Allergy in a child. Symptoms and treatment

Hypersensitivity to any product or its intolerance is a food allergy. The word "allergy" in Greek means "another effect", that is, a certain product or substance has a different, unexpected, not intended effect on a person. Nowadays, due to the unfavorable environmental situation, food allergies have become widespread. Approximately one third of children under five years of age suffer from this disease, and at an older age, every fifth child is allergic to one degree or another. With age, food allergies “calm down” a little, but even among adults, a certain number of people constantly experience difficulties associated with allergies to various foods, and intolerance to one or two types of foods occurs in almost every second person. It is noticed that different children differently perceive the same foods. For example, some people drink cow's milk perfectly, while others immediately get a runny nose, watery eyes, upset stomach. These children are said to be milk intolerant.

Dairy intolerance is quite common, manifested by diarrhea, abdominal pain. It should be noted that almost any product can be rejected by the body.

Allergic reactions are most susceptible to those children whose parents or distant relatives suffered from allergic diseases. The likelihood of allergies in formula-fed babies and in children with digestive disorders is increased.

Preventive measures include a hypoallergenic diet of a nursing mother, excluding chocolate, eggs, exotic fruits, mandatory breastfeeding, late introduction of fruit juices into complementary foods, and prevention of dysbacteriosis in a baby.

In a newborn, skin allergic reactions are more common, less often respiratory or gastrointestinal.

Among food allergens, cow's milk occupies the first place.

Usually, an allergic reaction after eating an allergen occurs in the first hour, but it happens that the reaction can occur after 5 hours and after 12.

Exacerbation of allergies against the background of the same type of food may depend on the state of health of the child as a whole - after an infectious disease, during prolonged stress, in the off-season, the body's defenses may decrease, which provokes an exacerbation of the allergic process.

Causes of food allergies

It is still not exactly established why the body of children reacts differently to the same food product. Maybe there is a hereditary predisposition to allergies. It has also been observed that formula-fed babies are more susceptible to allergies than breast-fed babies. If a mother during pregnancy abuses foods such as chocolate, “citrus fruits, tropical fruits, strawberries, grapes, various smoked meats, takes any medications during this period, then the child may begin to develop hypersensitivity to them in utero. After birth, the first contact with these products may cause an allergic reaction.

What is the mechanism of this disease? In response to the introduction of an allergen into the body, which can be food products,-dust, germs, medicines, etc., the immune system produces its own proteins, the so-called antibodies. With repeated exposure to the allergen, an allergic reaction develops - the interaction of antibodies with the allergen that caused their formation. This is immediately reflected in the functions certain bodies, most often the respiratory tract, intestines, skin. The reactions that occur in the body lead to the formation of chemicals that cause allergies, such as histamine. The most famous anti-allergic drugs are called antihistamines because they affect its formation. With allergies, blood vessels are affected, a rash often appears (urticaria is the most common), a runny nose, swelling of the eyelids. Eyes begin to water. In the most severe cases, airway spasms (suffocation) may occur. Food allergies affect performance digestive tract(loose frequent stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn), sometimes affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract (the child often suffers from pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, he has a constant runny nose). In some cases, such an allergy leads the child to bronchial asthma. A child with allergies often gets sick colds. The kid is in vicious circle”- in winter and autumn, he is prone to colds, and in spring and summer, allergic reactions to the flowering of various plants and herbs (polynosis) become aggravated. Often, also in an allergic baby, various skin lesions can be observed, especially on the bends of the elbows, under the knees, on the hands. These manifestations can turn into eczema or neurodermatitis. The child is constantly irritated, restless. It also affects his nervous system. Food allergies can be combined with neuro-arthritic diathesis, when the manifestations of allergies are aggravated by nervous excitement and various agitations of the child.
It is important to learn to recognize the signs of a food allergy as they vary greatly. skin, Airways and intestines are affected in allergies in the first place. Irritability, tearfulness, feelings of anxiety, fear, irritability and sleep disturbance are signs of the involvement of the nervous system in the pathogenic process caused by food allergies.

The time of occurrence of a reaction to a particular product usually varies in length. Some symptoms occur immediately after eating foods containing allergens, or after only a few minutes (rapid type allergic reaction), while others - after a certain, sometimes long time (several days) - this is a delayed type allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction may also depend on the amount of food eaten. For example, if a child ate only a couple of strawberries, he may begin to have a slight itching of the skin of the face and hands, and with a large number of berries eaten, even swelling of the respiratory tract is possible.

If your baby is prone to inappropriate reactions to food intake, try to write down what and when he eats, as well as note any ailments that then appear. Such a "food diary" is especially necessary for sickly children, since there is often a direct relationship between the intake of a particular product and the body's response to it ( liquid stool, cough, restlessness, or abdominal pain). Keeping these records will help you and your pediatrician identify foods that are unsafe for your baby and determine the nature of their effects. Write down the time and amount of food eaten (note the introduction of new foods). Also note the manufacturer of the product (after all, different factories or dairies use a slightly different technology for making products. Therefore, sweet cheeses (without chocolate!) from one manufacturer may suit the child and he will not accept the same cheese of another brand. Better give new products to the baby early in the morning, so that in the event of an allergic reaction, you can fix it (after all, at night, when the child is sleeping, it is more difficult to see a rash or other manifestations).

The most common cause of allergic reactions are certain foods. These are, for example, dairy products (milk protein is the main allergen), various sweets containing chocolate (cocoa is a strong allergen), nuts, colored (red) vegetables and berries: strawberries, strawberries, also citrus fruits (especially oranges), soy egg white , wheat flour products. Fish and fish products (caviar, various seafood - shrimp, crabs, etc.) are also very allergenic. Some children are allergic to all "red" vegetables and fruits: tomatoes, carrots, red apples, raspberries, peaches.

Allergies can be caused not by specific foods, but by a sharp predominance of proteins, fats, or carbohydrates in a child's diet. Such one-sided nutrition is not uncommon for a child with a poor appetite who prefers to "sit on a mono-diet."

Food allergy is a state of hypersensitivity of the body to food, which is based on immunological mechanisms. She might be the reason acute conditions (anaphylactic shock, broncho-obstructive syndrome, allergic vasculitis, urticaria, etc.) and can maintain chronic and recurrent lesions of the ENT organs (ear, throat and nose), skin, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system.

Food allergy as an integral part is included in the broader concept of food intolerance.

food intolerance, in addition to food allergies, includes fermentopathy, psychogenic reactions to food, pseudo-allergic reactions to food.

Pseudo-allergic reactions to food are not immune reactions, although outwardly they are very similar. Pseudo-allergy develops when eating food containing histamine, or when histamine is released during the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, canned tuna and mackerel can contain high concentrations of histamine. Some nutritional supplements(dyes, preservatives, flavors) can also cause the development of a pseudo-allergic reaction.

Pseudo-allergic reactions often occur in children when they are abruptly weaned and transferred to other products or when the child is given unreasonably a large number of complementary foods.

At the same time, medical statistics on the spread of food allergies is very mixed: according to some data, 20-40% of children of the first year suffer from it, according to others, the prevalence of proven allergies in children of the first year is 6-8%, among adolescents - 2-4%.

