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.