How are allergies expressed in children? Allergies in children: symptoms, reaction, manifestation
Doctors are increasingly saying that modern children are mostly allergic. A reaction can be caused by anything from food to air containing allergens. Sometimes parents cannot recognize allergy symptoms in children in time and distinguish them from manifestations of other diseases, which leads to complications. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor based on an examination of the child, his general condition, the degree of exacerbation of the reaction, and test results. But sometimes you need to act on your own to alleviate the condition, relieve inflammation, itching and swelling.
Content:
Common allergy symptoms
As a rule, allergies are manifested by a rash, redness, and peeling of the skin. Allergic reactions are often confused with prickly heat, diaper rash, and diaper rash.
In addition to skin manifestations, characteristic features allergies in children are allergic rhinitis (discharge of clear liquid mucus from the nose) and conjunctivitis (swelling of the eyelids, redness of the whites and mucous membranes of the eyes). A runny nose is often considered a sign of an incipient cold; allergic conjunctivitis is confused with viral conjunctivitis.
You can distinguish the manifestations of allergies from the symptoms of other diseases by the fact that children experience severe itching (not only skin, but also eyes, nose), which goes away when taken antihistamines, the swelling subsides, and the baby immediately feels better. If you miss the first signs, do not eliminate the allergen and do not start treatment, then the situation gets worse; skin rashes often develop when scratching. bacterial infection.
Manifestations of allergies depending on the type
In addition to general symptoms, there are certain signs by which you can recognize what your child is allergic to.
Food allergies
The most difficult to determine, since it can occur on absolutely any product or even one of its ingredients.
Food allergies are divided into 3 types according to their manifestations:
- With manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract. Restless behavior, in infants - colic. Abdominal pain, loose stools, stool with mucus and streaks of blood.
- Skin rashes. Redness of the skin mainly in the buttocks, back of the legs, and on the cheeks. Allergy differs from other types of rashes by itching and bright coloring. Common skin reaction to food allergens is urticaria (pink blisters that have clear boundaries and protrude above the surface of the skin). Possible swelling. Dangerous condition is Quincke's edema.
- Manifestations from the respiratory tract. Often this is rhinitis, breathing problems.
Treatment of food allergies in children involves eliminating the allergen. It can sometimes be difficult to determine. In this case, children are transferred to a hypoallergenic diet, obvious allergens are excluded from the diet: milk, eggs, gluten-containing cereals, chicken meat, citrus and exotic fruits, strawberries, honey, etc. The child adheres to this diet for 2-3 months, after which the diet is gradually made more varied.
When introducing complementary foods to an infant, it should be noted that even hypoallergenic foods (for example, rice, buckwheat or corn porridge, zucchini, cauliflower) some children have allergies. It could be certain type cereals, vegetables or a reaction to the products of a particular manufacturer.
In case of food allergies, the doctor prescribes medications aimed at relieving the intensity of the reactions. For skin rashes, special ointments will relieve itching and speed up the restoration of the epidermis. The doctor will prescribe the specific drug and dosage based on the child’s medical history, test results and general well-being.
Allergies to medications
Develops as a secondary (repeated) reaction to taking a drug in the form of local manifestations or general symptoms, which can be very diverse. The most common are urticaria, rash, blisters, asthma attacks, angioedema and anaphylactic shock are not excluded. Allergies can occur not only to pills, but also to injections, ointments, inhalation medications, etc.
Allergy to atmospheric phenomena
This includes reactions to the sun, wind, and cold. The most common one is the so-called cold allergy in children.
When coming into contact with something cold or just on the street during the cold season, hives-like rashes appear on exposed areas of the body, turning pale when pressed. Itching and burning may occur. In some children, the rash goes away with warmth, in others it persists until taking an antihistamine. In severe cases, pathologies of the respiratory system are detected: shortness of breath, cough, asthmatic symptoms.
Treatment is to prevent hypothermia, including oral cavity, stomach, for example, cold drinks, food, ice cream. Do not inhale cold air. Parents of children who have strong reactions to cold should consider moving to regions with a warm climate.
Video: Allergy in children to the sun
Allergy to animals
It often occurs due to fur, but there are also allergies to animal secretions: sweat, saliva. It manifests itself mainly as nasal congestion and lacrimation. The child sneezes, swelling of the eyelids is observed, and in some cases a rash appears.
If the animal has been in the house since the birth of the child, then most likely there will be no allergies to it. If it does appear, you can try to reduce its manifestations: ventilate the room more often, carry out wet cleaning several times a day, and do not leave the animal in the room where the baby is. Unfortunately, it happens that you have to give up your pet because the allergies are quite severe. In this case, until the allergen is eliminated, the situation will not improve.
Allergy to dust
House dust consists of exfoliated human skin cells, pet hair, street dust, and plant pollen. An allergy occurs to one of these components. It is common to have a reaction to dust mites, which leave natural discharge, the most common cause of asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, dermatitis.
Treatment consists of maintaining cleanliness and daily wet cleaning. All carpets, napkins, capes and other items that retain dust will have to be removed from the room. Upholstered furniture, bedspreads, and bed linen should be thoroughly cleaned and washed at least once a week. Humidification and ventilation reduce the concentration of dust, hence the manifestations of allergies.
Video: Why dust mites are dangerous. Allergy to dust
Allergy to insects
When stinging wasps, bees, and bumblebees, they release poison under the skin, which is located in special glands. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, lice, and fleas also cause itching and tissue swelling in many people. But in some cases, the site of the bite or sting swells greatly, the itching spreads to neighboring tissues, and pathological reactions occur, including anaphylaxis. In this case, they talk about allergies.
