Children who suffer from Eczema may go on to develop Allergic Asthma once they reach adulthood
Children who suffer from childhood eczema, especially when it occurs with hay fever, are nine times more likely to develop allergic asthma once they reach their forties.
The study was carried out by University of Melbourne at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and has been following 1400 adults from when they were seven-years-old. The participants were assessed in 1968, at seven years of age where their allergies were studied along with their childhood environment. This study was then followed up in 2004, when all the participants were 44 years old.
Lead author Pamela Martin, a University of Melbourne PHD student, analysed the survey and skin prick data tests collected throughout the clinical study to see whether the occurrence of childhood eczema and hay fever lead to adult asthma.
She said: “In this study we see that childhood eczema, particularly when hay fever also occurs, is a very strong predictor of who will suffer from allergic asthma in adult life.”
“The implications of this study are that prevention and rigorous treatment of childhood eczema and hay fever may prevent the persistence and development of asthma.”
The researchers estimated that up to 30 per cent of current allergic asthma within the larger population sample could be attributed to a history of childhood eczema and hay fever.
What is allergic asthma?
Most people find that there are certain things that can trigger off their asthma. These can be allergies to the following:
House dust mites
Pollen
Pets
Mould spores
Food
Other Asthma triggers include:
Viral infections like flu
Exercise like running
Cigarette smoke
Exposure to cold dry air
Laughter and other emotions
Drinks such as squashes or lemon barley water which contain sulphur dioxide
Medication containing aspirin
Childhood Hay fever
Hay fever, otherwise known as Allergic Rhinitis, is a seasonal allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen that gets into the upper respiratory system and affects the eyes, nose, throat and mouth.
Hay fever usually happens from early spring to late summer depending on which type of pollen your child is allergic too.
Other allergens such as house-dust mites, cat or dog hair and moulds can cause all-year round symptoms commonly known as perennial allergic rhinitis. Hay fever, Asthma and Eczema are all related conditions that tend to run in allergic-prone families.
Symptoms:
Your may notice your child sneezing, rubbing his eyes, having itchy red eyes, experiencing a stuffy nose and sore throat. These symptoms may also occur more frequently after your child has been playing outside. Hay fever can make Asthma worse so your child may experience breathing complications.
Treatment:
It is best to consult your doctor about the best course of action for your child, as some treatments won't be suitable for children. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops, nasal spray or anti-histimines depending on the severity of your child's Hay fever and the age of your child.
Eczema
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema are usually dry, red rashes that are extremely itchy and are usually found in the neck area, groin, under the arms, behind the knees on the elbows and face. The rash is usually dry but if you notice pus on the rash, consult a doctor as the rash may get infected. If you suspect your child has eczema, take your child for a check-up with your GP who can diagnose and prescribe the best treatment depending on your child.
Your doctor will probably ask your family medical history to see if there are incidences of eczema, asthma or hay fever since they are all inherited illnesses and are connected to each other. If you are breastfeeding and are weaning your baby onto solids, consult your doctor if you notice your baby has rashes during this process.
What treatments are available?
Your doctor may suggest a number of ways to tackle eczema. Before he tries any medication he may ask you to avoid giving your child certain foods like wheat, dairy and eggs. He may also ask you to eliminate objects like feather and down pillows from your house and keep your family pets outside and away from the child suffering from eczema.
If this does not work your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream such as steroids, or anti-histamines to help stop the itching. If skin is infected, anti-biotics may be required. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment depending on your child’s symptoms and age.
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