Environmental allergies are on the rise. What are the dangers, and what can you do to protect your child?
A runny nose, a wheezy chest, rashes, itchy eyes – these are just some of the symptoms of allergies. Even a mild allergy can be unpleasant; a severe allergy can be life-threatening.
Allergies are on the rise. UK stats tell us that one in five pre-schoolers has eczema, and one in seven asthma.
The incidence of these two and other allergy-related conditions is increasing, says allergy specialist Dr Adrian Morris of The Allergy Clinic in Cape Town: “We believe that it's because children don't get exposed to as many germs as they used to, because they have fewer siblings and cleaner homes. The immune system has nothing to focus on, so it focuses on things that are actually harmless – dust or cats, for example. In farming communities, people have fewer allergies.”
With allergies, it is all about being prepared and knowing how to respond appropriately. Severe allergic reactions can be scary, but with the right approach and medications on hand, allergies can be better managed and, in some cases, avoided, according to Best Care, a first aid series by Bestmed Medical Scheme.
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
An allergy is a negative immune system response. Your immune system identifies a particular
