), chemicals (such as dyes), and pet allergens (like fur from pets). Allergy symptoms may include:
Identifying the allergen is important as it can help the doctor take proper steps to manage the allergy well. Selecting the right test is crucial for an effective diagnosis, as it can help identify the specific allergens responsible for the symptoms. To diagnose allergies, an allergist will conduct a thorough health history and physical examination along with testing. Testing methods include:
Some common food allergens include:
After consulting your child’s doctor and identifying the allergens, it’s essential to steer clear of those foods and similar ones. Here are some ways to care for your child with food allergies:
Environmental allergens encompass various substances like:
Childhood asthma, often severe, is closely linked to allergies. Many severe asthma cases are associated with allergies to foods, moulds, pollens, and pets. Early avoidance of airborne substances that can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms may help delay or prevent the onset of these conditions. For children at a high risk of allergies, certain precautions can be taken:
Apart from food and environmental allergens, certain pet and other irritants can also trigger allergies in your child. These include:
Now, let us look at some ways to reduce exposure to pet dander:
Here are additional ways to avoid irritants and allergens:
Medications to manage allergic symptoms include:
It’s crucial to administer the correct dose as prescribed, as most medicines require specific amounts and timings to be effective. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness, while oral decongestants can lead to hyperactivity or difficulty sleeping in children. Nasal sprays and allergy shots typically have no long-term side effects. However, epinephrine auto-injectors might have some side effects including headache, anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and shaking. Thus, like any medication, allergy medications should only be used under the guidance of your child’s doctor.
When a child with an allergy encounters an allergen, their immune system reacts excessively, treating it as a threat to the body. Below are methods to maintain your children’s health and enhance their immune system with just a few lifestyle changes:
Understanding a child’s allergies is essential for the child’s parents, their teachers, and any other adult caregivers for the well-being of the child. As parents, educating yourself about allergy policies can help you advocate for allergy-friendly policies in your child’s school, daycare, and other community settings. You should inform your child’s school if they have any allergies. Here are some ways you can ensure your child’s safety in the school and social setting:
Book a allergy test package in your city: Allergy Test Package in Noida | Allergy Test Package in Bangalore | Allergy Test Package in Mumbai | Allergy Test Package in Hyderabad | Allergy Test Package in Gurgaon | Allergy Test Package in Faridabad | Allergy Test Package in Delhi
Allergies in children can be stressful for both parents and the child as constant vigilance to avoid triggers can heighten anxiety levels. Thus, connecting with others who understand these challenges, share experiences, ask questions, and find support in a caring community can be helpful. You can also seek support from a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about allergies to help cope with stress and anxiety related to allergies.
Managing allergies in children is paramount for ensuring their health and well-being. Parents and caregivers should prioritise their child’s health by seeking support from healthcare professionals who understand allergies and get tested via allergy test packages. It’s also essential to create a safe environment by minimising exposure to allergens. By staying informed about allergy management strategies, parents can effectively support their children’s needs and ensure their overall well-being.
The prevalence of allergic diseases among children has notably risen in recent times. A child who sneezes or coughs often, gets rashes or hives frequently, or feels sick after eating certain foods might have allergies. The Phase 3 International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) in India shows rising childhood allergies: Asthma affects about 7% to 20% of 6- to 7-year-old and 13- to 14-year-old children. Allergic rhinitis affects 11.3% and 24.4% and eczema affects 2.7% and 3.6% of 6- to 7-year-old and 13- to 14-year-old children, respectively. Food allergies are lower but still concerning at 0.14% in children between 6 and 11 years of age. Every parent wishes to shield their child from suffering, especially from something like allergies that can be managed well. This article aims to advocate testing with an allergy test package and provide parents and caregivers with tips for managing allergies in children.
The most frequent types of allergies in children are due to environmental allergens (like pollen or dust), food allergens (like peanuts), medicines (such as antibiotics), irritants (like cigarette smoke), chemicals (such as dyes), and pet allergens (like fur from pets). Allergy symptoms may include:
Identifying the allergen is important as it can help the doctor take proper steps to manage the allergy well. Selecting the right test is crucial for an effective diagnosis, as it can help identify the specific allergens responsible for the symptoms. To diagnose allergies, an allergist will conduct a thorough health history and physical examination along with testing. Testing methods include:
Some common food allergens include:
After consulting your child’s doctor and identifying the allergens, it’s essential to steer clear of those foods and similar ones. Here are some ways to care for your child with food allergies:
Environmental allergens encompass various substances like:
Childhood asthma, often severe, is closely linked to allergies. Many severe asthma cases are associated with allergies to foods, moulds, pollens, and pets. Early avoidance of airborne substances that can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms may help delay or prevent the onset of these conditions. For children at a high risk of allergies, certain precautions can be taken:
Apart from food and environmental allergens, certain pet and other irritants can also trigger allergies in your child. These include:
Now, let us look at some ways to reduce exposure to pet dander:
Here are additional ways to avoid irritants and allergens:
Medications to manage allergic symptoms include:
It’s crucial to administer the correct dose as prescribed, as most medicines require specific amounts and timings to be effective. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness, while oral decongestants can lead to hyperactivity or difficulty sleeping in children. Nasal sprays and allergy shots typically have no long-term side effects. However, epinephrine auto-injectors might have some side effects including headache, anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and shaking. Thus, like any medication, allergy medications should only be used under the guidance of your child’s doctor.
When a child with an allergy encounters an allergen, their immune system reacts excessively, treating it as a threat to the body. Below are methods to maintain your children’s health and enhance their immune system with just a few lifestyle changes:
Understanding a child’s allergies is essential for the child’s parents, their teachers, and any other adult caregivers for the well-being of the child. As parents, educating yourself about allergy policies can help you advocate for allergy-friendly policies in your child’s school, daycare, and other community settings. You should inform your child’s school if they have any allergies. Here are some ways you can ensure your child’s safety in the school and social setting:
Book a allergy test package in your city: Allergy Test Package in Noida | Allergy Test Package in Bangalore | Allergy Test Package in Mumbai | Allergy Test Package in Hyderabad | Allergy Test Package in Gurgaon | Allergy Test Package in Faridabad | Allergy Test Package in Delhi
Allergies in children can be stressful for both parents and the child as constant vigilance to avoid triggers can heighten anxiety levels. Thus, connecting with others who understand these challenges, share experiences, ask questions, and find support in a caring community can be helpful. You can also seek support from a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about allergies to help cope with stress and anxiety related to allergies.
Managing allergies in children is paramount for ensuring their health and well-being. Parents and caregivers should prioritise their child’s health by seeking support from healthcare professionals who understand allergies and get tested via allergy test packages. It’s also essential to create a safe environment by minimising exposure to allergens. By staying informed about allergy management strategies, parents can effectively support their children’s needs and ensure their overall well-being.