The most common allergy among children is to the sting of hymenoptera, but it also occurs to the stings of other insects. Local allergic reactions are expressed by the spread of the tumor more than 5 cm from the site of the bite. Systemic reactions are said to occur when symptoms are observed far from the bite and reach the internal organs.
Video: Causes and types of allergies
Diseases caused by allergies
The resulting reactions can be of several types depending on the allergen. A complex of them is often observed: lacrimation, runny nose, dermatitis, swelling.
Diathesis
It is called a childhood disease because it occurs most often in children. Manifests itself in the form of allergic dermatitis (redness, diaper rash, yellow scales on the scalp or simply flaking of the skin). If the cause of the allergy is not eliminated in a timely manner and treatment is delayed, it becomes more severe forms, a bacterial infection occurs. If the allergen is not eliminated, the cumulative effect can cause other diseases, including pulmonary edema. It usually appears at six months, when complementary foods are introduced, and lasts up to 2-3 years.
Prevention measures include the mother's adherence to a hypoallergenic diet if the child is breastfed, review of the baby's menu, and limiting skin contact with aggressive substances (including non-baby shampoos, powders, synthetics). Children's skin should be kept clean and dry at all times.
Atopic dermatitis
It manifests itself in the form of itchy rashes on the skin, most often represented by ulcers with liquid contents. Most frequent places lesions - face (cheeks, chin), natural folds of skin, groin area.
It usually occurs in infants up to the age of three, then it either goes away or becomes chronic with periodic exacerbations. Associated with reactions to food allergens and contact allergies.
Skin lesions in atopic dermatitis do not go away even with the elimination of the allergen and the use of antihistamines, and require anti-inflammatory treatment. Healing ointments, oak bark lotions, hormonal drugs(strictly as prescribed by the doctor). The child is prescribed vitamins and immunomodulating drugs.
Hay fever
Sometimes called hay fever. It occurs mainly in the spring, during the period of mass flowering of plants, but can occur in summer and autumn if the child is allergic to the pollen of a particular plant. Children are worried about rhinitis, bronchitis, dermatitis of various types and degrees of manifestation, and allergic conjunctivitis.
Hay fever can be diagnosed using allergy tests under the supervision of an allergist, since it is quite possible to develop anaphylactic shock during the procedure. To make the diagnosis accurate, stop taking antihistamines a week before the test.
Prevention is limited contact with the allergen, taking calcium gluconate during the period of mass flowering of plants (to reduce vascular permeability). You should close the windows and ventilate the room only after rain. Taking your child out for a walk in dry weather is not recommended.
Doctors advise using modern devices, invisible respirators that trap pollen.
Allergic rhinitis
Reactions from the nasal mucosa, which are characterized by swelling, impaired nasal breathing, nasal discharge (usually clear mucous), and repeated sneezing. Occurs when inhaling an allergen: dust, pollen, cold air. Such allergies can be seasonal or year-round. The latter is chronic.
If a child suffers from an allergic rhinitis, he should be protected from inhaling allergens:
- cover the windows with a fine mesh that will trap dust, install a window filter;
- carry out wet cleaning daily;
- humidify the air in the room;
- use hypoallergenic laundry powders;
- Avoid contact with any bulk substances.
During attacks, the nose must be rinsed to eliminate the allergen from the mucous membrane. To do this, drop a drop into each nostril of the child. saline and ask him to blow his nose thoroughly.
Bronchial asthma
This disease is chronic, attacks occur in the form of sudden suffocation, whistling breathing, shortness of breath, coughing. In most cases, the child inhales allergens through the air. At the end of the attack, a small amount of sputum is released.
There may be no signs of illness between attacks. Children have severe symptoms in daytime are absent, while in the late afternoon and at night there are exacerbations.
Angioedema (Quincke's edema)
This is the name given to a reaction to various factors that is allergic in nature. The manifestation of such an allergy in children is severe swelling in places with developed subcutaneous tissue: limbs, genitals, face. There is no itching. When taking antihistamines and decongestants, the allergy goes away after 2-3 hours. It can occur on the mucous membranes (including the larynx), leading to difficulty breathing and hypoxia.
If you suspect angioedema, you should immediately stop contact with the allergen, if known, and call an ambulance. Unbutton your clothes to allow air flow. If it's an allergy to food product, rinse the stomach, give a few tablets of activated carbon to drink.
Anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis)
Allergy of immediate type, develops as a reaction to reintroduction allergen. The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children are stinging insect venoms. Strong food allergens for a child that can cause anaphylactic shock are eggs, whole milk, honey, nuts and other foods.
A harbinger of anaphylaxis is a pronounced reaction in the place where there was contact with the allergen: itching, pain, swelling, redness, which almost instantly spread throughout the body. If it is a food allergen, then the first sign will be swelling of the mouth, larynx, abdominal pain, and vomiting. If the drug was injected into a muscle, in addition to swelling and itching in this place, there is pain and a feeling of compression, pressure behind the sternum.
Severe internal swelling leads to difficulty breathing, followed by rapid development of hypoxia, which is expressed in children's blanching of the mucous membranes, lips and nasolabial triangle, coldness of the extremities, and a sharp fall blood pressure. The child loses consciousness.
Prevention of anaphylaxis involves eliminating allergens. If a child has had a case of anaphylactic shock, he should be protected from potential allergens of any type. Drugs, including vaccines, are prescribed with extreme caution, only after an allergy test for a specific substance.
