Allergy in children is a condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances. Allergic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms and negatively affect children's daily lives. The prevalence of allergies has increased in recent years and has become an important health issue for both children and parents. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the symptoms, causes and treatment methods of allergies in children. We aim to raise awareness about allergies and provide parents with practical solutions to protect their children. Dealing with allergies effectively is of great importance for a healthy childhood.
What is Allergy?
Allergy is a condition in which the immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain substances (allergens) and produces various symptoms, including inflammation, in response to these substances. Allergens can be environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods and some medications. Allergies in children can develop as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Common Triggers Causing Allergy in Children:
- Food Allergies: Foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the most common food allergens.
- Respiratory Allergies: Airborne allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, mold spores and animal dander.
- Skin Allergies: Direct contact with certain metals such as nickel and substances such as latex can cause skin reactions.
- Insect Stings: The stings of some insects such as bees and wasps can cause allergic reactions.
Allergies in children are characterized by the body reacting to allergens by producing an antibody called IgE. This reaction leads to the release of chemicals such as histamine and causes allergic symptoms.
Symptoms of Allergy in Children
Allergic reactions in children can occur in a variety of ways and the symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy. Allergy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Here are the most common types of allergies in children and their symptoms:
Respiratory Allergies
- Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes.
- Asthma: Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness in the chest.
Food Allergies
- Itching around the mouth: Itching and swelling around the mouth, lips, tongue or throat.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Skin Reactions: Redness, hives (urticaria) or eczema.
- Anafilaksi: Gıda alerjilerinin en ciddi reaksiyonu olan anafilaksi, tüm vücudu etkileyen ve hayati tehlike oluşturan bir durumdur. Anafilaksi belirtileri arasında nefes darlığı, hızlı nabız, döküntü, ve şok bulunur.
Skin Allergies
- Ezema (Atopic Dermatitis): Dry, scaly, itchy skin rashes.
- Contact Dermatitis: Redness, itching and swelling of the skin where it comes into contact with the allergen.
Insect Stings
- Local Reactions: Pain, redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting.
- Generalized Reactions: In case of hypersensitivity to insect stings, skin rashes, shortness of breath and even anaphylaxis may occur.
When allergy symptoms are recognized, rapid intervention is vital, especially in the case of severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. The severity and type of allergic reactions play a key role in determining the right treatment approach.
Causes of Allergy
Several factors can contribute to the development of allergies in children. Allergic reactions are usually caused by the body being hypersensitive to certain substances (allergens). In this section, we will discuss common causes of allergies and the role of the immune system in this process.
Genetic Factors
There is a genetic predisposition to allergies. If one or both parents are allergic, there is a higher risk that their child will also develop allergies. However, it is not genetically determined which allergens the child will react to.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors to which the child is exposed also play an important role in the development of allergies. Allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, mold spores, animal dander and certain foods can trigger allergic reactions. Cigarette smoke, air pollution and certain chemicals can also increase the risk of allergies.
Role of the Immune System
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are considered harmless. Normally, the immune system protects the body against diseases and infections. However, in allergic individuals, the immune system recognizes certain allergens as dangerous and initiates a defense mechanism against them by producing IgE antibodies. This process leads to the release of chemicals such as histamine and the development of allergic symptoms.
Development of Allergies
When a child is first exposed to an allergen, the immune system recognizes and memorizes these substances. On subsequent exposures, the immune system can react quickly, causing allergic symptoms. Therefore, allergies in children can develop over time and, in some cases, allergies may decrease or increase as the child grows older.
In the next section, we will look at how allergies are diagnosed in children and methods to identify allergens. Allergy diagnosis is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan, allowing the child to lead a healthy life without being exposed to allergic reactions.
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