There is an age evolution of food allergy: in 20% of patients, its timely and adequate treatment leads to clinical recovery; in 41% there is a change in the manifestations of food allergy to target organs; in 38%, a combined manifestation of food allergy is formed with the involvement of several "shock" organs - the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory system.

Against the background of food allergies, Uz children develop an increased sensitivity of the body to other types of allergens.

Food sensitization is often a starting point and can develop in utero or from the first days and months of a child's life.

The occurrence of food allergies in children of the first year of life is associated, on the one hand, with the peculiarities of the development of the digestive tract, on the other hand, with disorders in the nutrition of the mother and child.

The features of the state of the digestive tract include: increased permeability of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract for macromolecules (including food allergens); decreased local intestinal immunity; a decrease in the enzymatic activity of enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, an altered composition of the intestinal microflora.

Symptoms and signs

Allergic skin reactions (which usually worsen in autumn) may appear as increased dryness of the skin with scaly or reddened areas, usually on the elbows, neck, and knees. Peeling or redness of the skin is sometimes accompanied by itching, which greatly disturbs children.

If parents can easily notice the manifestations of allergies on the skin, then a variety of disorders of the functions of the digestive organs are usually difficult to directly relate specifically to the impact of a food allergen. Nutritional manifestations can be in the form of flatulence, restlessness after eating, regurgitation, abdominal pain, refusal of a certain product, unstable stool.

When allergic to cow's milk protein (among newborns suffering from atopic dermatitis, 90% of children are allergic to cow's milk protein), prolonged diarrhea, during feeding or after it, the child can tighten the legs to the stomach, signaling pain that bothers him. In case of an established allergy, a nursing mother should refuse to eat cow's milk and switch to goat or soy.

Least of all, food allergies cause respiratory disorders, which can be expressed as a prolonged runny nose, apnea, bouts of shortness of breath.

Food Allergy Treatment

Possible treatment regimen

Self-treatment of such a serious disease as an allergy should not be carried out on your own. Consult with an allergist, conduct an allergy test. If you have not noticed allergic manifestations in the child yet, but the test is positive, it is better to treat the child after a second analysis, without waiting for the allergy to manifest itself.

You should carefully monitor the state of the baby's intestinal microflora and prevent dysbacteriosis by using medicinal products containing probiotics and prebiotics, as recommended by your pediatrician.

Today, three types of substances are used to colonize the intestines with beneficial microflora:

• probiotics - live bacteria normal microflora intestines;
• prebiotics - oligosaccharides that increase the amount of protective intestinal flora and its functional activity;
• synbiotics - a mixture of pro- and prebiotics, in which the presence of prebiotics helps to "engraft" faster beneficial bacteria and restore the protective microflora.

To facilitate perception, the table indicates food products containing the main components that contribute to the settlement of the intestines with normal microflora.

Discuss with the pediatrician and allergist the baby's diet - what foods or mixtures you can fully replace the allergens excluded from the diet.

During an exacerbation, the doctor usually prescribes antihistamines, and skin itching or redness can be removed with the help of ointments such as Atoderm, Fleur-Enzyme, Belanten.

The most important factor in the treatment of food allergies is diet therapy. A properly selected hypoallergenic diet in the early stages of the disease contributes to clinical recovery, with pronounced manifestations of food allergy, it, as part of complex therapy, improves the condition and develops a long-term remission. The diet should be strictly individual, with the exclusion from the child's diet of foods that cause allergic reactions in this patient, is the so-called elimination diet.

For children of the first year of life, natural feeding is optimal. Breast milk contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, microelements, vitamins A, C, E, B 12 necessary for the growth and development of the child.
If the child is on breastfeeding and he has signs of allergy, it is necessary to prescribe a hypoallergenic diet to the mother, but in no case should breast milk be excluded, since allergies are not caused by breast milk proteins, but by allergens that have penetrated milk from the mother's food.

Maternal hypoallergenic diet- food should not be one-sided and plentiful. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, trace elements. The diet should not include a lot of obligate allergens and cow's milk (no more than 0.5 liters), the diet should not contain spices, canned food, smoked meats, as these substances increase the degree of penetration of allergens through the intestinal barrier.
When artificially feeding children with food allergies, which are caused by cow's milk proteins, it is necessary to use mixtures prepared on the basis of soy milk: Alsoy, Nutri-soy, Similak-isomil, Enfamil-soy, etc.

If there is an allergy to soy protein, then it is advisable to use mixtures based on whey protein hydrolysates, that is, mixtures of free amino acids: Frisopen-1 for children up to six months and Frisopen-2 for children up to one year. You can also use mixtures of "Prechetimil", "Alfare", "Pepti-Junior" - these are therapeutic mixtures, when using them, normalization of the stool is observed and skin manifestations of exudative diathesis are reduced.
Complementary foods for children with food allergies are introduced a month later than for healthy children - from 5.5-6 months. Fruit juices are administered to such children from 3-3.5 months, it is better to start the introduction of juices with natural apple juice without sugar.
As the first feeding, it is better to give vegetable puree, start with a one-component puree - from potatoes, which are pre-soaked, from zucchini, white cabbage and cauliflower. Carrots, pumpkin are added to more late dates and only in the absence of allergies to these vegetables.

If the child often has loose or unstable stools, if the child is not gaining weight well, you can give him porridge - rice or buckwheat as the first complementary food, the same porridge can also be used for the second complementary food, which is prescribed a month after the first. It is better not to give semolina and corn porridge.

From 7-8 months of age, you can enter natural meat, in crushed form. If the child does not have a negative reaction, beef can be given, if the allergic reaction to beef meat increases, it should be discarded and replaced with rabbit or turkey meat.

In the absence of a pronounced allergy to cow's milk proteins from 6-7 months of age, fermented milk products "Narine", "Matsoni", "Bifidokefir", "Bifidok", etc. can be used. With fermentation, the allergenic activity of cow's milk proteins decreases, in addition , these products are useful for intestinal dysbacteriosis.

Whole cow's milk can be given to children after one year, whole chicken eggs- after two years.

When introducing complementary foods, the following rules must be observed: introduce a new food product only when there are no pronounced clinical manifestations of food allergies; start the introduction of a new product in a small volume with 1A-1 / 2-1 teaspoon, gradually increasing the volume; give each new product 5-7-10 days in a row, depending on the reaction of the baby, - only when positive reaction the body can begin to introduce a new product; give complementary foods from a spoon in the morning and afternoon so that you can track the reaction to it.

Food allergies are most common in children under two years of age.

Certain foods are excluded from the diet different dates, which can range from 1.5-2 months to 2 years or more, depending on the degree of allergenicity of the product and severity clinical manifestations food allergies. So, for example, an allergy to fish, fish products, nuts can persist throughout life.

From the diet of children older than a year, suffering from food allergies, exclude products containing specific for this child allergens. Gradually, the diet is expanded with a gradual increase in the amount of a previously untolerable product. To reduce the allergic effect, it is recommended to subject the product to culinary processing (soaking, thermal exposure, sour-milk fermentation, etc.).

