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Inhalant allergens
Inhaled allergens usually cause allergic responses in the
respiratory system (lungs, nose, ears and sinuses). However they
may also be responsible for allergic skin reactions, and
although rare, gastro-intestinal symptoms.
House dust mites:
House dust mites are microscopic insects found living amongst
the dust in rugs, toys and mattresses of most households. These
parasites also feed off the human skin we continually shed. On
dying the mites undergo disintegration and are then inhaled. For
those who are allergy prone, this process will result in an
allergic reaction of some sort. Strict household hygiene should
be adhered to:
- carpets must be vacuumed daily and steam cleaned on a
regular basis
- mattresses must be aired regularly
- blankets, pillows and all other bedding must be washed at
least every 2 weeks
- all rooms should be spring cleaned once a month
Pollen and grass:
Pollen and certain grasses are usually the cause of hay fever
(allergic rhinitis). Symptoms include recurrent sneezing, itchy
nose with a watery discharge, red itchy eyes and mouth breathing
while asleep. Cigarette smoke and dust mites also pose a risk
and every possible effort should be made in keeping these
allergens to a minimum, particularly if the child suffers from
asthma.
- encourage your child to only play outdoors in the
afternoon - pollen concentration seems to be lower than at the
beginning of the day.
- Avoid mowing the lawn, and remove any offending tree or
shrub that is close to open windows.
Moulds or fungal spores:
Moulds and fungal spores are produced in a great abundance,
present in virtually all soils and especially compost heaps,
food crops and on the leaves of trees and other plants. These
are found in higher levels in homes which are prone to damp, or
in rooms such as the bathroom, shower cubicle and garage, or any
house/room that contains a musty odour.
There is seldom a time of year when mould spores are no
present in the air, and these when inhaled can produce allergic
symptoms in those sensitive to this inhalant. Try and keep them
to a minimum by thoroughly cleaning all crevices in between the
shower tiles, removing any potted plants from the house, and
avoiding any damp basements of garages.
Contactant allergens
It is not all that uncommon for babies, children and adults
alike to react to allergens with which they come in contact.
These could include everything from certain plants, wool,
plastics, lotions, powders and even the detergents which are
used in every day cleaning and those in which their clothes are
washed.
Injectant allergens
Many children and adults may become allergic to substances
which are injected into the skin, the most common being
penicillin. However it is possible to develop a sensitivity to
almost any medication.
Insect bites or stings:
The secretions typical of an insect bite or sting can cause
reactions ranging from a mild itch to a more dangerous reaction,
known as anaphylactic shock. During this life-threatening
allergic response, the patient's blood pressure falls, resulting
in dizziness and shortness of breath. He may have a rapid, weak
pulse and be covered in an itchy rash. These symptoms may occur
immediately or have more of a delayed reaction - only
manifesting within a few hours or even days.
Ingestant allergens
Food allergies are most common in babies under 18 months of
age, with the majority of these children seemingly 'losing'
their sensitivity to the particular foodstuff around three
years. This is not always the case though, and many may harbour
this tendency well into adulthood, especially where egg white,
fish and nuts are concerned.
Diet:
The best protection a mother can offer her child against
allergies, is to breastfeed. Breast milk contains Immunoglobulin
A, which helps in preventing allergens from passing through the
stomach wall directly into the bloodstream. Cow's milk, even
when modified into formula's, may contain up to 50 allergens,
which can easily pass through, entering the bloodstream and
causing adverse reactions. And it is said that seven times more
bottle fed babies are prone to allergic reactions when compared
to their breastfed counterparts.
If the mother is allergic it is wise for her to exclude all
dairy products from her diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding,
as allergens can cross the placenta and also pass into breast
milk, therefore affecting her baby.
Cow's milk allergy
Being sensitive to the protein found in milk, babies allergic to
cow's milk, may suffer from recurrent vomiting and diarrhoea.
Your baby's motions are likely to be mostly liquid, and possibly
blood-stained. Your baby may appear to be restless, and
excessive sweating from the head may be present, especially when
feeding. Rough dry patches often appear on the limbs and face,
with eczema developing later. The child should be given a milk
substitute until a final diagnosis has been made. If left
undetected and untreated, cow's milk allergy can be dangerous to
your child's health - severe dehydration and malnourishment are
common side-effects.
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