Abdominal ache

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Alternative terms: stomach ache, abdominal ache

See also: Nausea

Allergies

Definition
This is a condition in which a child reacts badly or falls ill when they come into contact with certain substances (allergens).

What causes allergies?
Allergies occur because the body's immune system over-reacts to exposure to certain allergens (Hypersensitivity). Allergies tend to run in families.

A reaction may occur through eating, inhalation, injection or contact with the skin or the other body surfaces.

What are the manifestations of an allergy?
Allergic reactions can be generalised (involving the whole body) or localised. They may manifest as:

• Watery, swollen, sore or itchy eyes.
• A localised or generalised rash. This is usually red and itchy.
• Difficulty in breathing characterised by wheezing and chest tightness.

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MAY BE SEASONAL

The substances that most commonly cause allergic reactions are:

• Pollen
• Fungus spores
• Mites in house dust
• Animal fur
• Grass

Known medical conditions that are due to allergies are:

• Asthma
• Hay fever
• Contact dermatitis e.g. Nappy rash
• Allergic rhinitis
• etc.

What is the cure for allergy?
There is no cure for allergy. Some children may grow out of it but sometimes it returns in adult life.

What should you do when your child has an allergy?

• It is important to try and identify the substance that caused the allergic reaction. Often this is difficult and in a majority of cases in the world, it is not known what causes some of these reactions. A history from other family members may be helpful.
• If you manage to identify the allergen, then prevent your child from further exposure.
• Antihistamines like piriton and cetrizine are often used in bad cases. Steroid creams may also be useful but this should be used after consultation with your child's paediatrician.
• Your child's doctor will examine your child by visualising the nostrils, the airways and the skin. He may want to do provocation tests under controlled conditions and allergic skin tests.
• If your child is found to be asthmatic, he will be provided with medication which he will use regularly or when needed, according to the severity.

What to do when your child has an allergic reaction?

• If the reaction is mild e.g. a small localised area of a rash, you do not need to do anything other than to remove your child from exposure and to wash off the area lightly with water.
• Known asthmatic children should be provided with their medication.
• Severe reactions need urgent medical attention since they may progress to shock.

DO NOT FORGET TO REMOVE THE CHILD FROM POTENTIAL ALLERGENS IN AN EMERGENCY.

WHAT IS FOOD INTOLERANCE?

Food intolerance is a non-specific term meaning a reaction to food taken either in small quantities or in excess. It due to an allergy but n some case, may not necessarily involve the immune system and may just be due to simple over-indulgence.

Common examples of food intolerances are:

• Cow's milk protein intolerance
• Peanut allergy
• Lactose intolerance

What to do when your child has food intolerance.

• Avoid the foods.
• Consult with your doctor or nutritionist on locally available substitutes e.g. soya milk in case of cow's milk protein intolerance.

Asthma

* Excerpt from WebMD.com

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. With asthma, there is inflammation of the air passages that results in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. This results in asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Some people refer to asthma as “bronchial asthma.” Even though there are seemingly miraculous treatments for asthma symptoms, asthma is still a serious -- even dangerous -- disease that affects millions of people. With proper asthma treatment, one can live well with this condition. Yet inadequate asthma treatment limits the ability to exercise and be active. Poorly controlled asthma can lead to multiple visits to the emergency room and even hospital admission, which can affect your performance at home and work.