Allergies

Allergies occur because your child develops a sensitivity to a particular allergen – it may be pollen, dust mites, pet dander or food.

After her first encounter with the allergen in question, her body manufactures antibodies against it. When she encounters it again, her immune system reacts by releasing chemicals such as histamines to fight what it perceives as a harmful invader. These chemicals are what cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, swelling, coughing, itchy eyes and rashes.

It’s rare for babies and children under three years or so to suffer from allergies, because they have to be exposed to allergens for some time before their bodies start to manufacture antibodies against them.

However, certain children will be prone to allergies because they have a family history of asthma, eczema or other allergies. If neither parent has any allergies there is a 5-15 percent chance that your child will develop allergies. For a child with one parent who suffers from allergies the risk goes up to 25 percent; and if both parents suffer, their child’s risk is around 50-60 percent. If both parents suffer from the same allergy the chances of their child suffering can be as high as 80 percent. That said, there’s also a chance your child won’t develop allergies at all.

Treatment

While antihistamines and steroids can be prescribed for some allergies, they are not always suitable for young children. Preventing an allergic reaction can be the key to helping your child…

• Pollen allergies result in hay fever, so check the local pollen count each day and keep your child indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent her from inhaling pollen. Pollen counts are usually highest in the morning and evening and when the weather is warm and breezy.

• Pet allergies These are harder to diagnose because it is difficult to distinguish whether it is your pet, or something else in the house, such as dust mites, which are irritating your child. If your child’s symptoms clear up when she’s away from your pet, it’s likely the cause. Keep pets outside, or in a different room to your child and never allow them in your child’s room or on her bed. Frequently groom and wash pets (do this outside or take your pet to a grooming salon) and vacuum areas where it likes to sleep.

• Dust mite allergies.

• Smoke allergies Exposure to tobacco smoke puts your child at a higher risk of developing allergies as it compromises her immune system (if you have a baby it also puts her at risk of SIDS). Don’t smoke around your child and don’t permit anyone else to either.

• Mold allergies  A mold allergy tends to cause similar symptoms to hay fever (stuffy nose; red, itchy and watery eyes). Mold loves moisture and thrives in damp soil and leaves, unaired bathrooms and air conditioning systems. Always run the fan when taking a shower or bath and get any leaky plumbing repaired. Use your air conditioning system to keep your home well ventilated and be sure to change the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Get rid of house plants or cover the soil with a layer of aquarium gravel.

Prevention

If your baby has a genetic predisposition to allergies there’s nothing you can do to stop her from developing them. But you can take steps to reduce her exposure to allergens. Some research suggests that sensitization to allergens can happen while your baby is still in the uterus so if you have a family history of allergies it might be worth reducing your intake of common food allergens such as peanuts, milk, eggs and fish (see healthy eating during pregnancy).

Avoid these as much as you can while you breastfeed too – and if you hadn’t planned on breastfeeding, keep in mind that it’s proven to reduce your child’s risk of developing allergies because it limits early exposure to allergens and provides antibodies that help to strengthen the immune system.? If you’re not able to breastfeed but you’re worried about allergies due to your family history, your pediatrician may be able to recommend a hypoallergenic formula.

Solids shouldn’t be introduced before four to six months, again to minimize early exposure to allergens. Don’t introduce wheat, eggs or soy until your baby is over 12 months; and don’t give her cows' milk as a main drink until she’s 12 months old (she can have yogurt and finely grated cheese in sauces from around seven months). If you have a family history of food allergies, avoid peanut butter and shellfish.

• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network http://www.foodallergy.org/

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology http://www.aaaai.org/

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.