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Allergies

Allergies

Rise in Allergies Among Children :

  • Allergic conditions are becoming more common, with around one in three children experiencing some form of allergy. The most frequently observed allergies include eczema, chronic cough, asthma, and nasal allergies. Food allergies, once thought to be rare, are now increasingly recognized in Indian children, alongside drug allergies, which are also not uncommon.
  • Early identification of allergies in children can help manage symptoms, reduce sick days and school absences, and enhance overall health, physical activity, and quality of life.

What is an Allergy? :

  • An allergy is an unusual reaction by the immune system to certain substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to them.

Why Do Some Individuals Develop Allergies?:

  • Certain individuals are genetically predisposed to developing allergies, a condition known as atopy. When exposed to allergens, atopic individuals’ immune systems react by producing specific antibodies. These antibodies attach to mast cells, prompting the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for inflammation, which leads to allergic symptoms such as redness and swelling.

Which Organs Can Be Affected by Allergies? :

Allergies can cause symptoms in multiple parts of the body:

  • Nose: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Eyes: Allergic conjunctivitis
  • Skin: Eczema or hives (urticaria)
  • Lungs: Asthma

How Do Allergies Develop Over Time? :

Allergies typically follow a pattern known as the “Atopic March,” where allergic conditions evolve as children grow:

  • Infants: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is often the first to appear.
  • 1-3 Years: Food allergies may develop.
  • 3-4 Years: Recurrent wheezing or asthma may emerge.
  • 5-6 Years: Nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis often appear.

The timing and occurrence of these allergies vary among children, and not all will experience each condition. Allergies are more common in children with a family history, though they can develop in children without any hereditary background.

Common Allergy Triggers in Children :

Allergens and triggers can worsen allergies. Common examples include:

  • Outdoor Allergens: Tree, grass, and weed pollens
  • Indoor Allergens: Pet dander (cat or dog), dust mites, mold
  • Food Allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy
  • Irritants: Cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorants

Allergy Care at Jothi Children’s Clinic :

  • We offer comprehensive care for children with allergy-related issues, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, nasal allergies, and food allergies. We also address conditions like hives (urticaria), angioedema, anaphylaxis, and drug allergies.

Allergy Diagnostic Services at Jothi Children’s Clinic :

  • Our clinic provides various diagnostic services, such as lung function tests, skin prick testing, and drug allergy testing. We use advanced spirometry and forced oscillation tests from Antlia, Mumbai, enabling lung function testing for children as young as 3 years old.