Prevention of food allergies

The modern food industry produces too many non-natural products containing highly allergenic preservatives and colorings (read more about this in the following chapters). Avoid products containing nutritional supplements with an E index - this is not for children with allergies and in general for children under school age it is better to refrain from them completely.

The safest products that can be given to children without fear of an allergic reaction are also known. These are various varieties of apples, apricots, gooseberries, white or yellow plums, white or red currants, white cherries, green grapes, pears, rye bread, oats, zucchini, beets, sunflower oil, rice.

However, if you are giving any product to your baby for the first time, be careful!

Carefully read the composition of the product, read the labels. After all, even such “harmless” products as noodles and pasta contain wheat and very often eggs, and milk is included in the composition of butter cookies. Dairy products are used in the preparation of many types of bread.

If you've managed to determine which foods cause a food allergy in a child, completely eliminate them from the menu. Without chocolate or oranges, the baby will not feel worse, especially since chocolate is also harmful due to its high sugar content. However, eliminating dairy products from the diet is not so easy. In this case, you need to visit an allergist. In addition, food allergies can be accompanied by a reaction to other allergens (drugs, plant pollen, house dust, natural wool or fur, the smell of paint, etc.).

It should be noted that the peculiarity of the nutrition of a child with skin manifestations of food allergies ( exudative diathesis, weeping eczema) is a large share products containing protein. This amount of protein is necessary due to the significant breakdown of its own proteins in the body of a sick baby. Sources of valuable protein for him will be cottage cheese and fermented milk products (kefir, natural yogurt) - in the absence of an allergy to cow's milk. It should be emphasized that the amount of dairy products for an allergic child is limited to 400 ml per day (two glasses of kefir, or curdled milk, or - in the absence of allergies - milk). Lean beef, pork, rabbit, or turkey meat can also be eaten for protein. You can try quail eggs. Although legumes are a source of protein, they should be given with caution to children with allergies.
Children also need protein to maintain immunity.

To restore damaged skin with eczema, a child needs vegetable fats (sunflower, corn, olive oil). Vegetable oil should make up about a quarter of all dietary fat, it is also useful butter. It is better not to give lard and other animal fats to an allergic child.

If the child has experienced a significant improvement in his condition for some time - there are no manifestations of allergies on the skin, runny nose, cough and digestive organs okay, don't rush to start giving "forbidden" foods right away. Wait at least two to three months and then start with tiny doses. We are not talking, of course, about chocolate, citrus fruits, smoked meats and exotic fruits. In case of the slightest manifestation of an allergy, you should again return to a strict diet.

If your baby is forced to stick to a diet for a long time, this should not affect his development. After all, the diet includes basic foods (vegetables, some fruits, lean dietary meat, cereals, dairy products, eggs in a small amount. But at this age, many children who do not have food restrictions prefer to eat a small set of foods. And this is enough for them to develop normally.

Sometimes you may encounter the fact that parents do not understand the need for strict adherence to a diet. They consider it a "doctors' invention" and allow the child to eat what he wants. As a result, the disease is often complicated and delayed. But simple dieting in this case is almost a “panacea” for complications and the transition of allergies to severe chronic form(eczema, bronchial asthma, etc.).

Hello, dear visitors of our site! Today we will talk about a problem that, unfortunately, is becoming more and more urgent every year - about children's allergies.

We will try to answer the questions that interest many parents: how to recognize an allergy in infancy, what to do if the child is allergic, how to cure an allergy in a child at home using folk methods.

How to cure allergies in a child

Allergy in a child is one of the most common problems faced by parents in recent years.

In most cases, it causes shock and panic in parents. How to beat allergies at home?

Allergies in babies

They can appear from the first days of a baby's life. There are food, household and contact allergies of newborns.

Household allergies in infants are recognized by the following signs:

• prolonged runny nose, sneezing, clear, without any impurities, discharge from the nose;
• dry lingering cough without sputum;
• profuse lacrimation, the baby constantly rubs his eyes.

To prevent and treat household allergies in an infant, the following rules must be observed:

• Daily wet cleaning of the room.
• Use air purifiers and humidifiers.
• Remove all "dust collectors" from the room where the child is: carpets, winter things, models, figurines, dry bouquets, etc.
• Try to get rid of soft toys or wash them every two to three days.
• Buy your child bedding made of anti-allergic materials with appropriate fillers.

Symptoms of contact allergy in an infant:

• bright redness of the skin;
• dryness, tightening, peeling of the skin;
• sores and cracks on the skin may appear.

To prevent and treat contact allergies in an infant, the following rules should be observed:

• When cleaning the premises, refuse chemical detergents and cleaners, including whiteness (chlorine).
• To wash dishes and toys of the child, use dry mustard, lemon juice, baking soda, but not chemicals.
• Wash the child's things with special hypoallergenic powders, laundry or baby soap. Do not use air conditioners!
• Bathe the baby in clean water with the addition of a decoction of chamomile, thyme.
• Be very careful when applying ointments, powders, oils. Even the most established brands may use chemical additives.

Symptoms of a food allergy in an infant:

• rashes on the skin small pimples color pink without liquid filling;
• itching in the mouth or throat (the child convulsively pulls into the mouth and sucks fingers, pacifier, toys, etc. with particular zeal);
• disruption of the digestive system - prolonged constipation, diarrhea, intestinal colic (the baby is naughty, twists his legs, etc.).

To prevent and treat food allergies in an infant, the following rules must be observed:

• Breastfeed the child for at least six months (of course, if the child is not allergic to lactose - this is determined by the doctor). By the way, WHO experts preach the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bfeeding a child breast milk up to two years.
• For a nursing mother, in the strictest possible way, exclude from the diet all foods that cause characteristic symptoms at the baby.
• If breastfeeding is not possible, only special formulas should be used. Strictly exclude grandmother's advice to feed the baby with semolina, goat's milk, etc. (say, before everyone ate and were healthy).
• Introduce complementary foods not earlier than 4 months of age with minimal doses (a few drops of juice, a quarter teaspoon of decoction or puree), gradually increasing the dose in the absence of signs of allergy.
• At least up to a year (or up to two or three years is possible) do not introduce foods that are considered potentially allergenic into the child's diet - citrus fruits, nightshade, chocolate, strawberries, etc.

Food allergies in a child can manifest themselves not only in infancy. Symptoms of food allergies in children of preschool and school age are about the same, just more pronounced (if only because the child can describe them).

The success of treatment, first of all, depends on the knowledge of parents and strict adherence to the diet.

It must be remembered that especially allergenic products are:

• citrus,
• red berries, fruits and vegetables,
• nuts,
• mushrooms.

However, any product can give an impetus to the disease. Therefore, a new product must be introduced into the child's diet very carefully.

With food allergies, diet violations are unacceptable! Reasonings of compassionate relatives “just one berry!”, “Well, he wants it so much!”, “How can a child go without milk” and the like are criminal!

Due to a violation of the diet and a frivolous attitude to the problem, the child may develop such serious diseases as Quincke's edema, eczema, bronchial asthma, and vasculitis.