Treatment
Treatment of allergies in children will not bring results without eliminating the cause. Antihistamines divided into drugs of general and local action.
General drugs
First generation antihistamines quickly relieve allergy symptoms, but have a pronounced sedative effect, so they should be given to children with extreme caution (suprastin, tavegil, fenkarol).
New generation drugs (cetirizine, Telfast, Zodak) have a mild effect, there is practically no sedative effect. To relieve allergy symptoms that develop gradually (conjunctivitis, runny nose, rash), they are preferable, but in emergency situations (with Quincke's edema or anaphylaxis), it is better to use first-generation drugs.
Available in the form of tablets, drops and syrups. If it is necessary for the drug to act quickly in case of allergies, it is administered to children as an injection intramuscularly or intravenously.
Important: The doctor should prescribe which drug and in what dosage to use. If you need to take urgent measures, it is advisable to dial an ambulance and describe the symptoms, on the basis of which all recommendations will be given before the team arrives.
Local preparations
The most commonly used ointments for children with allergies include ointments with zinc (desitin, glutamol, cindol, sudocrem), as well as with dexpanthenol (d-panthenol, bepanten, dexpanthenol), which have excellent wound healing properties. For severe and persistent skin lesions, the doctor prescribes hormonal ointments, which should be used strictly in accordance with the instructions of a pediatric dermatologist.
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
In addition to the oral use of drugs, antiallergic drops (histimet, allergodil, opatanol) are used. They are dripped frequently, up to 4-6 times a day, since the effect is short-lived.
Tear substitutes are used for dry eyes to avoid injury to the mucous membrane (hemodez, lacrisin, lacrisify, oftagel). Drops with dexpanthenol will help restore the cornea. Vasoconstrictors are used for severe swelling. They are prescribed by a doctor because they have many side effects.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis
Antigastamines relieve swelling and nasal congestion due to allergies, reduce the amount of discharge, and help improve nasal breathing(sanorin analergin, allergodil, histimet, tizin alert). Also used vasoconstrictors(nazol, naphthyzin, tizin), which do not affect the treatment of allergic rhinitis, but only relieve symptoms, serve to temporarily ease breathing.
Treatment of anaphylaxis and angioedema
The first thing parents can do on the spot themselves is to slow the spread of the allergen by applying a pressure bandage above the skin contact or ice if a bandage cannot be applied (for example, the neck or buttock area) to prevent the reaction from quickly spreading throughout the body. After this, call an ambulance.
Emergency treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of adrenaline. It reduces vascular permeability, dilates the bronchi, and has an antihistamine effect. For children, the dose is 0.01 mg/kg body weight. Injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, mainly into the outer thigh. To relieve swelling, an antihistamine is administered intramuscularly (if possible, intravenously), which does not have a reducing effect. blood pressure(0.5-1 ml of diphenhydramine, suprastin or tavegil). To facilitate breathing, aminophylline 2.4% (10 ml) is slowly administered intravenously.
Important: Of course, it is better if all these measures are carried out by a doctor, but sometimes this is not possible, so it is better for parents of children with allergies to have these medications in their first aid kit in order to be able to provide first aid before the ambulance arrives.
Video: First aid for anaphylactic shock
Allergies in children are pathological condition, in which the immune system gives a pronounced reaction to a substance penetrating the body, carrying with it potential danger. As a result, protective processes are launched, which manifest themselves in the form of a runny nose, cough or skin rashes. The results of numerous studies have shown that allergic disease has a hereditary factor, since most of the children examined in the family had one parent or both mom and dad had this problem.
Causes and symptoms of allergies in children
As the reasons for the formation of pathological manifestations in babies modern medicine considers the following factors:
- House and street dust.
- Plant pollen.
- Animal fur, saliva and urine.
- Insect poison.
- Food.
- Sun rays.
- Medicines.
- Cold.
- Chemicals, etc.
In babies, the pathological manifestation is quite often localized in the facial area:
- Redness appears on the skin.
- The epithelium becomes rough.
- Rashes appear.
- A runny nose begins.
- Tearing increases.
- A cough appears.
In most cases, such symptoms do not pose a threat to the lives of young patients, but parents need to respond in a timely manner to the occurrence of the first signs of an allergic disease.
This is due to the fact that complications may develop against the background of the body’s reaction to external or internal stimuli:
- inflammation of the larynx;
- swelling of the respiratory tract, etc.
The following factors can provoke the occurrence of an allergic disease in the facial area of a baby:
After contact with an allergen, a pathological manifestation in babies develops within 10-30 minutes. Despite external manifestations allergic disease in the facial area, the health of the crumbs may remain at the same level. Young mothers should show their children to specialists, who should first of all identify the cause that provoked this condition. Next, the toddlers are injected with a special antigen, which stops the symptoms that appear. The dosage of this medication increases gradually.
The task of mothers is to protect their babies from contact with provoking factors. Next they need to provide proper care behind their skin. For these purposes, you should use special means, which will soften and nourish the epidermis in the facial area. Babies must take hygienic measures: they need to wash themselves several times a day, which will help alleviate the discomfort caused by inflamed skin.
Manifestation of dust allergies in children
Currently, cases of allergic disease to dust in little babies have become more frequent. Their mothers should not leave the symptoms that appear without control, since the pathological condition can cause the formation of various complications. Data from statistics maintained by many medical institutions from different countries world, show that the majority of young asthmatics developed the disease as a result of a reaction to dust.
