Age 0-1
After 6 months of age, children with an atopic disposition will often begin to develop breathing difficulties. These usually start as bronchitis in connection with an upper respiratory tract infection. Various factors such as strong smells or tobacco smoke together with a hypersensitivity to milk or egg may cause acute exacerbations.
Age 1-3
Repeated upper respiratory tract infections with airway obstruction call for an allergy investigation. Foods can cause respiratory symptoms in young children, but inhalant allergens are beginning to play a more important role at this age. Parents should be advised to avoid smoking and strong perfumes or aerosols, especially when the child has an infection. If symptoms do not improve, IgE antibody testing (ImmunoCAP®) should be performed for pets, house dust mites and molds. If any of these are positive,
environmental control measures should be taken.
Special attention should be given to the child's bedroom. Most allergic children will tolerate a certain allergen exposure, but react more strongly when they develop an infection. For example, a child with low-grade sensitivity to cat can tolerate the family cat under normal circumstances but may develop noticeable airways obstruction during a period of infection. The family interprets the symptoms as being caused by the infection and it can be difficult to convince them to remove the animal, even if the allergy tests are positive. Try to arrange a temporary removal of the pet to see if the child's condition improves.
Did you know that
1 out of 3 preschool and 2 out of 3 school children with recurrent wheezing/coughing are allergic.