HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A CHILD WITH ALLERGY

A young boy usually scratches the eyes with watery secretions anytime he resumes at the boarding school; the itching used to be so bad that he normally ends up with red eyes and severe nasal secretions. On a particular day he sneezes for over 1 hour and was excused from the classroom. The parents were called to pick up the boy. This has badly affected the boy’s performance since he is  not always comfortable in the classroom. This is just one in many cases of allergic reactions, other includes allergic skin conditions,atopic dermatitis,ulticaria rash etc

Allergy is defined as an immune-mediated inflammatory response to common environmental allergens that are otherwise harmless.s

Allergic diseases include allergic rhinitis and asthma; food and stinging insect allergies leading to anaphylaxis; and allergic dermatitis, Urticaria rash, eczema and allergic rhinitis.

 The manifestation of allergic diseases changes throughout life: food allergies and eczema are most likely to develop in infants, asthma in young children, and rhinitis in older children and adults

Things that people are commonly allergic to include: Tree and grass pollens, house dust mite., animals, especially domestic pets such as cats and dogs. insect venom such as that contained in wasp and bee stings, medicines, foods, such as nuts and eggs, chemicals such as latex.

SYMPTOMS

Rhinitis (inflammation of the nose). This causes runny nose or nasal congestion and sneezing.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes). This leads to watering, itching and a hot feeling in the eyes.

Skin rashes. The typical allergic rash is an urticarial rash - also known as hives or nettle rash. It is very itchy. Flushing of the skin is also common.

Angio-oedema. This is swelling of the tissues, and can include the lips, tongue, throat and eyelids. It can start with a tingling feeling. Angio-oedema is potentially very serious, as airway obstruction can occur (and so breathing might stop). People might have difficulty talking or swallowing.

Breathing difficulties. This includes wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, and can occur in severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. It can be life-threatening.

Cardiovascular collapse. This can cause death. It is the end stage of anaphylaxis. The chemicals released by the body in an extreme allergic reaction can make blood pressure drop dramatically. This can lead to loss of consciousness and to cardiac arrest (the heart stops). Resuscitation is required.

Other symptoms. These can include a sense of impending doom, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and palpitations.

INVESTIGATIONS.

Skin prick testing

Blood specific IgE : It can be used to diagnose all types of allergies, but is generally less sensitive than skin prick testing.

PREVENTIONS

Careful avoidance of the specific allergens: This is the primary form of treatment for food allergies and some stinging insect allergies, as avoidance can be a very effective strategy if patients are well educated about precautionary measures.

The most effective methods for primary prevention of allergic disease in children that can currently be recommended is breastfeeding.

TREATMENT

There is increasing evidence that appropriate treatment of allergies can prevent and alter the natural history of allergic diseases.

Patients with intermittent symptoms are often treated adequately with oral antihistamines.

Short courses of oral corticosteroids may also provide relief.

Daily use of an antihistamine, decongestant, or both can be considered

Ocular antihistamine drops (for eye symptoms).

 Intranasal antihistamine sprays for rhinitis