Young mothers should not be left unchecked the following manifestations dust allergic disease:
- cough appears;
- pain appears in the eyes;
- a runny nose begins;
- wheezing;
- the baby constantly sneezes;
- shortness of breath appears;
- Symptoms that are characteristic of an asthma attack may occur;
- signs of eczema, urticaria or conjunctivitis appear.
If young mothers take their children out of the home for a while, in which there is a provoking factor, then their well-being significantly improves and some symptoms may disappear. The baby must be shown to specialists so that they can diagnose and differentiate the pathological condition from other diseases that have identical symptoms. The toddlers will be prescribed a series of tests that will accurately determine the presence of an allergic disease. After this, specialists will appoint drug therapy, including:
- a group of antihistamines;
- antiallergic medications;
- inhalers (if symptoms characteristic of asthma are observed);
- Special therapy is possible, thanks to which the toddler will develop antibodies and his sensitivity to dust will decrease (such therapy does not always bring immediate positive results, which is why it has to be repeated for several years).
The pathological manifestation in small crumbs does not arise from the dust itself, but from the waste products of the pathogenic microflora living in it. Microscopic dust mites cannot be seen without special tools, but they live everywhere:
- in floor and wall coverings;
- in furniture;
- in pads;
- in blankets;
- in toys, etc.
Mothers who notice the first signs of a pathological condition in their children should take the following measures:
How do food allergies manifest in children?
If babies develop an allergic disease, then the following will appear on their epidermis:
- Bubbles filled with liquid.
- Redness appears.
- Rashes may appear.
- Severe itching.
- Quincke's edema.
- Prickly heat.
By external signs such symptoms are identical to the manifestations of diathesis, so young mothers often do not attach due importance to it and begin to use it on their own various means. In order not to provoke the formation of serious complications, you should show the babies to pediatricians or allergists, who will give their recommendations.
To stop a pathological reaction, you first need to identify the dish that provoked it and exclude it from the menu. It should be borne in mind that either a single product or a dish that includes several ingredients can act as an allergen. The following should be considered as provoking factors:
- Breast milk. For example, mom decided to break her diet and treat herself to something tasty. Everything she eats is then passed on to the baby with milk. As a result, a fragile body may react to a product that is new to it.
- Artificial mixtures. Very often, young mothers encounter such problems when transferring their children to artificial nutrition. Toddlers can develop allergic pathology not only to infant formula, but also to whole foods. cow's milk.
In small babies, an allergic disease can develop to the following foods:
If a negative reaction to food affects the gastrointestinal tract, then the babies may experience the following symptoms:
- The gag reflex develops.
- The processes of defecation are disrupted.
- Severe colic appears.
- Strong ones arise painful sensations in the abdominal area.
- Other disorders may also occur: bronchospasms, runny nose.
Many young patients develop an allergic disease to breast and cow's milk. If their body has given a pathological reaction, then they may quickly develop the following symptoms:
- The stomach is bloated.
- Colic appears.
- Inflammation begins on the skin.
- The gag reflex is provoked.
- Diarrhea begins (liquid stools often contain blood and green fragments).
Experts identify several stages in the formation of a pathological condition in babies:
|
1st stage |
Manifestations of a pathological reaction on the skin, signs of diathesis |
|
2nd stage |
Childhood eczema develops. Bubbles with clear liquid appear on the skin of babies, and redness appears. After a short period of time, crusts form in place of the blisters, which are very itchy and cause discomfort in the babies |
|
3rd stage |
Dermatitis develops. The itching intensifies, sleep is disturbed, various parts of the epidermis are affected, especially in the folds. If the pathological manifestation has progressed to this stage, then dermatitis can occur in a chronic form until puberty. |
Symptoms of an allergy to cold in a child
In small babies, a pathological reaction can quickly arise even to cold. If the baby long time will be outside in the cold, then the following symptoms will appear on his skin (usually around the mouth and eye sockets):
- Swelling develops.
- Redness appears.
- Severe itching begins.
- Urticaria develops.
- Severely itchy blisters appear.
- A runny nose and conjunctivitis begins with profuse lacrimation (these symptoms disappear when the baby goes into a warm place).
- Peeling of the skin (a sign of cold dermatitis).
External manifestations of this pathological reaction should not be left uncontrolled by parents. This condition most often occurs in babies who have the following pathologies:
- Vessels
- Hearts.
- Endocrine system.
Not only sub-zero temperatures can provoke the formation of a pathological reaction, but also:
- Cold winds.
- Drafts.
- Drinking chilled drinks and ice cream.
- Dampness.
Mothers who notice a negative reaction in their babies to the cold should take the following measures:
- Babies need to be dressed in such a way that they have as few open areas of the epidermis as possible that will be affected by the cold.
- When walking, you should put a hood on your baby's head and cover his face with a scarf.
- Outdoor clothing should be made from materials that repel moisture.
- Before leaving the home, exposed areas of the child’s epidermis should be lubricated. thin layer special means.
- It is necessary to control the temperature of the food and drinks that the baby consumes.
- At the first signs of a pathological reaction, you can give an antihistamine prescribed by a therapist or pediatric allergist.
Reaction to cats in a child
Young patients very often develop an allergic disease when in contact with domestic or stray animals. Most often, the pathological manifestation is observed during contact with cats. In this case, their fur, urine and saliva act as an allergen. Babies may experience the following symptoms:
- A runny nose appears.
- Respiratory functions are impaired.
- Stuffy nose.
- Sneezing begins.
