Allergies

Source of Information: Webmd.com

What Is It?

An abnormal reaction by the immune system to a substance that is not harmful

Allergies can be broken down into six categories:

• Asthma


• Drug allergies


• Food allergies


• Insect sting allergies


• Respiratory allergies


• Skin allergies

What Causes It?

Exposure to an allergen, whether through eating a food, being stung by a bee, or being exposed to an allergen through another form of contact.

What Are the Symptoms/Risks?

An allergic reaction can be mild (such as a stuffy nose) or severe, as with anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

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Nobody knows what causes allergies, but heredity does appear to play a role in the development of allergies.

Present at Birth or Latent?

Latent. Your body reacts to an allergen after coming into contact with it and producing antibodies. The allergic reaction does not happen until the second exposure.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Anyone with an allergy should carry an epipen (injection of epinephrine) with him at all times. Teachers and anyone in charge of the child needs to be aware of the child’s allergies.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Allergies often cannot be foreseen. I, personally, am allergic to dust mites and mold, and yet neither of my parents have these allergies. My sister is severely allergic to mushrooms, and yet they do not affect me at all. However, there does seem to be a hereditary component to some allergies, particularly food allergies. So, if the birthparents report any food allergies, use caution in introducing those foods into the child’s diet. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about the birthparents’ allergies and follow his advice about when (or if) to introduce those foods.

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Asthma

Source of Information: American Lung Association; webmd.com

What Is It?

The airways in the lungs produce too much mucus and swell, making breathing difficult.

What Causes It?

The cause of asthma is unknown. It is generally triggered by allergies, viruses, and airborne irritants.

What Are the Symptoms/Risks?

Asthma can cause the following issues:

• Damage to lungs


• Hospitalization if unable to breathe


• Increased risk of bronchitis and pneumonia


• Permanent changes in the bronchial tubes

Is it Hereditary?

Asthma often runs in families; however, many people with asthma do not have a hereditary link. Asthma has also been linked to smoking while pregnant.

Diagnosable at Birth or Latent?

Asthma is generally not detectable at birth. However, babies can be diagnosed with asthma.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and can be controlled. Although there is no cure, it can be successfully managed.

The most common symptom of asthma in young children is a persistent dry cough. Wheezing is more common in adults.

What’s the Bottom Line?

My son suffers from asthma, so I can speak to this issue firsthand. It is scary to find out that your child has asthma. I just thought he had a series of “coughing colds.” My son is fortunate to have no allergies, so the doctor is optimistic that he will eventually outgrow it.

For more information on asthma, check out the Treatments/Interventions: Asthma category in the Parenting Special Kids blog. In particular, check out the Top Ten Suggestions for a New Asthmatic.