Folk remedies for allergies

In the treatment of allergies, medicinal herbs are very successfully used. Babies are recommended baths and compresses, after a year you can add decoctions.

1. Baths with a decoction of medicinal herbs. good effect give chamomile and string, suitable yarrow, calendula, celandine. Bring one tablespoon of herbs to a boil, leave for 30 minutes, strain and squeeze. Add to bath.
2. Herbal compresses relieve pain, itching, redness. Moisten a soft cotton cloth in a decoction from the previous recipe and apply to the affected areas for half an hour.
3. Decoctions of medicinal herbs purify the blood, strengthen the immune system, reduce the body's sensitivity to foreign substances. The most popular nettle decoction: boil three tablespoons of dry grass with one liter of water, leave for 30-40 minutes, strain, give the child 50 g of decoction 2 times a day before meals. You can also use decoctions of chamomile, rose hips, celandine, calendula. But it must be remembered: decoctions of medicinal herbs must be given to the child at the same time, constantly, for at least two to three months.
4. - one of the most popular and effective folk remedies for the treatment of allergies. Dissolve 1 gr. in a liter of boiled water. Remember: if the product is of high quality, the solution will turn out to be uniformly dark, opaque. Take for children up to three years 50 gr., up to seven - 70 gr., after seven - 100 gr. every day for three weeks.
5. Grind the dried film of boiled chicken egg and add to food a pinch daily. You can also use crushed egg shells, especially quail. Apply until the symptoms of the disease are completely eliminated.
6. Zabrus - caps from honeycombs with which bees cover honey. This bee product has helped many. But do not forget that honey is considered an allergenic product, so you need to use zabrus for treatment very carefully, starting with small doses and monitoring the body's reaction. The product can be added to tea or simply chewed like chewing gum for 10-15 minutes. The effect is observed after a month of use, and in 7-8 months you can completely get rid of the disease.
7. Half an hour before meals, give the child a piece of refined sugar, on which to drip a few drops of bay oil or fennel oil.
8. Green juices (parsley, dill, green onions), celery root, cauliflower help well in the treatment of allergies. To make it easy for a child to drink, you can mix them with the juice of green apples. A mixture of juices from carrots, beets, parsley and cucumber gives a wonderful effect. Of course, these products are useful to eat in their natural form.
9. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, you can use aloe juice, lemon juice, sea salt solution.

Important to remember:

Most importantly, the parents of an allergic child should understand that the disease is curable, but systematic long work is needed in various areas.

• Atmosphere in the house. Daily wet cleaning without the use of strong chemicals. Maintaining the purity and humidity of the air. Lack of dust collectors. The temperature in the room is 18-20 degrees.
• Kids' things. Bedding and bedding made of hypoallergenic materials, a minimum or complete exclusion of soft toys. Washing children's clothes by special means, care for dishes and things without chemicals.
• An allergic child and a pet are poorly compatible concepts, even if there is no allergy to wool. Be as responsible as possible when making a purchase decision.
• . Compliance the strictest diet, use in sufficient quantity useful products. Compliance with the water regime.
• Carefully monitor all changes in the child's condition.

All this requires patience. We believe you have enough. Health to you and your baby!

As you grow older, the manifestations of the disease become more and more dangerous, and with untimely help, they can remain for life or go into bronchial asthma and autoimmune pathologies. Recognizing allergic symptoms at home is difficult, as it is similar to many other childhood diseases. What to do if a child has an allergy and how to treat it, we will consider further.

What is a childhood allergy

Allergy is the hypersensitivity of the immune system to repeated exposure to an allergen on an organism previously sensitized by it.

Causes of allergies in children

The same factors can have different effects on children. Some babies react to potential allergens with an immune response, others do not. The most prone to allergic reactions are children with:

Any product, medication or household chemicals can trigger an immune response. The following allergens are considered the most dangerous in terms of the development of a reaction:

dust and dust mites; vaccines; molds; pollen; drugs: sulfonamides, antibiotics, local anesthetics; food: red vegetables and fruits, nuts, seafood, milk, eggs, legumes, citrus fruits, cereals, honey; wasp and bee stings; dust mites, cockroaches, animal hair; chemicals: washing powders, conditioners, soaps, shower gels, scented shampoos.

There are some features of the disease in different ages. Children of the first year of life are more prone to food and contact allergies (to hygiene products, urine, feces, diapers). A reaction to pollen and pet hair is more common in a child 2 to 5 years old. Drug allergies are more common in early childhood and preschool than in adolescence.

Allergies in newborns in most cases are the result of bad habits or non-compliance by the mother with a low-allergenic diet during pregnancy.

Types of allergies in children

The most common types of allergies in childhood are:

Food allergy - occurs as a result of the use of allergen products. Drug - the reaction of the immune system to taking various medications. Often combined with a food reaction. Respiratory - develops when an allergen is inhaled. Pollinosis, autumn allergies or hay fever - appears annually when certain plants bloom. Quincke's edema - may occur in response to a strong food, medicinal irritant or insect bite. Urticaria - an allergic reaction to any skin irritant. Cold allergy is a reaction to cold, manifested by difficulty breathing, itching and flushing of the skin. Allergy to the sun - develops with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on unprotected children's skin. Atopic dermatitis - manifestations of an immune response from the skin. Diathesis - most characteristic of newborns, appears in the form of diaper rash, scabs on the cheeks, seborrhea.

Symptoms and signs of allergies in children

The manifestations of the disease are different, so it is easy to confuse allergies with a number of other pathologies. Symptoms can occur from the respiratory, digestive system, skin. Often, the reactions of several organs or systems proceed together. When exposed to strong allergens, instant-type reactions can develop.

Respiratory manifestations

Most often, catarrhal phenomena occur when an allergen enters through the respiratory tract. Provocateurs of respiratory allergies are most often gases, plant pollen, fine dust and pet hair. Symptoms:

sneezing; rhinitis; allergic swelling of the nose; itching or burning in the nose; choking, shortness of breath, obsessive cough; wheezing in the lungs; bronchial asthma.

How does the reaction on the skin

Dermatosis is manifested by various irritations and rashes on the skin of any part of the body. More often, allergies appear on the cheeks, buttocks, back, abdomen, hands, legs, head, around the mouth. Rarely, rashes can be seen in the groin, on the testicles, armpits, under the knees, on the palms and feet, behind the ears. Skin changes are provoked by contact (household chemicals, insect bites), food and drug allergens. Main features:

hyperemia of the skin; itching; peeling; dryness; severe swelling; blisters.

What does allergic conjunctivitis look like?

Signs of damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes:

photosensitivity; lacrimation; swelling of the eyelids; burning in the eyes.

Gastrointestinal manifestations

Most often appear with drug and food allergies:

diarrhea or constipation; nausea, vomiting; colic; swelling of the lips, tongue.

Anaphylactic shock

Most dangerous manifestation allergies. Occurs after an insect bite or ingestion of a drug allergen. Symptoms develop from a few seconds to 5 hours from the moment of penetration of the allergen:

sudden shortness of breath; loss of consciousness; convulsions; rash on the body; involuntary defecation, vomiting, urination.

