Allergy is the body's immune response to exposure to a substance (allergen). Most often, children experience the so-called food allergy, which occurs as a response to the consumption of certain foods, and contact allergy, which appears due to the ingress of dust, wool, pollen and other substances on the skin or in the respiratory tract of the child.
Instructions
Step 1
The most common manifestation of food and contact allergies is damage to the skin of a child. On the face, arms, legs and neck of the baby, bright pink rashes in the form of blisters appear. In some cases, these blisters begin to get wet and itchy, causing serious discomfort to the baby. With prolonged exposure to the allergen on the body, Quincke's edema may develop. It looks like a localized area of red skin or subcutaneous tissue. Most often, skin rashes (diathesis) and Quincke's edema are associated with the use of foods such as milk, fish, crabs, legumes, nuts, eggs, citrus fruits, or occur when a child comes into contact with insects.
Step 2
Oral allergy syndrome is another common manifestation of allergy. It is characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, mouth, tongue and is accompanied by itching, swelling of the lips and palate. These symptoms usually begin a few minutes after contact with the relevant product and do not last long.
Step 3
The respiratory system also often suffers from exposure to allergens. Respiratory allergic reactions of the body include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hay fever, laryngitis, and bronchial asthma. Typically, these reactions occur with contact allergies, but certain foods can also cause breathing difficulties (such as peanuts or hazelnuts).
Step 4
Food allergies in young children are often accompanied by negative reactions from the stomach and intestines. Some types of products (milk, eggs, nuts) can cause enterocolitis and proctitis in babies. The latter is more common in children of the first months of life and is manifested by the appearance of an admixture of blood in the feces against the background of good health, appetite and normal weight gain.
Step 5
The most severe and, fortunately, the rarest manifestations of allergy are systemic reactions - anaphylaxis. It is accompanied by laryngeal edema, urticaria, a sharp drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Most often, anaphylactic shock is provoked by insect bites, the administration of drugs or vaccines, some food products (seafood, cow's milk, peanuts, soy).
