Unmasking an allergy is possible, paying attention, for example, to the time of day or season of the year when symptoms increase in intensity or become more frequent
Repeated sneezing, runny nose, dry cough…. What if they were not symptoms of a seasonal illness? Sometimes these discomforts can be caused by an allergic reaction and not by a virus.
Allergens hide in the air…
When the immune system reacts abnormally to exposure to a certain substance, then you have an allergy. It is a constantly increasing phenomenon, especially in children: in Italy about 20% of children have allergy problems, while in the nineties only 7% suffered from it.
If it is airborne, the allergen is breathed in and triggers the allergic reaction in a short time. Seasonal respiratory allergies are very frequent forms. Rhinitis and asthma are often associated with conjunctivitis: the eyes itch, tear and are reddened.
The dry and windy climate favors the spread of allergens, while rain “washes” the air and leads to an improvement of disturbances. Pollen calendars allow you to check the periods in which the various pollens arrive in your region: there is, for example, the website of the Italian Association of Aerobiolgia, http://www.ilpolline.it, which is constantly updated.
… in the dust….
Dust mites are another cause of allergic manifestations. These microscopic animals of the family of ticks and spiders easily lurk in domestic environments. Mattresses, pillows, curtains, soft toys are their favorite locations. If the child has stronger symptoms in the morning as soon as he wakes up (runny nose, difficulty breathing, cough …), the mites that lurk in bed could be responsible.
What to watch out for? Watery discharge from the nose, strangely one after another, nasal itching, feeling of “stuffy nose“. In some cases the child may also suffer from a persistent dry cough and difficulty breathing.
To counteract mite allergy, mattress covers and pillow covers based on certified materials can be used. It is important to clean all furniture surfaces with a damp cloth, use a vacuum cleaner with special filters and eliminate carpets, soft toys and other objects that can promote the accumulation of dust.
In winter, children spend more time at home, and for this reason the cleaning of the rooms must be particularly thorough.
… and in pets
Even the hair of the cat, dog or other small “pets” such as hamsters and bunnies can give some problems. The cause of allergy is not really the hair, but a protein, albumin, which is found in saliva, sebaceous glands and sweat. This allergen is spread on the coat when dogs and cats lick each other to wash: from here the substance spreads in the air.
Such allergies can manifest themselves in the form of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and also asthma.
The cleanliness of the rooms is also essential in this case, as well as preventing the animal from entering the room of the allergic child and coming into contact with the child’s pillows and blankets.
What to do?
If you suspect that your child suffers from respiratory allergies, it is advisable to contact your trusted pediatrician or an allergist. The specialist may prescribe certain tests to check sensitization to potentially allergenic substances. The tests are performed on the skin (prick test), or with the search in the blood for immunoglobulins E (IgE), which are elevated in case of allergic reactions. Based on the results, your doctor will determine the best strategies to combat your allergy.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.