In the article, we will consider how to identify an allergen in a child. This question worries a huge number of mothers. After all, allergy sufferers are forced to avoid certain foods, medicines in their lives and lead a rather cautious lifestyle. At the same time, you can not spend a lot of time on the street, especially during flowering periods. You have to change bed linen several times a week, avoiding contact with animals and so on. But some don't even know what they're allergic to.
Many are wondering how many allergen tests to take. Calculating on your own what exactly causes a rash with rhinitis is quite difficult, because every day people are faced with hundreds of substances. In order to find out which of them are irritants, you need to do tests. In this article, we will talk about how to identify an allergen in a child.
Determination methods
In the event that a parent suspects that histhe child has a similar deviation, the doctor will first prescribe a general blood test for the baby. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, while the last meal should be taken twelve hours before the study. This analysis is directed, first of all, to counting special cells, which are eosinophils. In the blood of a he althy person, the presence of these cells usually does not exceed five percent.
If there are many more of them, then this allows us to suspect an allergy. True, elevated eosinophils are also characteristic of a number of parasitic lesions, therefore, in addition to testing for allergies, the specialist will also prescribe tests for the detection of parasites. If they are not found, then allergy is supposed to be the method of exclusion. In this situation, a referral is given for the establishment of immunoglobulin.
What tests are done for allergies?
Determination of total immunoglobulin E
Foreign cells are rendered harmless by these antibodies. They are, one might even say, "soldiers" of the protective human system. True, their activities sometimes turn against people. In order to find out if this happened to the child, an analysis is prescribed for the presence of total immunoglobulin E.
For the accuracy of the results, it is necessary to prepare for the examination, namely, it is better to avoid physical activity, stress and overheating for three days. For twelve hours it is forbidden to eat food. This immunoglobulin is found in very small amounts in the blood. Its level changes with age. Here are the norms for different categories:
- In newbornsfor babies under two years old, the indicator is from 0 to 64 mIU / ml.
- For children from two to fourteen years old, it ranges from 0 to 150.
- And among those over fourteen from 0 to 123.
How else to identify the allergen in a child?
Skin tests as a diagnostic technique for allergies
Such an exploratory manipulation is a clear way to establish deviation. The doctor, using a special tool, forms small scratches on the skin of the hand, applying a preparation from a panel of possible allergens to the cover. Reactions occur within twenty minutes. In the event that redness or swelling appears at the site of the wound, then this product serves as an irritant, if not, then, of course, there is nothing to fear at all.
The disadvantages of this method are some (however small) risks of false negative and false positive results, as well as the ability to perform only ten to fifteen samples at a time. Considering that the number of possible allergens is huge, they are grouped into so-called panels in laboratory diagnostics.
Where do allergy tests take place?
The easiest thing to do today is to contact one of the diagnostic laboratories. In such centers, a huge number of immunological studies are carried out to determine the degree of allergens. Their list is really huge. Most often, as noted earlier, an analysis is made for immunoglobulins. Parents can apply to any laboratory based on a referral from a pediatrician or on their own initiative.
Passing tests is quite simple: for this you need to make an appointment and come at a convenient time. In such laboratories, there are usually no queues, and they work according to a schedule that is convenient for patients. Usually the results are ready on the same day or, in extreme cases, the next day. Private centers have their own technical facilities and a large staff of specialists, so the conclusion can be obtained so quickly.
Answering the question of where you can take samples and how to determine what you are allergic to, it is worth mentioning, perhaps, the well-known company Invitro, which is by far the largest network of diagnostic commercial laboratories that covers the whole country. This large medical center has been operating for more than twenty years and is constantly expanding. The results of ongoing research are recognized by all medical institutions in Russia.
Child symptoms
How do I know what my baby is allergic to?
Manifestations can be local in nature, for example, a reaction to a prick or a bite, as well as a systemic response, affecting the entire child's body. First of all, parents should pay attention to the condition of the skin. Allergic reactions such as hives or dermatitis may be accompanied by skin redness and a small rash. Swelling is possible due to impaired capillary permeability. Among other systemic manifestations of allergies, shortness of breath is often noted, which is associated with bronchospasm, lacrimation, and allergic rhinitis.
True, you should remember aboutthe fact that if children have red spots on their bodies, then this may not even be an allergy. They can be symptoms of various diseases, skin infections, and, in addition, viral pathologies that affect the entire body (we are talking about rubella, measles, scarlet fever, chickenpox). This also happens as a result of prickly heat or an insect bite. Therefore, against the background of their appearance, the baby must be shown to the pediatrician. In addition, you need to focus on additional symptoms, such as, for example, the presence of temperature (in the case of the disease being studied, this is usually absent).
Symptoms and treatment of allergies in children are interrelated.
Performing therapy
In order to cure such a condition, it is necessary, first of all, to identify the allergen itself, which caused these undesirable manifestations in the child. In this case, parents are usually helped by simple ways, such as keeping a food diary, in which they write down the foods that the baby received. Particular attention is paid to food with a high degree of allergenicity. It is better not to give such ingredients to the child.
The elimination method detects food that caused an unwanted reaction. A hypoallergenic diet that is optimal for a child at a certain age is best established in accordance with the recommendations of a pediatrician and nutritionist. A similar technique for determining the stimulus is used for other cases. For example, if the baby was taking medication, then you should replace them with alternative means, of course, after consulting a doctor.