- Wheezing appears.
- Red spots and itchy rashes appear on the skin.
- Swelling and redness appear at the site of scratches, which often remain after playing with cats.
Unpleasant symptoms can quickly appear during contact with the animal, or after a few hours. Repeated contact with a cat can lead to an exacerbation of already manifested signs of a pathological reaction. Mothers should immediately show their children to specialists who will carry out a number of diagnostic measures, differentiate the emerging pathological condition from other diseases and prescribe a medicinal course of treatment:
- Antihistamines.
- Decongestant medications.
- Antiallergic sprays.
- Special allergic injections.
Parents need to prevent further contact between the babies and cats, so it is better to give them to your friends. Homes should be regularly cleaned, since the provoking factor can be brought from the street on shoes or clothes. It should be remembered that allergic disease is in most cases a hereditary pathology, so if moms and dads have this disease, then they should not have pets for their children.
How to recognize allergies in a newborn baby?
Newly born babies very often develop a pathological reaction to food or external stimuli. This is due to the fact that they have the highest intestinal permeability. As a result, substances that can provoke negative manifestations. That is why young mothers try to protect their toddlers as much as possible from any provoking factors, and especially from certain foods.
Many experts are of the same opinion regarding the formation of allergic disease in newly born babies. They think main reason hereditary factor, especially if there is a family history of this problem. The following can also provoke the formation of a negative reaction in a newly born baby:
- Failure of the expectant mother to follow a hypoallergenic diet, which she must adhere to while breastfeeding.
- Diseases suffered during gestation that have an infectious etiology.
In newly born babies, pathological reactions are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Redness appears.
- Certain areas of the skin become inflamed.
- Peeling and severe itching appears (not only on the body, but also in the face).
- A runny nose begins.
- A cough appears.
- The mucous membranes may become inflamed.
If the baby begins to develop severe inflammatory processes, he will be subject to hospitalization for treatment in a hospital under the supervision of specialists. This is due to the fact that with such symptoms the risk of respiratory dysfunction and suffocation increases. Doctors first identify the factor that provoked the pathological reaction, after which they prescribe antihistamines that are safe for newborns. To normalize intestinal function, eubiotics and sorbents are prescribed.
Infants who are on artificial feeding are put on a special diet. If they are breastfed, then their new mothers should adhere to special food. Experts recommend routine vaccination for toddlers, thanks to which an allergic constitution will be formed in their body, which can provide protection against various allergens.
Allergic reactions in infants are quite common these days. According to some reports, four out of ten children in the first year of life suffer from them. Often mothers who breastfeed their baby mistakenly believe that in this case the child is insured against allergies. This is not true, because allergens can also be contained in breast milk.
Food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to any food product that acts as an allergen. What is the mechanism of the allergic reaction? In response to an allergen, the body synthesizes immunoglobulins E (IgE), which activate a cascade of reactions leading to the development allergic symptoms. Typically, allergic reactions occur soon after eating a product to which there is hypersensitivity, but sometimes allergies can be delayed (slow), appearing only a few hours after eating.
Food allergens can change their properties during cooking, with some losing their allergenicity, while others, on the contrary, becoming more allergenic.
What is the likelihood of a child developing a food allergy?
Heredity primarily predisposes people to the development of allergic reactions. An increased risk of food allergies exists in children whose families have a history of allergies.
Also, allergic reactions in a newborn can be caused by fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) during pregnancy and childbirth, acute respiratory viral infections suffered by the baby and intestinal infections with subsequent disruption of the composition of the intestinal microflora.
A negative role is played by maternal smoking during pregnancy, the presence of chronic cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases, as well as infectious diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy and antibiotic therapy carried out in connection with this. It is believed that children whose mothers abused highly allergenic foods during pregnancy are at risk of becoming allergic.
The occurrence of food allergies in infants is associated with the functional characteristics of their digestive tract: enzyme activity is still low, low level production of IgA (immunoglobulin A) - protective antibodies located on the surface of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. They provide local protection of the intestinal mucosa from foreign agents. And since a newborn is characterized by increased permeability of mucous membranes, allergens easily penetrate into the blood. And of course, allergic reactions are associated with disturbances in the nutrition of a nursing mother, with her excessive consumption of highly allergenic foods.
Most common cause of food allergy– usual overfeeding of a child. With regular overeating, allergic reactions can occur even to those types of food (including breast milk), which until recently were perfectly tolerated by the baby.
Any food product can cause the development of food allergies in infants(it is not so rare that green apples or rice flour, considered hypoallergenic products, led to the development of severe allergic reactions in children in the first years of life). There are even known allergies to breast milk. And to its substitutes. These formulas are usually prepared on the basis of cow's milk (with the exception of specialized formulas), therefore, when transferring a child early to artificial feeding Milk protein intolerance often occurs.
There are a number of food products that doctors classify as allergens:
- Animal milk- the most common reason food allergies in the first year of life;
- Chocolate, coffee, cocoa- may be present as flavoring additives to some food products;
- Chicken eggs- sometimes included in grain products such as cookies or pasta;
- Fish, fish roe, seafood(shrimp, squid, lobsters and other marine life);
- Mushrooms- UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN IN ANY FORM, INCLUDING SAUCES, SOUPS, ETC.;
- Nuts- avoid all varieties in any form;
- Honey- may be included in some products for baby food and cause severe forms of allergies;
- Fruits, berries and vegetables of bright red and orange colors, as well as juices from them(citrus fruits, beets, strawberries, raspberries, etc.);
- Soybeans- is included in seasonings, sauces, certain types of vegetable purees and breast milk substitutes.
