If you have a child with allergies, you may have wondered just what triggers allergies in a person and what the underlying causes really are. Allergies are actually a very complicated subject that involve many of the bodies most important functions. They come from some of the most complex system in the human body, and in some ways are a good sign! In this post the ScratchMeNot team would like to share some points about what allergies are, what causes them, and why your child has allergies at all.
What Are Allergies?
The immune system helps our bodies recognize and fight unwanted things in our bodies like foreign matter, bacteria, viruses, and other problems. Allergies are a sign that your child’s immune system is overactive and that it ‘attacks’ things that actually pose no harm. An example of this is the common ragweed allergy. When your child’s body encounters the proteins and particulates that come from ragweed, it thinks they are a real danger and takes action through sneezing, coughing, inflammation, and other responses to protect the body from this false threat. The same applies to people with food allergies. We know that nuts can’t hurt us and that they are actually very nutritious – but some people’s immune systems believe nuts are a real threat and overreact to their presence causing all sorts of problems.
The Many Forms Of Allergies
Allergic reactions can be annoying to severely dangerous. Most people have some mild allergies to plants, foods, or chemicals which lead to sneezing, sniffling, and coughing as their body overreacts, but some people’s bodies go to a really bad place when allergens are present. Asthma, anaphylaxis, inflammation, swelling, diarrhea, itching, and other symptoms can accompany some allergies in some people – so it’s a serious matter.
Taking Action Against Allergies
The best weapon against allergies in children is knowledge. Keeping a journal and paying attention to what triggers your child’s immune system will give you all the information you need to help avoud troublesome situations.
Working with a specialist is another great way to learn more about what’s happening in your child’s body when allergies strike. If you come prepared with notes and observations about allergic reactions, symptoms, and triggers, your specialist will be able to help in a big way!
Medications, diet, and lifestyle changes are all great options that your allergy specialist can discuss with you to help make your child safe and reaction-free. Make sure to involve experts in the process so that you get the best and most accurate information at every step of the way. Some children’s allergies can be outgrown or handled naturally, so it’s a good idea to explore all of your options right from the beginning.
Preventing Problems
If your child has a medication for allergies like an inhaler, epi-pen, antihistamine, or other medication, make sure to keep it on hand always.
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To learn more about allergies, check out our extensive information section with articles on everything from allergies and irritants to product reviews… all right here!