In caseWhen breastfeeding, it must be borne in mind that many medications that are taken by the mother, just like irritants that are contained in food, can penetrate into milk and cause an undesirable reaction. It is also required to keep in mind that many pathologies, especially skin pathologies, may have symptoms similar to those of allergies. Therefore, the presence of such conditions should be diagnosed exclusively by a specialist. He must also determine the necessary therapy. As part of identifying the allergen, the physician may prescribe skin tests along with enzyme immunoassay.
How to treat an allergy in a child? Drug treatment primarily includes drugs that block histamine receptors in the body. These drugs are divided into several generations. The first includes funds like Suprastin, Tavegil and Dimedrol. However, despite their low cost, they have a significant number of side effects and can not always be prescribed to young children. Therefore, for the treatment of allergic reactions in babies, second-generation antihistamines, for example, Loratadine or Cetirizine, are most often prescribed. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory hormonal drugs.
Red spots on the skin itchy
Such a condition as an allergy often provokes reddening of certain areas of the skin, most often on the neck or hands. The main treatment is to eliminate the factor that causes such a negative response. Most often they arecitrus fruits, along with eggs, chocolate, nuts and the like, as well as decorative cosmetics with household chemicals. When choosing these funds for yourself, you must definitely pay attention to the composition, as well as to whether they are capable of provoking irritation.
In the event that red spots on the skin itch, you can use antihistamines in the form of Suprastin, Claritin, Radevit, but it is better not to do this without consulting a doctor.
Eczema is a special kind of allergic reaction. Red spots that appear on the palms and in the armpits are observed not only due to the reaction of the human body to the allergen, but also as a response to stress, to various disorders of the digestive and nervous systems. Do not try to cure eczema on your own. Any special corticosteroid ointments, exactly like sedatives and antihistamines, should be prescribed exclusively by a dermatologist. Traditional medicine recommends preparing a chamomile decoction by adding honey to it and taking it three times a day. It is believed to be a sedative and safe remedy.
Urticaria is a disease in which there are small red spots that resemble a burn from the leaves of the corresponding plant. As a rule, for therapy, it is enough to simply eliminate the cause of the irritation that has arisen.
Next will be presented to the drug "Fenistil" instructions for use. It is often recommended for children with similar symptoms.
DrugFenistil
Why do doctors recommend using this medicine even for babies? First of all, because it is currently the only anti-allergic drug in the form of drops that are allowed for babies from the first month of life. The pharmaceutical form is very convenient because parents do not have to measure out the medicine with a spoon or crush the pills.
A convenient dropper makes it possible to accurately dose the drug, which is very important for the baby. The drug, as a rule, begins to act quickly and this happens within fifteen minutes after the first drop enters the mouth. It is also extremely important that the medicine has a pleasant taste, and it can be well tolerated by young children. Instructions for use for "Fenistil" confirms this.
Next, we will tell you how dangerous pets can be for a child.
Allergy to dogs
Four-legged friends do not always bring only joy to kids. Unfortunately, many, having stroked a harmless cute puppy, begin to sneeze and itch. This is due to allergies. The symptoms of which cause a lot of trouble, making it impossible to communicate with animals.
Similar manifestations of allergies to dogs in children occur due to the hypersensitivity of the child's body to the protein that is part of the dog's saliva, urine and skin. Also, the child may have an individual intolerance to wool. This does not mean at all that long-haired pets will be more dangerous than short-haired representatives. This may apply to any particular breed.or even just one dog.
Sometimes a reaction in children can be caused not even by the pet itself, but by ordinary dust, fluff, mold or mites, which the animal brings into the house after walking. To avoid such a scenario in the development of events, it is necessary to wash the beast thoroughly after each exit to the street. Now let's find out how a child shows incompatibility with an animal.
Symptomatics
Allergy in children to these animals can manifest itself in the form of the following signs:
- Mostly itching along with burning, redness, or the appearance of a characteristic rash, especially at the site of a scratch or the animal's saliva.
- The appearance of nasal congestion, runny nose, allergic rhinitis.
- Occurrence of dry cough along with shortness of breath, wheezing, shortness of breath, choking, bronchitis, asthma and the like.
- The appearance of redness of the eyes and tearing.
- Presence of indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting.
- Severe reactions such as Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock are extremely rare (with a sudden drop in pressure, which can be very life-threatening).
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can occur immediately after contact with a pet, and after a couple of hours.
For a consultation, you can make an appointment with a pediatric allergist in Moscow. For example, Bazhenova Olga Viktorovna has a lot of laudatory reviews (he accepts at the SM-Clinic on Voikovskaya).
Allergist services
A visit to such a specialist in the capital has the following prices:
- A visit during which a child is examined and an allergist-immunologist's consultation will cost parents two and a half thousand rubles.
- A control visit to such additional doctors as an ENT, endocrinologist, nephrologist (which is necessary as part of the diagnosis) will cost two thousand.
- Departure of a pediatric allergist in Moscow to provide a consultation at home costs five thousand rubles.
Thus, allergy is a serious disorder in the functioning of the immune system of children, in which the body's defenses react aggressively to the most harmless components. Such reactions tend to occur unexpectedly. And in the event that a person has never had problems with peanuts or house dust before, this does not mean at all that it will always be so.
This deviation has many symptoms, which are most often expressed in itching, swelling, rash, conjunctivitis, cough and rhinitis, and in severe cases, sometimes there is swelling of the respiratory channels and anaphylactic shock. In this regard, allergies can be deadly and it is vital to find out what exactly causes it.
The article provides information on how to identify an allergen in a child and cope with the disease in time.
