Allergies in children are an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances that are actually harmless to most people. These allergy-triggering substances are called allergens and can come from food, dust, animal dander, pollen, or certain chemicals. Allergies can affect a child's quality of life if not treated properly, so it is important for parents to understand the causes, symptoms, and how to deal with them.
Causes of Allergies in Children
The following are possible factors that can cause allergies in children:
1. Genetic Factors
One of the main causes of allergies in children is genetic factors. If one or both parents have a history of allergies, the chances of a child experiencing allergies are higher.
2. Environment
In addition, the environment also plays an important role in triggering allergic reactions. Exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, or certain chemicals from an early age can increase the risk of allergies. Foods such as cow's milk, eggs, nuts, seafood, and wheat are also common triggers for allergies in children.
Recognize the Symptoms of Allergies Experienced by Children
Symptoms of allergies in children vary depending on the type of allergen that triggers them. Recognize the following causes:
- Food allergies can cause rashes, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even shortness of breath in more severe cases.
- Allergies to dust or pollen often cause symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and coughing.
- Allergies to certain substances such as detergents or metals can cause skin irritation, redness, or itching. In some cases, severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
How to Treat Allergies in Children
To overcome allergies in children, the first step that needs to be taken is to identify the allergen that causes it. Parents can pay attention to the child's diet and environment and note when and how allergic reactions occur. If necessary, allergy tests by a specialist doctor can be carried out to determine the exact cause of the allergy. Once the allergen is known, the main step in prevention is to avoid the trigger as much as possible.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antihistamines to relieve mild allergy symptoms such as itching or sneezing. If your child has a more severe allergic reaction, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or, in an emergency, an epinephrine injection. Immunotherapy may also be an option to reduce your child's sensitivity to certain allergens in the long term.
How to Prevent Allergies
Allergy prevention can be done by maintaining a clean home environment, avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke, and gradually introducing allergy-triggering foods according to doctor's recommendations. If a child has a food allergy, parents need to read food labels carefully before giving them to their child and be careful when choosing a menu outside the home environment. In addition, building a child's immune system through a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of allergies.
With a good understanding of allergies in children, parents can be more alert in identifying and handling allergic reactions early on. Proper prevention and management steps not only help children live a more comfortable life but also reduce the risk of future health complications. If your child's allergies seem to be getting worse or uncontrolled, consultation with an allergy specialist is highly recommended for more appropriate treatment.
Article written by dr. Darmady Darmawan, Sp.A (Pediatrician, EMC Pulomas Hospital).