Allergy is the reaction of the immune system when over exposed to an allergen such as dust or pollen. It results in the release of metabolites which can have an adverse effect on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and the gut. The risk factors due to which a child can develop allergies are the genetic history, exposure to allergens and the duration, amount, and frequency of exposure.
- Air borne: such as pollens released from trees which form the cause of seasonal allergies, dust mites from dust accumulated in the house, moulds found in dark, poorly ventilated spaces such as bathrooms, from pets such as through their saliva, urine or when they shed skin and from cockroaches.
- Food borne:can be from cow’s milk which is the most common food-based cause of allergies in children less than 3 years and from eggs commonly found in children below the age of 1. Other sources are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat.
- Insect borne: Insect bites can cause swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the bite.
- Medicine borne:Antibiotics are the most common type of medicines that cause allergic reactions.
- Chemicals likes cosmetics or laundry detergents, dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants also can cause allergic reactions in children.
1 out of every 6 children in North India has one or more of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Bouts of sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Chronic cough
- Frequent running nose
- Recurrent pain in the stomach
- Frequent loose motion
- Skin rash
Fits
Fits are an abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs quickly. It can go almost unnoticed or, in severe cases, it can cause unconsciousness and seizures, when your body shakes uncontrollably. Fits usually come on suddenly. Duration and severity can vary. Fits can happen just one time or repeatedly. If they come back, they have epilepsy or an epileptic disorder. Less than one out of ten people who have fits is epilepsy.
- Fits are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and levels of consciousness. If you have two or more fits or a tendency to have recurrent fits, you have epilepsy.
- There are many types of fits, which range in severity. Fits types vary by where and how they begin in the brain. Most fits last from 30 seconds to two minutes. Fits that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.
- Fits are more common than you might think. Fits can happen after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis, or another illness. Many times, though, the cause of fits is unknown.
- Most fits disorders can be controlled with medication, but the management of fits can still have a significant impact on your daily life