What is the danger of allergies in children

The most dangerous complication of contact with an allergen is a severe allergic reaction in the form of anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema. Young children tend to develop atopic dermatitis. Older children may develop asthma.

If left untreated, severe allergies can be fatal.

Diagnosis: how to find out what a child is allergic to

An allergic reaction is a reason to contact a pediatrician or an allergist. To establish a diagnosis and identify an irritant, examination alone is not enough. You can confirm the disease with the help of various tests and allergy tests:

Skin tests - make it possible to determine the type of allergen in a few minutes. Blood analysis (IgE level) - is performed if there are contraindications to skin allergy tests. Application or skin tests - allow you to determine the causes of eczema and contact dermatitis. Provocative tests are the most effective and reliable research method .

How to cure allergies

Before the beginning specific treatment the allergen must be eliminated. In case of food hypersensitivity, it is necessary to follow a hypoallergenic diet for a nursing woman and to an infant. Complementary foods are postponed for the period of treatment. Formula-fed children are advised to introduce hypoallergenic mixtures.

How to cure allergies: medicines

Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating the allergic reaction and reducing its symptoms. The following groups of allergy medications may be used:

Antihistamines - block or reduce the production of histamine. Available in various dosage forms. Tablets for systemic administration, ointments - to relieve itching and inflammation, drops - for the treatment of conjunctivitis or rhinitis of allergic etiology. Names of drugs: Loratadine; Fenistil; Zirtek; Suprastin; Edem; Tavegil. Decongestants - used mainly to combat allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Names: Xylometazoline; Oxymetazoline. Hormonal preparations - used for severe forms allergies: Dexamethasone; Prednisolone. Homeopathy - drugs are selected exclusively by a homeopathic doctor, depending on the type of allergic reaction, the prevailing symptoms, the age of the child and his physiological characteristics. Preparations: Sulfur 6; Rus 3; Beladonna 3, 6; Antimonium Krudum 3, 6.

The most effective method of treating the disease is SIT - specific immunotherapy. The method is based on the gradual introduction of increasing doses of the allergen until the body loses sensitivity to it.

Prevention of allergic reactions

If the child is predisposed to allergic diseases the following preventive measures must be observed:

prolong breastfeeding as much as possible; exclude food allergens; introduce complementary foods carefully, according to the recommendations of the pediatrician; often carry out wet cleaning; exclude smoking in rooms; limit the contact of the child with animals; use hypoallergenic household chemicals and cosmetics for child care. Well proven natural hypoallergenic agent for washing Soap Nuts; to select linen and clothes for the baby from natural materials; to regularly carry out antifungal treatment in the premises.

doctor pays attention

At an early age, the results of allergy tests can be false-negative, due to the property of allergic reactions to occur after prolonged (sometimes many years) contact with an irritant. Temperature with allergies is an uncharacteristic phenomenon. Fever against the background of an established diagnosis may indicate accompanying inflammation. Temperature can also indicate a viral allergy, when the body reacts to infection with a virus not only with an immune response, but also with an allergic reaction. If the diagnosis of allergy in a child is in question, then rashes, dyspepsia and temperature may indicate an infectious disease in the baby. Relieve itching in case of allergies in small child You can use a string - a safe anti-inflammatory and sedative. A series can be taken orally, bathe the child in a bath with a decoction of herbs, or lubricate the affected areas of the skin with it.

The World Health Organization calls allergies "the disease of the 21st century". Unfortunately, in Russia allergy is still not perceived as serious illness. And parents are in no hurry to examine a child with obvious allergic signs. Meanwhile, the number of Russian children suffering from various types of allergies is growing rapidly every year. The increase in the incidence is influenced by changes in the quality of nutrition, lifestyle, air and water pollution, poor hygiene of residential premises, an abundance of hygiene and cosmetic products, household chemicals, and frequent use of medications.

Allergy Signs

How do allergy symptoms appear on the skin in children?

Eruptions. Can be different nature: redness, small rash, urticaria. The skin becomes dry and rough. With a long process, there may be a seal, keratinization of some areas of the skin. Also, after scratching, weeping wounds, cracks, sores, eczema on the skin may appear. It looks like a chronic allergy in children, with signs inflammatory process requiring medical treatment. Puffiness. It occurs with an acute, instantaneous allergic reaction, for example, after an insect bite, taking a medicine, less often after a certain dish. Severe swelling with allergies is called Quincke's edema. First of all, lips, eyelids, cheeks, mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals swell. With these symptoms, you need urgent care. Itching, burning. This is one of the most annoying symptoms. Itching can be severe, the child scratches the skin, and this can lead to bacterial infection, a long healing process.

How is an allergy manifested in children on mucous membranes?

Rhinitis. In allergic rhinitis, there is difficulty nasal breathing, nasal congestion, swelling, dry mucous membranes. There may also be profuse, clear discharge from the nose. Conjunctivitis. Signs of allergic conjunctivitis: redness, tearing, pain in the eyes. Cough. The child may complain of a sore throat, so a cough occurs. A dangerous symptom of allergies is hoarseness, difficulty breathing, which may be associated with swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx.

Respiratory symptoms are most often provoked by plant, animal, food, drug, chemical allergens.

Signs of allergy in a child from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT):

bloating, colic, rumbling in the intestines; abdominal pain, nausea; belching, vomiting, heartburn; diarrhea or constipation; signs of dysbacteriosis.

When does a child have a fever with allergies?

Insect bites. Reaction to food. Intolerance to the drug. Pollen intolerance.

In most cases, with allergies, there is no temperature, or subfebrile condition is noted - it does not rise above 37.5 ° C. But with some types of food, drug allergies, severe intoxication with a high temperature can be observed.

Localization of rashes

Skin allergies in a child can be localized in different places. What areas most often have a rash, redness, peeling, swelling of the skin?

Allergy on the face. The skin on the face is the most problematic and sensitive to external irritants, it is often weathered, dried out in the sun. Most often, when using highly allergenic foods, there is an allergy on the cheeks. Also, the cause may be a contact allergen: water when washing, skin treatment hygiene products, climatic conditions. Read more about allergies to cold in a child in our other article. As a rule, allergies begin on the face, then spread to other parts of the body. Allergy on the neck. May be associated with local exposure to an allergen, for example: woolen, synthetic clothing, dyes, jewelry made of metal and other materials. But also an allergy on the neck is a sign of a systemic manifestation of food, drug, respiratory, solar allergies. In infants, rashes on the neck are often associated with overheating and are called prickly heat. Allergy on legs and arms. Most often, rashes occur on the folds - in the elbow and knee joints, on the elbows and knees, inside thighs, forearms. Rashes appear where the skin sweats the most or dries out. A rash on the arms and legs can be a reaction to an external irritant: synthetics, wool, dyes, cosmetics. Also often the cause is a food or drug allergy. Butt allergy. Rashes on the buttocks do not always speak of an allergic character. In infants, changes in the skin may be associated with a violation of the rules hygiene care, overheating, diaper dermatitis. If the rash appears simultaneously on the face (another part of the body) and the buttocks, this may be an allergic reaction to some product or household allergen.

