Children and allergy
Most allergies make their debut in childhood. Unfortunately, more and more children become allergic. Today it is reckoned that at least 40 % of the children between the ages of 10 and 12 are allergic.
Why? There are many concurrent causes. The children of today meet many more different substances, both in food and environment. The greatest responsibility is resting with the adults. We expose the children to health risks like exhaust fumes, sick houses with mould and dust, and not the least, tobacco smoke. It is proved that children from families that smoke run a three times higher risk to develop bronchial asthma and twice as high a risk to develop asthma as children from smoke free homes. It is the responsibility of all adults not to expose children to these risks! Children has the right to an environment where they can stay healthy. That is quite obvious, because we do want to protect the dearest things we have, don't we?
Heredity and environment
Both heredity and environment have a significance if a child is to develop allergy. For children with an allergic parent the risk of developing allergy is 20-30 %. Where both parents are allergic the risk is up to 70 %. It is not certain however, that the child gets the same allergy as the parent, even if the mother's allergy is most often inherited. Pets in the home and, above all, passive smoking are things that often trigger allergies in children.
It is often when the child's immune defence is low after long periods of infections that the allergy makes its debut. Extended contact with allergens increases the risk of developing allergy.
Having allergic children
When you have a child with allergy, you often have to be prepared to fight. Against the prejudices and ignorance of other people. The parent has to be the child's knight, fighting for access to adapted child care, correct diet in school etc. At the same time the child must not be over-protected, but lead as normal a life as possible. Within Asthma- och Allergiförbundet (Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association) we have special parent groups, where you can meet others in the same situation.
Reduce the risk of allergy in the children?
A lot indicate that the development of allergy can be prevented or delayed through allergy preventive measures such as:
- smoke free environment, naturally even during pregnancy,
- no furred animals in the home,
- an easy to clean and well ventilated home to avoid mould, dust mites and emissions from house and furniture.
In families where several of the members have severe allergies to several different foods, the mothers who feel motivated can avoid milk, egg, nuts and peanuts during the breast feeding period. It is good if the breast feeding period lasts for at least 6 months. Egg and fish should not be fed to the baby during its first year and some caution should be taken with citrus fruit, tomatoes, rosehips, strawberries and other red - yellow berries and fruits.
Do not make your own dietary trials if you suspect food allergy.
Always consult the doctor first!
