Spring has come, flowering will begin soon. This period is considered the most acute for all children who are allergic to pollen. The disease is also insidious because it is not always possible to predict it, because if previously the characteristic symptoms did not appear, then the parents do not prepare for the next season in any way.
Letidor contacted Dmitry Denisov, Medical Director of the Helix Laboratory Service. He listed seven important facts about allergies that all parents need to know if their children are experiencing a bloom reaction for the first time.
What is an allergic reaction
An allergic reaction is an immediate type of reaction that causes secondary or subsequent contact with an allergen in a sensitized (hypersensitive to foreign substances - ed.) Organism. This is a kind of protection of the body, which is triggered when an antigen (allergen) appears - that is, the body strives with all its might to get rid of it.
How does an allergic reaction to bloom manifest?
An allergic reaction can be of different intensity and severity: from lacrimation to anaphylactic shock in severe cases.
Any allergic reaction will manifest itself primarily in the place where contact with the allergen occurs.
If we are talking about flowering plants, then, firstly, these are the eyes (itching and redness), secondly, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat (inflammation, runny nose, itching, redness), thirdly, the bronchopulmonary reaction (coughing, sneezing).
When does allergy start?
The onset of the disease will coincide with the beginning of flowering of different plants, depending on the region of residence. Trees begin to bloom in spring, and some herbs only in mid-summer. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say exactly when hay fever begins - this period will be individual for each allergy sufferer.
What is the danger of the disease
Any allergic reaction, regardless of the cause, in addition to causing serious discomfort to a person, can also lead to anaphylactic shock, which is an urgent condition and requires immediate medical attention.
How to tell an allergy from a cold
To distinguish an allergic reaction from a cold, several factors need to be considered. First of all, it is, of course, anamnesis.
If this is the first case of such a reaction, then it is necessary to pay attention to the seasonality (season of the year) of such a manifestation and remember after which events these manifestations occurred (for example, a trip to the country).
It is important to consult a specialist - this is a pediatrician who will either prescribe the necessary examinations himself, or refer you to a specialized specialist: an allergist.
What kind of examination will the child need?
The first laboratory test that can indirectly indicate an allergy is a complete blood count. In the presence of an allergic reaction, he will reveal an increased number of eosinophils (granulocytes, which are responsible for the manifestation of allergic reactions, performing the function of pro-allergic cells, as well as providing anti-allergic protection).
Also, such patients are prescribed a study of immunoglobulin E - the main protein of the first type of allergic reaction.
An increase in it will also indicate an allergy.
There are a number of other tests that can help a doctor make a diagnosis, such as testing for the presence of an eosinophilic cationic protein, tryptase.
But there are also very specific studies that will help a specialist distinguish an allergic reaction from other diseases, even when indirectly the tests will indicate a possible allergy. This is, for example, the "Fadiatop" test, which helps to clearly differentiate the inhalation allergic from other, similar in manifestation, reactions of the human body. It is used for the primary diagnosis of inhalation allergen susceptibility.
Its great advantage is that it is also presented in a "children's" version - for patients under five years of age.
Another effective assistant for allergists is the Allergochip test, which detects sensitization to 115 different allergic components. It is based on the ImmunoCAP technology, recognized by the world allergy community as the standard for in vitro allergy diagnostics.
What to do if allergy symptoms appear
In order to get rid of the manifestation of any type of allergy, you need to contact a specialist who will identify the allergen and select the drug that is most effective in a particular case.
Most often, these are antihistamines, which interrupt the entire cascade of reactions to the allergen, suppressing the entry of the histamine molecule into the bloodstream, which causes allergy manifestations.
In severe cases, hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Each allergy patient should be treated individually. There are also specific methods of treating allergies: ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy). However, this procedure is not suitable for everyone, although it has good indicators of relieving allergic reactions.
And, of course, do not forget about such opportunities as changing the place of residence at the time of flowering of this or that allergen plant.
Comments by Anna Nikitina, head of the department of the children's eye clinic "Yasny Vzor"
An allergic reaction to flowering can be manifested by profuse lacrimation, swelling of the eyes and severe itching. This condition does not affect vision in any way, but it greatly complicates the life of the child, making it difficult to enjoy the spring flowering.
If your child's eyes are watery or itchy, you should definitely see a doctor.
Using special applications on a smartphone or the Internet, you can track the concentration in the air and the estimated peak flowering of the allergic plant.
To help the child endure the flowering period more easily, the pediatric ophthalmologist will determine an individual treatment regimen. Two weeks before the beginning of flowering - therapy with special drugs that have a cumulative effect and help reduce the clinical manifestations of allergies.
In case of an acute manifestation of an allergic reaction, immediately show the child to a pediatric ophthalmologist for correction of therapy.
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