Myths and Reality in Allergology

Allergies are a widespread phenomenon, but misunderstandings and myths are often associated with them. Let's figure out which of them are facts and which are just myths.

1. Allergy to Red and Sweet Foods: This myth is perhaps one of the most common. Many believe that brightly colored and sweet foods can be allergens. However, in reality, the allergenicity of a product is determined not by its color, but by its protein composition. The most common food allergens include milk and dairy products, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and seafood. Brightly colored foods and sweets can only cause a histamine-liberating reaction, manifested in the form of a rash, but are not allergens.
   
   
2. Allergy and Parasites: There is a belief that parasites are common causes of allergies. However, there is no direct link between the presence of parasites and the development of allergic diseases. Some studies even show that parasites can reduce the risk of developing allergies and autoimmune diseases.
   
   
3. Cleansing with Sorbents: It is often believed that sorbents are able to remove toxins, toxins, and allergens from the body. However, completely different mechanisms operate in allergic reactions, not associated with the formation of toxins in the intestines. In addition, some sorbents can themselves cause allergic reactions.
   
   
4. Atopic Dermatitis and Diet: Atopic dermatitis is often associated with food allergies and strict diets are recommended. However, only in 30% of cases is atopic dermatitis associated with allergies. This is a chronic skin disease caused by a defect in the barrier properties of the skin.
   
   
5. Diet During Breastfeeding: The myth is that when breastfeeding, a woman should exclude food allergens from her diet to prevent allergies in the child. However, there is no universal hypoallergenic diet, since not all cases of atopic dermatitis are associated with allergies, and the exclusion of certain foods from the mother's diet does not always reduce the risk of allergies in the child.
   
   

In conclusion, when dealing with myths in allergology, it is important to focus on scientific facts and consultations with specialists to avoid misunderstandings and wrong decisions in health care.

Allergic Gastroenteritis in Children: How to Recognize and Take Action

Caring for your child's health is always a top priority. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize the signals that their body can send. The appearance of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite can be signs of allergic gastroenteritis, a condition that requires special attention.

To identify possible allergens, keep a food diary. Write down what your child ate before the onset of symptoms. This will help the doctor more accurately determine the cause of the allergic reaction.

Be sure to contact an allergist-immunologist if you suspect allergic gastroenteritis. The doctor will help develop a plan of action and, if necessary, recommend excluding certain foods from the child's diet to prevent repeated cases of an allergic reaction.

Children with allergic gastroenteritis need special care. Follow your doctor's recommendations and try to provide your baby with comfortable conditions.

Remember that timely intervention will help avoid complications and ensure the health of your baby. Do not ignore the signals that their body sends you.

Diagnosis of Allergies in Children

Allergies in children are becoming more common in the modern world. Therefore, it is important to carry out effective diagnostics to determine allergic reactions to various allergens and take appropriate measures to manage them. Here is an overview of the methods and approaches to diagnosing allergies in children:

1. Medical examination and medical history: At the first signs of allergies in a child, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and collect a medical history, including symptoms, their duration, and possible triggers.
2. Skin tests: Skin tests are one of the most common methods for diagnosing allergies in children. These tests involve skin pricks or applying allergens to the child's skin to assess the body's response.
3. Food challenge test: A food challenge test is a method in which a child eats potentially allergenic foods under the supervision of a doctor to identify a reaction.
4. Blood tests: Blood tests, such as determining the level of IgE antibodies in the blood, can be done to diagnose allergies. These tests can be helpful, especially if skin tests are not possible or desirable.
5. Exclusion diets: Sometimes doctors recommend exclusion diets, in which certain allergens are excluded from the child's diet for a certain time to assess the effect on symptoms.
6. Symptom diary: Keeping a symptom diary can be a useful method for tracking symptoms and their relationship to potential allergy triggers.
7. Help of a pediatric allergist: A pediatric allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in children and can be a key specialist in the process of diagnosing allergies.

It is important to remember that diagnosing allergies in children is a process that requires an integrated approach and individual selection of methods for each specific case. Correct diagnosis allows you to identify allergy triggers and take measures to manage symptoms and prevent the occurrence of acute allergic reactions. It is always important to contact qualified specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies in children.

Reference:

https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/food-allergy-myths-and-misconceptions