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Allergies

Lottie

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Joined
Apr 16, 2005
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What is an allergy?
Essentially, an allergy is an immune reaction to a substance that is inhaled, injected, ingested, or even just touched. The body's immune system responds to an allergen — the substance causing the reaction — by releasing histamines and other chemicals that result in symptoms such as nasal and respiratory congestion, an itchy or runny nose, a sore throat, diarrhoea, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy rashes.

Are allergies hereditary?
The tendency to be allergic is often inherited, although family members may differ widely in the kinds of things they are allergic to. One child may have asthma, while another is prone to hay fever. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby's life helps decrease the incidence of allergies in the early years of life.

Are allergies easy to detect?
Not always, and especially not in babies. For instance, many babies develop a wheeze when they get an upper respiratory tract infection. It isn't usually the sign of an allergy, and most babies outgrow the tendency to wheeze when they have a cold as they mature. If the wheeze often occurs in the absence of a cold, and it's still there at age three, your GP may ask you to keep a diary of when your child develops symptoms. Asthma is usually diagnosed through the child's history and response to bronchodilators.

Common allergies, such as asthma, eczema and hay fever, can usually be readily diagnosed. However, a person can develop an allergy to almost anything — from cat fur to polyester. When there are symptoms but no easily discernible cause, you may want to consult your GP (who can refer you to a specialist if your baby's allergies are severe.)

One way to detect the cause of an allergy is with skin prick tests, especially for allergic contact eczema, but these are unreliable in babies under 18 months of age. You may also want to check with your doctor if new symptoms develop or if they persist. If your baby has trouble breathing, pants, appears disoriented, has a rapid pulse or is pale or cold, call the emergency services immediately.

For more information go to the source: LINK
 
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I know this is an old post but had to add my two cents to it.

My entire family is allergic to something. They are not all the same either, for instance, my mother is allergic to shellfish and pork. I am allergic to iodine, lemmons, and gold. but my son is allergic to pecans and my daughter is allergic to red food dye.

this actually has been quite informative. Thanks!
 
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