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Allergy

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Allergy

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.

Symptoms: 

  • Hay fever: sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose
  • Asthma: difficulty breathing in the case of exposure to respiratory allergens like pollen, dust mites or animal hair. 
  • Food allergy: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or cramps after eating certain foods. At its worst,  an allergic reaction to something can cause anaphylactic shock.
  • Skin allergies: itchy rash

Seriousness:

  • Ask your pharmacist for advice and treat at home. 
  • If your child has recurring attacks or they are very serious, see your doctor.

Treatment:

  • If you know what your child is allergic to, you can limit her exposure to it.
  • Antihistamines help during an attack.
  • If the symptoms are severe or not relieved by self-help measures, see a doctor.
  • If your child has symptoms of anaphylactic shock she must be taken to hospital or a doctor immediately.


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