KIDS ALLERGIES

Raising kids with allergies  is a real challenge. When a child is diagnosed with an allergy, often parents are uncertain with many unanswered questions. What is an allergy ? What are my child’s exact allergies ? What type of allergy testing  is appropriate in my case? How do I understand the skin test results? Can I cook with so many limitations? How do I supervise out of my house? Will my child feel isolated? Is there another approach in medicine besides just managing symptoms?

 

These are just some of the questions parents face when their child is labeled an allergic kid. Now where do you begin? Let’s start by defining what an allergy is and the types of allergies that exist.

 
An Allergy is a disorder of the immune system. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, and asthma attacks.

 

Mild allergies  like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such itchiness and runny nose. Allergies can affect other conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.

 
Even though your kids may have one or more of the above conditions, and possibly a severe allergy, nevertheless with your help they could be healthy and safe like any other child. With some proactive measures you can make sure your child is happy and thriving at home and with friends in school.