Also, rashes can spread throughout the body, appear on the stomach and back. When a rash appears, be sure to consult a doctor. After all, often a profuse rash all over the body can be a sign of viral and bacterial infections- measles, rubella, scarlet fever, chickenpox, sudden exanthema. Only a doctor can differentiate rashes.

One of the most dangerous types of allergies is insect allergy - a reaction to insect bites, contact with their waste products. The reaction develops quickly, can lead to anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema and suffocation. If there have been cases of unexpected reactions to the stings of bees, wasps, hornets and other insects, immediate relief of the allergic reaction with antihistamines and emergency care is required.

Provoking factors

What can a child be allergic to? This is main question put by doctors and parents. What categories can allergens be divided into and where to look for them?

food allergens. This is an extensive group of allergens. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify which particular product a child is allergic to, so the doctor prescribes a strict hypoallergenic diet. Most highly allergenic foods: whole milk, soybeans, nuts (especially peanuts), eggs (especially protein), fatty meats, chicken, seafood and fish, red, orange fruits, berries, vegetables, bee products, cocoa, all citrus fruits. Sweet, spicy, salty, fermented and smoked foods, carbonated drinks, dyes, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers - all this can provoke an acute food allergy. Lactose intolerance. This type of food allergy is most often diagnosed in the first year of life and usually goes away by the age of three. Lactose is milk sugar that enters the baby's body with breast milk, mixtures, during complementary foods. With a lack of the lactase enzyme, milk sugar does not break down, enters the intestines and causes fermentation, disrupts digestion, intestinal microflora, and causes an allergic reaction. Read more about lactase deficiency and its treatment in our other article. Intolerance to gluten, or gluten. Another common type of food allergy in children under three years of age. Although gluten allergy can be detected in more late age even in teenagers. Distinguish between congenital genetic gluten intolerance, which remains for life and requires compliance with the strictest gluten-free diet. But most often there is a temporary allergy to gluten, which is due to the immaturity of the enzyme system. Gluten is a protein of some cereals, namely: wheat, rye, barley, oats. If you are allergic to gluten, white and black bread, rich, confectionery from wheat, rye, oatmeal, it is also impossible to give a child semolina, wheat, barley, oatmeal. The air in the room. In residential premises, a huge number of household allergens of various nature: bacterial, fungal, chemical. The most harmful and hazardous to health are dust mites, mold in high humidity indoors, varnish coatings and paint on furniture and walls. Also, dry and hot air in the room, overheating and a constant lack of fluid in the child's body can aggravate allergic manifestations. Water. Untreated tap water with an admixture of chlorine is often the cause of contact allergies in children. This provoking factor must be eliminated first. The most effective solution to the problem is to install a filter. Household chemicals, clothing and body care products. If there is an allergic child in the house, it is recommended to exclude household chemicals as much as possible. Washing powder should be hypoallergenic, and rinse aid should also be discarded. Body care products (shampoos, gels, soaps, creams) must be hypoallergenic and certified. Plant pollen. The cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchitis can be the pollen of flowering trees and grasses. There are about a hundred species plant allergens. Most often, allergies are caused by: ambrosia, quinoa, wheatgrass, wormwood, dandelion, nettle, corn, poplar, birch, linden, pine, oak, alder, chestnut, most garden flowers, flowering fruit trees. Depending on the flowering time of plants, several peaks of exacerbations are distinguished: spring, summer, autumn. Medications. drug allergy in children - a frequent and unsafe phenomenon. Taking certain drugs can lead to sudden anaphylactic shock, angioedema, when emergency care is required. What medications are most likely to trigger an allergic reaction? Antibiotics, vaccines, insulin, sulfa drugs, anticonvulsants, anesthetics. An allergic reaction is often caused by dyes and additives in children's syrups, medicinal herbs. Pets. Wool, epidermis, feathers, fluff of pets can cause a sudden allergic reaction. After contact with a cat, dog, guinea pig or a budgerigar in a child, after 15-20 minutes, nasal congestion, urticaria, itching may appear. The most pronounced reaction occurs with direct contact with an animal, but a passive allergy to animal hair, bird feathers is also possible. The most powerful "provocateur" is the allergen of cat hair and epidermis.

Treatment Methods

Treatment of allergies in children is carried out in a complex manner. The speed of recovery depends on the elimination of the cause of the allergy in children. To do this, you need to carefully examine the conditions of the child's life: food, hygiene, air, water, animals, climate.

Medical methods

Antihistamines. Appointed as symptomatic treatment in acute allergic reactions in children, as well as for preventive purposes. Children are allowed antihistamines that do not give a sedative effect - do not cause lethargy, lethargy and drowsiness. These drugs include second and third generation antihistamines. Antihistamine drops and syrups are recommended for babies under 3 years old; tablets can be given to older children. Means for the normalization of digestion. Often, against the background of allergies, a child has disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, increased flatulence, belching, nausea, dysbacteriosis. In this case, the doctor prescribes sorbents, enzymes, choleretic drugs, preparations with lactulose for chronic constipation, probiotics. Hormonal local preparations. This is the most effective remedy for severe, chronic skin lesions. Hormones quickly eliminate rash and itching, improvement may occur after two or three applications. But it is important to know that these drugs can give dangerous side effects, they can be addictive, they can be allergic. They are used strictly according to the doctor's prescription. The most famous hormonal ointments that are used in pediatrics: Advantan, Avekort, Gistan N, Elocom, Skin-Cap, Skinlight, Silkaren, Uniderm. Non-hormonal drugs. These are safe antiseptic, moisturizing, regenerating ointments and creams. Most often appointed: "Desitin", "Gistan", "Bepanten", "Losterin", "Pantoderm", "Protopic", "Solcoseryl" and others. Local antifungal and antibacterial agents. They are prescribed only for secondary infections that develop against the background of a chronic inflammatory process on the skin. They must be used strictly according to the indications and prescription of the doctor.

Read about antiallergic drugs for children in our other article.

Climatotherapy and other additional methods

Allergic diseases in children are well treated sea ​​water and mountain air. If the child is not allergic to the seasonal flowering of plants, he can be safely sent to the village, away from house dust and urban living conditions. Allergic children often improve, the skin becomes much clearer in the summer when they are in the fresh air and the sun. Additional methods of therapy include: physiotherapy, mud therapy, carbon and mineral baths, ultraviolet radiation, phytotherapy. It is also known that childhood allergies are successfully treated with homeopathy.

diet therapy

Diet food is the only effective method food allergy treatment. Hypoallergenic nutrition is also prescribed for the diagnosis of the disease. The course of dietary nutrition should be prescribed by an allergist. The energy needs of the age must be taken into account. The menu is also thought out so that the child receives the necessary amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, trace elements, vitamins. Read more about food allergies in children, its diagnosis, prevention and treatment in our other article.

Folk methods

For the treatment of skin with allergic dermatitis, decoctions of string, sage, celandine, yarrow, chamomile, calendula, and nettle are often used. Medical baths with sea salt will be safe and useful. With inflammation on the skin, you can make antiseptic lotions from oil tea tree. Itching and swelling are well removed by potato juice. Before using any folk remedies, you need to make sure that the treatment will not cause a new allergic reaction.