That's why A child of the first or second year of life should never be given caviar, chocolate, mushrooms and nuts..
The main signs of a food allergy are skin lesions. This food allergy is usually called “diathesis” (the most common option atopic dermatitis). Allergic skin lesions:
- various rashes on the body,
- redness,
- itching and peeling of the skin of the cheeks,
- persistent diaper rash, despite careful hygiene measures (eczema),
- profuse prickly heat with mild overheating,
- excessive dry skin (neurodermatitis),
- gneiss (formation of scales, peeling) on the scalp and eyebrows, urticaria.
- regurgitation,
- vomit,
- frequent and loose stool with foam or an admixture of greenery,
- constipation,
- intestinal colic,
- stomach ache,
- flatulence.
- allergic congestion of the nasal passages, allergic runny nose,
- difficulty breathing, bronchospasm (during bronchospasm, air does not enter the Airways or comes with great difficulty - this is the most dangerous outcome of allergic edema).
There are also combined lesions of the skin and intestines, skin and bronchi. If the skin, digestive system and respiratory organs are simultaneously damaged, the child may require urgent hospitalization.
Food allergies can be a precursor to other allergic diseases: atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, etc.
Treatment
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to identify food allergens.
To identify causally significant allergens, the following is used:
Such studies should be carried out before or after antiallergic treatment.
Sometimes the doctor needs enough information from examining the child, interviewing his parents, as well as the results of the analysis food diary. Many pediatric doctors ask mothers whose children suffer from food allergies to keep a so-called “food diary.” It should regularly (for a period of time agreed upon with the pediatrician - usually at least 3-7 days) record all types of food and drink received by the baby during the day, with the obligatory indication of the composition of the dishes, the features of their culinary processing, the amount of food and time feeding, as well as the appearance of undesirable reactions (loose stools, regurgitation, skin rashes, etc.). Keeping a food diary allows you to identify those foods whose consumption is accompanied by allergic manifestations. Remember that short-term recordings (1-2 days) usually do not provide any valuable information.
Treatment tactics in each specific case are determined by a doctor (pediatrician, allergist or nutritionist). Don't self-medicate! Uncontrolled treatment of food allergies is dangerous and can lead to severe exacerbation of the disease.
The first place in the treatment of food allergies is given to diet (diet therapy). In most cases, it is necessary to take “antihistamines” (antiallergic drugs), ointments, as well as symptomatic treatment.
Diet therapy
Diet therapy includes strict control of the number of meals, maintaining appropriate intervals between them, as well as exclusion from the diet infant real and potential allergens. An unbalanced, monotonous diet often in itself causes the development of allergies.
The diet must remain complete. To avoid nutrient deficiency, it is necessary to replace all “allergenic” products with hypoallergenic ones that have a similar nutritional value.
Typically, diet therapy for children suffering from food allergies includes the sequential implementation of three main stages.
Stage one. For 1–2 weeks, it is necessary to follow a “nonspecific” hypoallergenic diet - exclude all potential allergens from the diet. Do not give industrially produced products that contain crystalline sugar, antioxidants, preservatives, fat emulsifiers and artificial colors. Salt, like sugar, is completely excluded. You should refrain from eating foods with strong flavors (strong broth, etc.), since they usually irritate the mucous membranes of the children's gastrointestinal tract. The amount of dairy products is also limited.
Stage two. At this stage, as a rule, the main source of the allergy is already identified. Therefore, the previously carried out hypoallergenic diet is combined with an individually selected diet and should be followed for 1 to 3 months.
Stage three. If the signs of allergy have disappeared or clearly decreased, you can gradually expand the baby’s diet (obvious allergenic foods are still completely excluded).
If your baby allergic reaction breast milk, without further hesitation, start looking for a suitable formula to replace this valuable product.
Children's diet
Cow's milk, chicken eggs, citrus fruits, wheat products, fish, seafood, and nuts are best introduced into a child's diet after 1-2 years.
Should avoid giving complementary foods before when the child reaches age 6 months; Besides, you should start with those types baby food that is not likely to cause an allergic reaction and consist of one component.
Fruit juices and purees Never introduce food into the diet of children with food allergies before 3 months of age. The fruits used should not be brightly colored (for example, apples should only be light varieties). Chicken eggs It would be better to replace them with quail ones. Vegetable puree(first complementary foods) are given at 6–6.5 months, porridge (second complementary foods) – after 1–2 weeks and are prepared only in water, and what is added to them butter melt! Meat broth replaced with vegetarian soup (vegetable broth). Meat(according to indications) can be given from 7 months of age (and only lean pork or beef, horse meat or rabbit meat). Fish they don’t give it until the end of the first year, but cow's (whole) milk- until the second year of life.
At preparing vegetable purees and cereals Avoid using formula and milk. It is advisable to soak vegetables for mixed puree in cold water for 12 hours (pre-cut into small pieces).
It is important to formulate eating habits in your baby - avoid using sugar, salt And various types jam.
During periods of exacerbation of food allergies, if possible, you should do without industrially produced baby food products(they are not intended for children with allergies).
Recommended guidelines must be followed feeding volumes and the intervals between them, as well as the drinking regime. Absolutely necessary comply with the timing of administration complementary foods and additional food products are included in the infant's diet.
Intestinal dysbiosis is a symptom that almost always accompanies food allergies, and its treatment is not enough to get rid of the allergic reaction!
