Allergies are a common occurrence, affecting both children and adults alike. These Allergies can be triggered by various factors, ranging from environmental elements to foods, supplements, and medications.

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a particular substance as harmful and launches an attack.

Understanding Allergies

When your immune system detects a foreign object in your body, it creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

These antibodies attach themselves to different parts of your body, such as your skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. When you come into contact with the same allergen again, these antibodies release histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, including:

• Swelling: Particularly of the face, lips, or tongue
• Hives: Itchy, raised welts on the skin
• Rashes: Skin irritations and redness
• Cold-like Symptoms: Such as sneezing and a runny nose
• Respiratory Difficulties: Breathing problems, such as wheezing
• Digestive Problems: Including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms and suspects an allergy, it is crucial to avoid the suspected allergen and consult a doctor for proper testing.

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Its symptoms may include
flushed or pale skin, hives, wheezing, trouble breathing, weak or fast pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, feeling of a lump in the throat.

If you suspect anaphylaxis in yourself or someone else, immediate medical attention is essential. Call 999 or head to the nearest emergency room without delay.

The Onset of Allergies

Allergies can develop at any point in your life. While many people experience allergies during childhood or young adulthood, it’s entirely possible to develop them later in life.

Seasonal allergies, for instance, may emerge as you age due to increased exposure to environmental allergens like pollen.

Treating Allergies

If you or your child has allergies, your doctor will create a tailored treatment plan. Treatment options vary depending on the allergy’s type and severity, but they may include:

• Avoidance: Steering clear of allergens whenever possible.
• Medications: Such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to manage symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: A long-term treatment option, including allergy shots.
• Emergency Epinephrine: Essential for severe allergic reactions.
• Immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, can reduce sensitivity to known allergens and assist in managing allergies throughout life, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Food Allergies

Food allergies, in particular, can be concerning, especially in children. While some children may eventually outgrow their Food Allergies, several factors influence the likelihood of this happening, including the type and severity of the allergy.

In individuals with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or part of a food as a threat. When exposed to this allergen again, the immune system releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, triggering the release of chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream.

These chemicals cause the symptoms of a food allergy, which can range from mild to life-threatening.

Types of Food Allergies

Food allergies affect approximately 6 to 8 percent of children under the age of 5, and about 3 to 4 percent of adults. Some of the most common food allergies include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Wheat
• Peanuts

Can Kids Outgrow Allergies?

Between 60 and 80 percent of young children may outgrow a milk or egg allergy by age 16.
About 20 percent of children may outgrow a peanut allergy. Only 4 to 5 percent of children with a fish or shellfish allergy will likely outgrow it.

To determine the likelihood of outgrowing a food allergy, healthcare providers often rely on a combination of methods, including blood tests, allergy skin tests, and a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s health history.

For those who may have outgrown a food allergy, a food challenge test might be recommended. During this test, a controlled setting allows doctors to administer small amounts of the allergenic food at increasing doses.

It’s important to note that food challenge tests are not suitable for individuals at high risk of anaphylaxis.

If your child has a food allergy, working with a doctor who specialises in childhood allergies, such as an allergist, is advisable. These experts can help monitor and manage food allergies over time as your child grows.

In a Nutshell 

Childhood allergies, including food allergies, are common and can vary in severity. While some children may outgrow certain allergies as they age, the likelihood of this happening depends on factors like the type and intensity of the allergy.

Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals are essential for managing allergies and ensuring the well-being of affected individuals.
Understanding allergies and their potential outcomes is the first step in providing the necessary care and support for those dealing with these conditions.

If you’re based in London and are experiencing an allergy, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our allergist in London. This appointment will include comprehensive allergy testing and a full consultation to address your specific needs.

The post Understanding Childhood Allergies: Can Kids Outgrow Them appeared first on THE WELLNESS PEOPLE.