Allergies

Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S. About one out of every five children suffers from allergies. The capacity to become allergic is an inherited characteristic. Allergies are not always taken seriously; some people consider them a nuisance, when in fact they are a serious disorder, especially in children. More than 40 percent of children with allergies limit their activities because of them. Allergies, if improperly managed, can lead to fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration, lost school days, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

Symptoms in children can include runny noses, ear infections, eczema, chronic sickness, and recurrent stomach aches. In infants, look for colic, formula intolerance, frequent spitting up and low-grade fevers. Allergies can be diagnosed by a visit to a doctor's office, where several types of test may be administered. Treatment includes taking daily medications, avoiding or reducing exposure to "triggers" that induce allergic symptoms, and, for children, learning to deal with peer pressure.It is no longer thought that people outgrow allergies. They can become dormant and an individual may be free of symptoms. Still, allergic disease can return or even have an initial onset later in life.

A child may be allergic to substances inhaled into the nose and lungs, such as pollen; ingested by mouth such as nuts or tomatoes; injected, such as reactions to penicillin or insect stings; or absorbed through the skin, such as poison ivy. The most common allergies are to certain types of foods, dust mites, mold and mildew, tree and grass pollens, and animal dander. In schools, children may be exposed to furry pets, mold, cigarette smoke from the teachers' lounge, grass being mowed, and "trigger" foods such as peanut butter. Parents must work with school administrators and teachers before the school year begins to reduce their child's or children's exposure to these allergens.

For more information:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
800-727-8462
www.aafa.org

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
www.aaaai.org

The Allergy Authority (Healthology Inc.)
http://www.theallergyauthority.com/


07/05