Summers, springtime and the rainy season are almost always accompanied by a pack of allergies. While adults have their way to deal with them, children of all ages are very succeptible. SANGEETA YADAV speaks with experts to tell you more
Sudden change in the season, increase in pollution and intake of intolerant food are taking a toll on children’s health. Most paedetricians blame these ailments due to various allergic reactions. According to the world allergy organisation, 2012, 10 to 30 per cent of the global population has been affected with allergic rhinitis. Around 220 to 520 million people suffer food allergies.
“Infants are more prone to allergic reaction and the first five years are the critical stage for them. Allergic reaction is the state where the body’s immune system becomes sensitive to more than one substance that could be pollens, dust mites, certain food products, latex rubber etc,” Dr Rajeev Seth, senior consultant pediatrician Rockland Group of Hospitals, tells you.
Here are some common allergies seen in children of all age-groups.
FOOD AllERGY
This type of allergy happens due to consuming food products that do not suit you. For instance, some children are allergic to lactose which is found in milk. The symptoms of this allergy are often mild, go undetected and can affect any part of the body. Rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and difficulty in breathing are some fallouts. In a few cases, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a reaction which triggers swelling in throat, heavy breathing and low blood pressure, and can turn fatal.
“A child’s digestive system is very sensitive and only mother’s milk is advised for the first six months. Any infant who is unable to sustain mother’s milk (showing symptoms like loose stool with some blood, vomiting, etc) is more likely to be allergic to animal milk protein which could be passed on to the baby through mother’s animal milk consumption. Even milk powder should be avoided. Another important manifestation is rashes on the body and itching. For this, the best thing for the mother is to void taking any milk product, be it cheese, curd or milk while breastfeeding. Within three years, 90 per cent of these children outgrow this allergy,” Dr Sarath Gopalan, senior consultant pediatric gastroenterologist, PSRI Hospital, says.
There are some children who are allergic to a substance called gluten found in cerials. Gluten intolerance is the mixture of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. In 20 to 30 per cent cases, the patients don’t experience abdominal pain and constipation. It can only be diagnosed through symptoms like sore throat and static weight and height.
“Gluten allergy can damage the lining of the small intestine, which stops the body from absorbing nutrients, causing diarrhea and eventually malnutrition. It is a lifelong disease. Though there is no cure for gluten allergy as such, patients should not eat wheat, rye and barley products,” Dr Gopalan advises.
Nuts allergy is usually lifelong but oesn’t happen frequently in children. The nuts most likely to cause allergic reactions are walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pinenuts and cashew nuts. On rare occasions, all these nuts can cause fatal health issues in children who are extra sensitive. “Sometimes, children with an allergy to one type of nut also react to other nuts. So if they have a nut allergy, they need to avoid nuts of all kinds and stay away from unrefined nut oils,” Dr Gopalan says.
RESPIRATORY AllERGY
Children are also prone to allergic rhinitis which triggers breathing problems along with swelling, excessive secretions and itching within the nose and sinus. The reason behind this could be polluted air, dust, molds, pollens, dog or cat dander.
“When these allergens enter the body and gets in contact with IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies which is formed by the body’s immune system, it triggers a change in cells that are called mast cells. Mast cells then release a shower of histamines into their surroundings. Histamines cause inflammation, local swelling, itchiness, sneezing and mucus production inside the nose. The eyes also become itchy, red and teary. It usually occurs in the spring, summer or fall,” Dr Seth says. He adds: “Nasal sprays, eyedrops and inhalers can bring down the allergy. The best way to control or prevent your symptoms is to avoid your allergy triggers, tobacco smokers and pollution environment”.
Allergy rhinitis, if not treated, can trigger asthma. It’s symptoms are more adverse, like breathlessness and wheezing. Asthma can also worsen during workouts, after exposure to cold temperature, when acid reflux occurs or when you experience stress or strong emotions.
“The only relief to asthma are inhalers. Asthma requires regular medical care and adequate treatment. There are two types of inhalers, one that helps you to give immediate relief and the other for preventing and controlling allergic asthma. Antiallergic therapy is another treatment that controls allergic asthma which is insulin-based. Other important mode of controlling asthma is preventing allergen exposure. Allergens are often the trigger for asthma symptoms and flares. Children with asthma that is difficult to control with the usual treatments and preventive measures may benefit from allergy testing and allergy shots (immunotherapy),” Dr Krishan Chugh, HOD, paediatrics & paediatric ICU, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, says.
SKIN AllERGY
During summers, the most common skin allergy among children is prickly heat. The red spots are always mistaken for pimples which, in fact, are boils which appears due to blocked sweat glands. It is called Miliaria which later gives rises to other allergies.
“The best treatment for this is to take a shower twice daily and wear cotton clothes. If the clothes get wet due to excessive sweat, change them immediately. Use lime-based and pure glycerin soaps instead of chemical ones. Put talcum powder and lacto-calamine lotion. Apply sunscreen lotion of SPF not less than 30, 15 minutes before going out under the sun. Apply it thrice daily. It takes almost a week to get cured. Children are advised to take Vitamin C in adequaute amount,” Dr Deepali Bhardwaaj, dermatologist, Rockland Hospital, says.
EYE AllERGY
It’s a very common type of allergy among children caused due to pollution, direct contact with chemicals, cosmetic products like kajal, pollen or flower. Redness in the eye and itchiness are the main symptoms. “Whenever there is a direct contact with the allergen, an allergic reaction happens in the eye. It’s on the rise since the weather is changing. On an average, we are treating 90 cases of conjunctives a day these days. Once the infection is detected, chances are that you will get it again and again,” Dr Mahipal Sachdev, eye surgeon with the Centre for Sight, New Delhi, tells you.
“The treatment for conjunctivitis is that people should avoid contact with patients who are suffering from the disease. Patients must wear dark glasses to prevent their eyes from pollution and sun rays. Cold compressors normally help. Steroid eye drops are prescribed for adverse cases. Mast cell stabilisation eyedrops can be used to control the allergy. Use anti-inflammation drops and lubricant eye drops for dryness. If not treated on time, conjunctivitis could lead to cornea problems, affecting the vision,” Dr Sachdev adds.