It is also important to pay attention to psychological condition child. After all, allergies are psychosomatic diseases and are more common in vulnerable, impressionable, withdrawn children.

What should I do if my child has an allergy? You can't start a disease. With frequent rashes on the skin, the child's complaints of itching, prolonged rhinitis, cough, not associated with SARS, it is necessary to consult an allergist. Allergy treatment begins with the elimination of the provoking factor. As adjuvant therapy medicines are used.

At baby most often introduces parents into a stupor, they begin to panic, look for the reason for this state of the baby, ask for advice from girlfriends and grandmothers-neighbors. In fact, allergies in children under one year old are considered frequent, doctors are well aware of the possible causes of its appearance and options for alleviating the condition of the baby.

Table of contents:

Types of allergies in children under one year old, symptoms

An allergy can be provoked by absolutely any object or any substances that surround a child - this opinion is expressed by most experts. But most often allergens are food and. It is for these stimuli that the differentiation of the state under consideration occurs - and household allergies.

Food allergies in children under one year old

A woman during pregnancy carefully monitors her health, strictly follows the recommendations of a gynecologist and excludes most of the foods that can lead to the development of allergies in an unborn child from her diet. But as soon as the baby is born, all these forbidden foods reappear in the house - mommy eats them with pleasure, especially since the motto "you need to eat for two - you feed the baby" has not yet been canceled, unfortunately. The result of such carelessness will be an allergy of the child - first, aggressive products enter the body along with mother's milk, and then they also come along with improperly formulated complementary foods.

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Symptoms of food allergies in children under one year old:

Household allergies in children under one year old

House dust is a multicomponent substance and it is impossible to say exactly what causes an allergic reaction in a child, since it can be insect waste products, spores of fungal colonies, and animal hair. To find out which particular allergen is causing the development of an inadequate reaction of the child's body up to a year old, you need to visit a doctor and go through.

Symptoms of household allergies in a child up to a year:

Contact allergy in a child under one year old

This type of disease under consideration occurs only if there was direct skin contact with an irritant. Most often, a child occurs due to the use of aggressive washing powders, detergents and cleaning products when washing a child’s dishes, poor-quality and synthetic fabrics.

Symptoms of contact allergy in a child under one year old:

Note:in some cases, the child has all the symptoms from different types of allergies at once - he suffers and respiratory system, and the skin, and the digestive system. This means that a serious malfunction has occurred in the body and immediate medical attention is required.

Allergies in a child up to a year - how you can help at home

Of course, every mother will look for options to alleviate the condition of the child with. The most reasonable decision would be to seek help from specialists - they will diagnose the form of allergy, and necessary examinations will do and, if necessary, appoint. But there are some activities that parents can do at home that will help their child, and in most cases, prevent the use of medications.

Actions of parents with contact allergies in a child up to a year

If it was found that the allergy in a child is really a contact type, then experts recommend the following activities:

1. Remove all household chemicals as far as possible, carefully seal - the child's curiosity will not be satisfied, which means that contact will be avoided.
2. When cleaning the premises, do not use aggressive products - discard detergents and cleaning agents, whiteness (chlorine), and various flavors.
3. The child’s dishes cannot be washed with the usual detergents - in some cases, even a thorough rinsing of cups / plates / spoons / forks / bottles does not prevent the development of allergies. It is much wiser to use mustard, lemon juice, baking soda to clean dishes - more specific recommendations on the use of natural remedies can be obtained from your doctor.
4. You need to wash your baby's things either with special hypoallergenic washing powders or with ordinary laundry soap. No conditioners should be used!
5. Bathing a baby with contact allergies is only necessary in clean water, decoctions or thyme can be added to it - they will soothe inflamed skin, relieve intense itching, and reduce peeling.
6. It is necessary to use baby oil, powders, creams and any others only as prescribed by the attending physician - even the most well-known brands in the production process add various chemical components to the products that can provoke an outbreak of an allergic reaction.

In addition, with contact allergies, synthetic fabrics should be completely abandoned - all baby clothes and bedding should be made from natural fibers.

What to do with food allergies in a child up to a year

Food allergy in a child under one year old is the most common type of the disease in question. There are a number of preventive measures that will help to avoid the progression of food allergies, even if there were already symptoms of its occurrence.

Allergy is the body's response to various external stimuli. So the immune system wants to protect it from exposure. Allergies in children are very common, since the immune system is not yet able to work at full strength, and gives a reaction to even the most harmless substances. allergic reactions can be instant and short-term, which do not give complications. But, most often, allergies in children require a long process of treatment. It is important for parents to recognize the first symptoms of the disease in time.

Causes of allergies in children

The reasons why an allergy manifests itself in children can be quite diverse. Often, the disease in babies occurs against the background of a genetic predisposition. This means that one of the blood relatives suffered from some kind of allergy. Also, the baby can get the disease from an early age due to the use of antibiotics by the mother during pregnancy. An important role is played by the ecological situation in the region where the family lives.

An allergic reaction may occur in children born ahead of schedule. Such babies, as a rule, have a low body weight, and an undeveloped immune system. It is worth noting that in the presence of congenital abnormalities, or autoimmune diseases in babies, the risk of developing allergies increases. Often this problem is faced by those children who have impaired liver function. After all, this body serves as a kind of filter that cleanses the blood of toxins and allergens.

The main reasons for which an allergic reaction occurs in a child are as follows:

• plant pollen;
• household dust;
• Food;
• Pets;
• Ultraviolet;
• Insects;
• Medications.

Allergy to plant pollen in children mainly develops at an older age, after 5 years. It appears almost immediately after contact of the mucous membranes with the allergen. Pollinosis refers to seasonal allergies. It begins already with the first flowering of trees - in mid-March. It is known that the flowering period lasts until the end of September. Therefore, symptoms may appear for a long period of time. Isolating the baby from the source of the problem is not enough, complex treatment is necessary.

Food allergies are common in young children and infants. Especially during the feeding period, and the introduction of new products. For the child's body, they are new, and therefore alien. Among the products responsible for allergies in infants are milk and artificial mixtures. The thing is that cow's milk, which is the basis of most mixtures, contains pathogenic proteins and lactose. He is the cause of the disease. It is important to keep your baby breastfed as long as possible. Mom should follow a strict diet.

It is better to introduce hypoallergenic mixtures into the child's diet, which are made from goat milk. At an older age, allergies are caused by citrus fruits, sweets, chocolate, fruits and vegetables of red and orange color, seafood, potatoes, chicken eggs. This usually happens in the first years of life. Over time, after three years, the immune system improves its work, the intestinal walls are strengthened, and food allergies go away by themselves. If this does not happen, a complete rejection of the use of the allergen is required, and treatment.