Necessary monitor regular bowel movements If a child has constipation, which increases the manifestations of the disease or is its main cause (allergens do not have time to leave the intestines in a timely manner, are absorbed into the blood and cause allergies), solve the problem with the help of a doctor.
Better not to use pharmacological agents in the form of syrups containing various additives (dyes, flavors) that can cause or worsen allergies.
Water temperature at water treatments should be moderately warm, and the procedure should last no more than 20 minutes.
It is better to filter bathing water or let it sit for 1-2 hours to dechlorinate it, followed by adding boiling water. You should avoid swimming in pools with chlorinated water or take a moderately warm shower after the session using mild cleansers.
The use of synthetic detergents(toilet soaps with additives, bubble baths, shower gels, etc.) it is better to limit them or they should be marked “hypoallergenic”
Do not rub the child’s skin with washcloths; after bathing, the skin should be carefully blotted with a soft towel and a moisturizing, skin-softening agent should be applied. In this case, you can only use specialized children's hypoallergenic cosmetics (pH-neutral).
The child’s clothes should be made from natural materials; in case of severe allergic skin reactions, they can be ironed; pillows and blankets must have synthetic fillers. The baby should be dressed rationally, avoiding overheating, which provokes allergic dermatitis.
The materials from which toys are made must meet all safety requirements.
The air in the home should be clean, cool, moderately humid. It is advisable to take more walks with your child.
Medicinal products.
If Baby located on artificial or mixed feeding , most likely the cause of the food allergy was cow's milk proteins ( special examination will allow us to establish this for sure) present in the infant formula. If a food allergy in an infant is caused by cow's milk protein intolerance partial or complete replacement of infant formula with specialized hypoallergenic mixtures(prescribed by a doctor) based on soy protein or special mixtures in which the protein is broken down to the level of individual amino acids (hydrolyzed mixtures). But this diet also has disadvantages: a child may become intolerant to soy protein, and hydrolyzed mixtures have an unpleasant taste and are expensive. There are quite a few such mixtures prepared using soy protein isolate. For example, the American “Enfamil-soy” and “Izomil”, the Swiss “Alsoy”, the German “Humana-SL”, the Dutch “Nutrisoya”, the Finnish “Bona-soy”, etc. Among the most famous protein hydrolysates are the imported products “Nutramigen”, “Pregestimil”, “Alfare” and “Pepti-junior”.
Despite their medicinal effectiveness, these species therapeutic nutrition have two drawbacks: high cost and unpleasant taste. But the protein hydrolyzate “Frisopep” partially solves the last problem - pediatricians sometimes call it “the most delicious among tasteless hydrolysates.”
The diet of a nursing mother whose child suffers from or is prone to food allergies.
In breastfed children, food allergies can be caused by foods consumed by the nursing mother. If the baby is breastfed, then first all potential allergens are excluded from the mother’s diet for 1-2 weeks, including industrial products containing crystalline sugar, preservatives, fat emulsifiers and artificial colors (these substances are listed on the label as and are designated - emulsifiers, dyes). The amount of dairy products is also limited. Note that for a child with food allergies it is important to maintain natural feeding.
If your baby has a food allergy, do not eat citrus fruits and juices made from them (directly squeezed and pasteurized). Eliminate melons, watermelons, pineapples and grapes from your diet. The restrictions also apply to many gourmet foods and smoked meats: soft cheeses, noble fish, ham and carbonate, smoked sausages, sausages and small sausages, any nuts, seeds and chips, mushrooms and any seafood except fish.
It goes without saying that a nursing mother should abstain from drinking ANY liquids containing alcohol. Particularly harmful and hyperallergenic for child's body sparkling wines are considered.
Most mothers know that they should avoid fried foods. It is dangerous if a nursing mother abuses refined foods such as sugar, honey or jam, as well as confectionery, chocolate, cocoa and coffee. It is also necessary to limit the consumption of whole milk (only in porridge), sour cream, bakery products and pasta made from premium flour, semolina. Carbonated drinks should be completely avoided, as the vast majority of them contain caffeine, which is harmful to children. It is better to refuse even carbonated mineral water.
Excluded:
- Highly allergenic foods: fish, seafood, caviar, chicken eggs, mushrooms, nuts, honey, chocolate, coffee, cocoa, fruits and berries of bright red and orange color, radishes, radishes, kiwi, pineapples, avocados, grapes, strong broths, fried foods, marinades, sauerkraut, salty and spicy dishes, canned food, spices, onions, garlic.
- Products containing dyes and preservatives (canned food, semi-finished products): mayonnaise, sauces, adjika, tkemali, ketchup, chips, soft cheeses, smoked meats, ham, sausages, sausages, glazed drinks, kvass, beer.
Many nursing mothers begin to drink cow's milk heavily, believing that this will improve the quality of their own milk and help increase its quantity. It's a delusion. If milk was not part of your diet before pregnancy, there is no reason to consume it in large quantities. It is better and safer to use other dairy and fermented milk products.
If possible, consume plant foods (vegetables, fruits and berries) only fresh. You can regularly prepare salads from them. The main seasonings you should use are vegetable oil and low-fat sour cream (in moderation). In winter, frozen fruits and berries (without sugar) are quite suitable.
It is better to limit the amount of sugar or completely replace it with fructose. Instead of jam, pureed fruit (again, without sugar) is good. For confectionery products, choose unleavened cookies, baked goods, and homemade cakes (without custard). Drinks include juices (preferably apple), homemade berry fruit drinks, weak tea, compote of fresh and dried fruits.
