Every foreign substance that enters the body is checked by the defense system and - if necessary - destroyed with the help of specialized antibodies. If -enemy- is successfully destroyed, this information is stored. Upon re-contact with the harmful substance, the defense system responds immediately: immune cells are mobilized to destroy the attacker. The body is immune
This excellent defense system is disturbed in allergic diseases: the body reacts excessively to repeated contacts with certain substances - allergens - with disease symptoms.
Affected: areas in contact with the surroundings
The most commonly affected areas are those in contact with the surroundings - the skin, respiratory tract, stomach and intestines.
So-called inhaled allergens like pollen and house dust get into the body by inhalation. The most common allergic reactions occur in the neck, nose and eyes. Contact allergens, such as metals or cosmetics, cause allergic skin diseases.
Allergens in food or insect toxins enter the body through the digestive tract or blood vessels. Gastrointestinal problems can result, and sometimes the whole body can be affected.
We distinguish three different types of allergen-dependent reactions:
& # 8226; in the case of an immediate reaction, symptoms appear immediately after contact with the substance causing the allergy;
& # 8226; type II reactions have problems with a delay of four to eight hours and last longer;
& # 8226; in late reactions, it can take up to 48 to 72 hours to respond — this makes it extremely difficult to find the allergen.
The basic principle of allergy treatment is substance avoidance. causing allergies - if at all possible. If this is not possible, your doctor may suggest desensitization. In such treatment, which does not always give the desired success, attempts are made to increase the body's tolerance to allergenic substances.
Medicines such as cromoglycic acid or an antihistamine; pollen allergies do not cure, but only alleviate the symptoms by weakening the body’s response to allergens. Even corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor for a severe allergic reaction (such as allergic swelling) only temporarily alleviate the symptoms.
A person can react with an allergy to virtually any medication: the affected person may get skin rashes, fever or diarrhea, or even all together. Allergenic drugs should be discontinued as soon as possible to improve the condition.
Red skin rashes (exanthemas), which can be small spots like redness or flushing rashes like measles, are most common when medicines are not tolerated. Sometimes white pustules with a red tip also form.
The drugs that most often cause allergic reactions are painkillers, antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides) and immunoglobulin.
Does the child need to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you suspect a drug allergy.
So the doctor helps
& # 8226; He immediately discontinues the allergen medication and replaces it with another if the underlying disease requires it.
& # 8226; If necessary, prescribe a drug that alleviates the allergic reaction and relieves symptoms
That's how you help the child
& # 8226; Write down the names of the medicines. The child should never be given these medicines again - the next time the allergic reaction may be much stronger.
& # 8226; When the rash is itchy, cold compresses and application ointments that reduce itching or drops that you get at the pharmacy help.