Some babies suffer from exposure to the mucous membranes of house dust. It is very important to carry out daily wet cleaning in the house. The room where the child is located must always be kept clean. To prevent the development of allergies to dust, you must follow the following rules:

• Change your baby's bedding regularly
• Bed and clothes must be ironed;
• Install an air purifier and humidifier in the child's room;
• In the summer, it is less likely to open windows for ventilation;
• Monitor the cleanliness of interior items, books;
• Remove carpeting from the room.

Allergy symptoms in children can happen as a reaction to a pet. It is generally accepted that it is the animal's hair that becomes the culprit, and they are trying in every possible way to get rid of it. But it's not. The fact is that the pet's body produces protein, which is an irritant for human body in weakened immune systems. And even more so for a child. This component is excreted along with the urine and saliva of the animal. Caring for himself, the pet spreads it over the surface of his body, wool. Further, the allergen settles on furniture, dishes, clothes. And hairless breeds of cats will not save the baby and the adult from the problem.

Often the disease manifests itself against the background of the use of certain medications by the child. These include antibiotics, hormonal drugs, drugs to maintain the work of the heart, and to normalize blood sugar. Allergic reactions are caused by many planned injections. It is worth noting that such manifestations are considered the norm if it persists for a couple of days. If the symptoms do not leave the baby for longer, you should consult a doctor.

Allergy symptoms in children

The manifestation of symptoms can begin both immediately and after a short incubation period. It all depends on the specific allergen, and the body of each child. Symptoms arise from the digestive system, skin, respiratory system. So, any allergy in a child manifests itself as follows:

• Skin rashes;
• Urticaria, eczema;
• Dermatitis;
• Diathesis;
• Itching of the skin;
• Burning and pain.

Red and pink spots first appear on the back of the baby. Further extended to hairy part heads, limbs, face. Such a reaction is always found in allergies to food, pollen, animals. From the respiratory system observed allergic rhinitis with copious excretion clear sputum, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, dry cough. Such signs are characteristic of hay fever. Often the symptoms are equated with a cold, and begin wrong treatment. It is worth noting that allergies, an increase in body temperature is very rare, which cannot be said about the common cold.

With food allergies, the child suffers from colic and pain in the tummy. At the same time, his appetite worsens, and with each feeding, the baby often and profusely spits up. Parents observe the irregularity of the stool in the baby. As a rule, it is liquid. Often the child suffers from constipation. In this case, the body temperature rises. A characteristic difference this allergy from poisoning is a rash in the form of urticaria.

Very dangerous symptoms, especially for a small child, are anaphylactic shock and angioedema. In the first case, there is an instant aggravation of all signs, which leads to loss of consciousness. In case of inaction of parents and relatives, serious condition goes into a coma. Quincke's edema is dangerous because the baby's mucous membranes swell rapidly. In a matter of minutes, organs and body parts increase in size:

• limbs;
• inguinal zone;
• Eyes;
• Lips;
• Oral cavity;
• Internal organs.

The danger is that with swelling of the oral cavity (throat, tongue, palate, larynx), oxygen access to the lungs is blocked, and the baby risks dying from asphyxia. In this case, immediate first aid, which consists in the introduction of an injection of an antihistamine drug. AT general organism the child becomes significantly weaker, children suffer from insomnia, anxiety increases.

Treatment

Any treatment first requires a specific diagnosis. If during the diagnosis it was revealed that the reactions are caused by an allergy, treatment with antihistamines is required. But today there is modern methods therapy. These include ASIT therapy. In this case, the child must stay in the hospital clinics. Therapy consists in the regular introduction of a small dose of the allergen into the blood. Thus, the body gets used to the pathogenic component, begins to independently produce antibodies, and fight it. This method is very efficient. Recurrence of an allergy is excluded. But, for such treatment, the child must be at least three years old.

A prerequisite for any therapy is the complete exclusion of the allergen from the child's environment. Antihistamines are selected by the doctor for each child individually. There are three generations. The latter has a minimum number of contraindications and adverse reactions. But many of them are different. strong action therefore, they are not always suitable for treating a child for allergies.

So, the following means are allowed to protect the child from allergies:

• Intal;
• Ketotifen;
• Zyrtec;
• Kropoz;
• Zaditen.

In the acute period of allergic manifestations in children, Suprastin, Fenkarol, Tavegil, Pipolfen, Erius, Fenistil are considered the most effective. These drugs are aimed at eliminating any manifestations of the disease, by blocking the release of histamine from the cells. They have antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. Some may have a sedative effect, so there is excessive drowsiness and fatigue in the child.

To eliminate the skin manifestations of allergies in a child, it is necessary to use topical agents. Creams and ointments quickly relieve itching and burning of the skin, which leads to the healing of wounds and ulcers. There are ointments on a hormonal and non-hormonal basis. The first are used to treat children extremely rarely. They can affect the body as a whole, affect the hormonal background of the baby. But, they are very fast. They are prescribed when other drugs do not bring the desired result.

Safe for children of any age, even babies, are antihistamine ointments without hormones. They have a cooling effect, which eliminates burning, and relieves swelling of the skin. It has been established that they can be used for a long period of time. This fact is very important, since dermatitis and eczema require long-term treatment. These include:

• Fenistil gel;
• Bepanthen;
• Skin cap;
• Elidel;
• Wundehill;
• Gistan;
• Desitin;
• La cree.

To facilitate the breathing of the baby, it is necessary to resort to the help of nasal drops and sprays. Such funds in a matter of minutes release the nasal cavity from sputum. Contribute to the protection of the nasal mucosa from repeated exposure to the allergen. It also relieves swelling and inflammation. For children, nasal rinses are most suitable. They are made on the basis of sea water and salt, which is absolutely harmless to a small organism. Among these, the following can be distinguished: Dolphin, Physiomer, Marimer, Aqualor, Aquamaris.

Preventive measures

Allergies in children require compliance with certain rules of prevention. So, the baby must follow a certain hypoallergenic diet. The baby should be fed only with hypoallergenic mixtures. At an older age, a child should stop eating smoked meats, sausages, chocolate, sweets, citrus fruits, dairy products, fatty meats, and seafood. The diet of the child should be saturated with a variety of cereals with a viscous structure, vegetable broths. Meat can be eaten dietary in poisonous form. It is useful to steam any food. Regular consumption of vegetables is required.

In case of food allergies, parents are required to keep a food diary. In such a diary, all the foods that the child ate during the day, the time of eating, the amount of food eaten, possible reactions of the body, and the alleged allergen are entered. This will help to quickly establish the causes of the disease, and start treatment in a timely manner. It is also important for the baby to observe fractional nutrition.

During the flowering period, you need to walk with the baby in the evening, away from the source of allergens. Windy weather contributes to the spread of pollen over long distances, which is also not favorable condition. It will be useful to take a walk after the rain. It is also necessary to ventilate the room in given period. When you come home from the street, thoroughly wash your child's nose, ears and eyes, wash him, and change into clean home clothes. Often, experts prescribe a course of vitamin therapy, which restores protective functions child's body.

If there is a pet in the house, all its accessories (dishes, toilet, comb) should be in a separate room where the child does not have access. In no case should a pet enter the children's space. Regular water procedures for a pet are necessary. If all allergy symptoms persist, it is better to give the pet in good hands.

Video about childhood allergies