We have read in Pediatric Zone that through statistics we can check how the number of new cases of asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and food allergy, are increasing for a few years.
It is known that the genetic predisposition has its weight, although they are multicausal diseases. In fact, changes in lifestyle such as early consumption of infant formulas of cow's milk can cause damage to the intestinal and respiratory mucous membranes and changes in the intestinal flora.
There is talk of allergy when the immune system overreacts to a substance outside the body. The provocation of specific symptoms occurs in the presence of the allergen, favoring the manifestation of an allergic reaction. But can allergies be prevented? When an allergen enters the body of an allergic person the immune system responds by producing a large amount of antibodies called IgE and IgG, in each new contact the reaction of the immune system is activated faster and more exaggeratedly, with the release of chemical mediators such as histamine responsible for allergic reaction symptoms.
Our immune system has the function of recognizing the strangers, protecting us from infections by preventing the entry, spread or multiplication of microbes. Inheritance, diet, environmental pollution, exposure to infectious diseases and an abnormal intestinal flora influence I started an allergy
Determine the signs of allergies
Obviously it is the medical diagnosis that determines the problem with certainty, but parents can pick up a series of indicators that facilitate the work of the professional:
- Family background: There is a 30% chance that allergic children will develop the disease.
If both parents have the same allergy, the risk increases up to 80% chance of any of their children suffering from it.
Chronic constipation : Many constipated children are allergic to some food and although they take a diet with fiber they drink a lot of water or even laxatives, the problem does not improve.
Stuffy nose, persistent nasal mucus, itchy nose, snoring when sleeping, coughing with exercise, sneezing in saves, wheezing reported by the doctor more than two times, persistent cough for more than two weeks.
In babies, itchy, dry skin that rubs easily in the diaper area, presence of hives after taking any food, medication or after insect bites.
Gastroesophageal reflux present after 6 months of age, intense colic, increased abdomen, increased gas.
Presence of pimples around the mouth, lips, tongue, palate accompanied by itching during or after meals, orients to think of a probable food allergy. If any food drains and leaves the skin red, you also have to rule out an allergic problem with food.
Symptomatology after drinking milk, especially if after changing the brand of milk (formula, adapted or suitable for children who are no longer a baby) problems persist and cannot be attributed to other factors, allergy may be suspected.
Although this factor is reviewed, we must inform ourselves well to know that lactose intolerance is not the same as casein allergy (animal milk protein).
Diarrhea of more than two weeks that does not improve, in which infections, parasitosis and deficiency of digestive enzymes (lactose) have been ruled out.
Itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes, presence of persistent dark circles.
Kids with recurrent respiratory infections or respiratory infections that are not removed(more than 2 weeks).
It is possible to prevent or delay the appearance of allergy
Maintain exclusive breastfeeding the first 6 months of life ideally until one year of age.
Delaying as much as possible the introduction of dairy formulas based on cow's milk.
Introduce solid foods after the sixth month of age, avoiding the consumption of citrus, chocolate, strawberry, egg until after one year of age, fish and shellfish after 2 years.
And attention because although sometimes we have read about the inconvenience of offering nuts before two years because of the risk of developing allergies, and even five or six due to danger of choking, The doctor. Ernesto Lugo (author of the original article) discourages them before the age of nine.
Avoid excessive use of antibiotics (90% of infections are viral and do not require antibiotics, they heal on their own, with symptomatic medications or with general measures).
Prefer non-transgenic organic foods (increasingly difficult) and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and legumes with a moderate consumption of red meat and cereals.
Keep vaccines up to date.
Avoid outdoor activities when environmental pollution levels increase (pre-contingency and contingency).
Do not expose children to tobacco smoke.
Finally we reiterate the need to go to the pediatrician in case of observing symptoms that may be associated with allergic processes, so that it offers us a reliable diagnosis.