Be sure to regularly eat porridge, bread (rye and wheat without additives), vegetable or weak meat soup, pasta and much more.
Allowed:
- Fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir, biokefir, bifidok, acidophilus, yoghurts without fruit additives, hard cheeses, low-fat sour cream, etc.
- Cereals: buckwheat, corn, rice, oatmeal, etc.
- Vegetables and fruits: mostly green and white (apples, pears, bananas, plums, currants (any color), kiwi, cherries, yellow cherries and apricots).
- Soups: vegetarian and cereal.
- Meat: lean varieties of beef, pork, turkey fillet, boiled, dried chicken, and also in the form of steamed cutlets.
- Low-fat fish varieties: cod, hake, pike perch, etc.
- Vegetable oil.
- Bakery products: 2nd grade wheat bread, rye bread, unleavened cookies, baked goods without custard.
- Drinks: tea, compotes, fruit drinks, mineral water without gas
Many parents wonder whether their child's food allergies will stop as they get older. As you grow, the functions of the liver and intestines improve, the immune system, which allows us to hope for the cessation of allergies to milk, eggs, vegetables, etc., especially if parents take anti-allergic measures. Only 1-2% of children continue to have food allergies into adulthood.
Science and medicine have not yet made clear conclusions about why allergies can develop in children. However, there are certain factors that contribute to the development of allergic reactions in a baby. So, for example, if during pregnancy a mother abused foods known to be allergens - for example, nuts, citrus fruits, honey, smoked meats, then it is quite possible that the newborn will have signs of allergies. If the mother refused to breastfeed or its duration was extremely short, the allergy may manifest itself in all its glory. After all, an allergy is an immune response of the body, and if the child does not receive the necessary antibodies from the mother, then the risk of developing the disease increases. It can also be triggered by a wide variety of child’s eating habits - sweets, chocolate, fruits, especially tangerines and oranges. The allergens contained in these products can cause sensitization in a child - development hypersensitivity to similar substances. As a result of the immune response, the body reacts violently to the allergen, and when it is subsequently consumed, an allergic reaction develops. Among the numerous other reasons that can trigger the development of allergies are frequent infectious diseases, constant contact with allergens - dust, animal skin, household chemicals, including baby skin care. 1,2,4
But the common belief that allergies are inherited is not so often confirmed in practice. Even if both parents suffer from allergic diseases, the risk of developing the disease in the offspring is approximately 60%. 4
Kinds
Symptoms and signs
Diagnosing and prescribing treatment for childhood allergies is often a real quest for specialists, because the manifestations of allergic diseases in children are diverse, and they often “hide” under other diseases or occur simultaneously with them. For example, diagnosing allergic enteropathy is difficult, since it is easily disguised as the manifestation of other diseases, for example, colic or dyspepsia. However, there are the most common manifestations of the disease, which make it possible to more accurately determine their cause.
For example, symptoms of rhinitis (nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose) indicate a respiratory (respiratory) allergy in response to the entry of an allergen into the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. In more severe cases, respiratory allergies are accompanied by a dry, obsessive cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. And bronchial asthma becomes a kind of “peak”. 1,3,4
Skin rashes on the cheeks, elbows and knees, behind the ears, around the eyes and wings of the nose, on the buttocks indicate allergic dermatitis, which in children are often provoked by food, cold and drug allergies. 1,4
If the child's eyelids are red, tears are flowing profusely (while he is in his usual mood), there is mucus in the corners of the eyes, and the eyes are itching - all this may be a consequence of allergic conjunctivitis.
But the most dangerous symptoms in anaphylactic shock, an immediate allergic reaction requiring urgent medical care. These include pallor, clammy cold sweat, shortness of breath, convulsions or twitching of individual parts of the body, involuntary urination and defecation, loss of consciousness, rare breathing, and a decrease in heart rate. 1.4
Diagnostic methods
If you suspect an allergy, you should contact your pediatrician, who, after an initial examination, will refer the child to an allergist. And already there the doctor will prescribe all the necessary procedures that will help to understand exactly what kind of allergic reaction the child has and what it is. This and skin tests and a blood test for general and specific IgE. As well as provocative tests with the application of a drug with an allergen to the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, respiratory tract, orally. Naturally, this study is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor. 1.4
Diagnosis established
As in the case of allergies in adults, the first thing to start with is to eliminate contact with the allergen. For example, install filters and air washers, change the child’s diet, start keeping a special diary in which to write down the menu of each day and carefully monitor it. in cases of allergies in infants, changes in diet will also affect the nursing mother. If these measures do not help keep the disease under control, then after the examination the doctor will prescribe a course of treatment, including taking antihistamines and corticosteroids (for allergies that are difficult to control and treat with conventional methods), substances that relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa (for rhinitis, hay fever), and also a method of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), in which the child is administered an allergen drug, starting with microscopic doses, gradually increasing them. This technique trains the body, teaching it to calmly react to the allergen, and then completely get rid of increased sensitivity. 1,3,4
Prevention
If the baby has a predisposition to allergies or the disease has already been diagnosed, then a number of measures must be taken to reduce the risk of repeated attacks. For example, maintain breastfeeding for as long as possible, adhering to an independent hypoallergenic diet. Be careful when introducing new foods into your diet. Avoid household items that may accumulate allergens: carpets, curtains, old bedding, books. Carry out wet cleaning daily using special hypoallergenic household chemicals. Use air washers and humidifiers. And also dress the baby in things made from hypoallergenic fabrics. 2.3