Children Frequent infections indicate allergies

In the first year of life diet with little animal protein makes sense
Frequent colds or upper respiratory tract infections in children may speak for an allergy. This is indicated by HNOnet-NRW, an association of established ENT doctors. In some children with perennial snot-noses even slight allergic stimuli lead to an overreaction of the nasal mucosa. This reaction is triggered when the body responds to normally harmless environmental substances with excessive defense reactions of the immune system. However, allergens do not necessarily have seasonal pollen, but can also be present all year round substances such as dust mites, animal hair or undiscovered mold.

An allergy causes massive swelling. Since there is a danger to life, an emergency doctor must be called immediately. Image: vectorass - fotolia

Parents whose children regularly run around with dripping noses should therefore have an allergy test at the ENT specialist to determine whether such over-recovery triggers symptoms and which allergens the patient responds to. "The risk of an allergic disease is especially if one or both parents are allergic," explains Dr. Uso Walter, Duisburg ENT doctor and chairman of the network. "A so-called prick test is possible from the age of 4 years, before we can determine an allergy to blood tests." Such a test is especially useful in terms of other diseases early, because allergies can aggravate at any time. In addition to a cross allergy, so if, for example, in addition to the actual allergy to mites, pollen or animal hair, the child suddenly no longer tolerate nuts, apples or celery, can develop from an allergy and asthma.

That's why allergies should be treated as early as possible. "This will prevent a change of floors from the upper to the lower respiratory tract, ie to asthma," adds dr. Walter. Sometimes simple measures such as special anti-allergic bed sheets with protective covers against mites help. In addition, drugs also known as antihistamines. "The only successful treatment that addresses the causes, however, is an immunotherapy, known to many as the term hyposensitization." The small patient is given the triggering allergen in increasing doses. Over a period of up to three years, the body gets used to it and does not respond hypersensitive. Patients usually remain free of allergies for around ten years thereafter. In children, there are the immunotherapies also in tablets and drops. Otolaryngologists treat allergies in addition, but also with naturopathic methods, such as acupuncture, autologous blood therapies or bioresonance procedures.

To prevent allergies in children with hereditary prejudice by the parents, should be breastfed for as long as possible and include in the first year of life, only little animal protein such as eggs and dairy products to the nutrition plan. (Pm)