Every child is born with an immune system that fights against all disease-causing germs and bacteria. Though most of them have strong immunity, some have a tough time with it. Parents who have children with weak immunity have to be at their vigilant best. They need to observe the cause of their kid falling ill or feeling unwell.
What are allergies?
In simple words, allergies are overreactions of the immune system. If a child near a pet starts sneezing, then he/she has an allergy to the pet’s hair, saliva or droppings. Similarly, if a child develops a rash while touching a plant or an object then the child is said to be allergic. Thus, allergy is anything that causes the immune system to react in a violent, vigorous or uncertain manner when in contact with harmless/common objects, environments or foods.
Symptoms
Symptoms of any allergy can be in various forms. If the allergen comes in contact with the skin there might be skin rashes or eruptions. The skin can be red and itchy or can go dry. If any child with a weak immunity inhales an allergen, then respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, wheezing and difficulty in breathing trigger. Ingesting an allergen in the digestive tract can lead to vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea, dizziness and uneasiness. The child can experience either one of the symptoms or a combination of many.
Care Tips
Keep a close watch on allergies
Zeroing down to the cause is always helpful in the prevention of allergic reactions. Allergens can be something present in the house or indoor environment like indoor plants, can be an outdoor irritant like dust, food or irritants like perfume. Keeping a track of the kind of reactions ensures the right corrective measures.
Stay away from allergens
The most important precaution for any child with an allergy is to stay away from the object or environment or food. Children with allergic reactions can be kept away from pets. Teachers in schools can be mindful of the proximity of such children to the blackboard where chalk dust is maximum. Certain seasons see an increase in pollens. In such seasons wearing a medically certified mask or staying indoors are the best ways. One can vacuum clean pillows, curtains or mattresses to remove dust and mites. These are the most common places where major allergens are found.
Hydrate with warm liquids
It is good practice to keep the child hydrated. With the congested and flared-up respiratory system, drinking warm water helps. Any warm liquid like a soup or a turmeric latte aids in opening up the nasal passage. If the child has tea, a tulsi or pepper tea does wonder.
Moisturize regularly
Oiling is another technique that has been practised in the country. When a child is suffering from any kind of respiratory issue, it is best to rub a drop of eucalyptus oil and ask the child to inhale the droplets. This aids in keeping the nasal passage moist. Another commonly used method to subside allergy is saline nasal sprays. These sprays can be picked up off the shelf from any medical store. Steaming is another easy and home remedy for allergic reactions. It also helps in clearing the respiratory tract.
Be mindful of food
Besides adding spices, like pepper and ginger, to the food to soothe the respiratory passage, one can be mindful of the food that the child is not comfortable with. Peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soya, and seeds of certain fruits and vegetables can be restricted from entering into the house.
Wash and change
With a sensitive child, one must remember to wash the uncovered parts of the body like hands, face, mouth and feet once he/she comes home. Parents can also ensure to change the clothes of the child and wash them in water with medical disinfectants.
Medication & hot and cold press
If all the precautionary measures fail, medication is the last resort that would curb an allergy. Consulting a doctor and listing out the reasons, symptoms and allergies can help the child from falling ill again and again. A hot or cold press on the forehead or the chest also brings down the allergic reaction.
Final Words
Allergies are temporary in nature and they do subside or vanish over a period. Even though most of them are not life-endangering, allergies, especially in kids, can be uncomfortable and irritating both to the patient and the parent. Even after being careful if a child falls ill with any kind of allergy, it is important to consult a medical practitioner. Only care and love for the child can abate the reactions or delay any frequent occurrences of the allergy.
One way to help your kid fight allergens is through preventive Immunotherapy. Build your child immunity by supplementing their diet with chyawanprash, multivitamins, and additional nutrition.
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