ALLERGY – is an immune

response by the body to a

substance, especially
pollen, fur, a particular food,
or dust, to which it has
become hypersensitive.
It results due to an
abnormal antigen-antibody
reaction

ALLERGIES IN
CHILDREN
Taking a health history
 Family history of
allergies
 Obtaining the exact
symptom to identify
the allergen

ASSESSMENT
OF ALLERGIES
RHINITIS (sneezing)
- Airborne antigens
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(rashes)
- Substance that gets in
contact with the affected skin
(Eg: lotion, powder)
URTICARIA (swelling/itching)
- Ingested antigens (foods
like eggs, shrimps)

ASSESSMENT
OF ALLERGIES
Taking a health history…
 The time of the year when the
allergy occurred
 If all-year round – allergy
maybe caused by dust mites
or pet dander
 Summer – pollen
 Fall – ragweed

ASSESSMENT
OF ALLERGIES
What is allergic rhinitis? a.k.a HAY FEVER
rhin (nose)
- itis (inflammation)

 An allergic condition involving the nose

 It can be associated with an allergy of the eyes (allergic
conjunctivitis)
 It is caused when an allergic individual is exposed to an
allergen to which he/she is sensitive (food, pollen, dust)
 This causes release of chemicals leading to irritation of the
eyes, nose, sinuses and throat leading to symptoms of
allergic rhinitis.
 A risk factor for the development of asthma
 Can have major impact on the quality of life including sleep
deprivation & poor performance in school
 What are the
Symptoms?
 Nasal congestion & nasal engorgement
 Mouth breathing (d/t nasal congestion)
 Horizontal crease across the nose (Dennie line)
 Sneezing; runny nose/profuse nasal discharges
 “Allergic shiners” (blackened under eye areas)
 Itchy nose, throat, and eyes
 Allergic conjunctivitis causes symptoms of redness,
itching, burning sensation and watering of the eyes
 Conjunctivae may be pruritic with distinctive
“pebbly” appearance, called cobblestoning
Whatever the cause of the allergy: THE GOAL is to REDUCE EXPOSURE to the allergen.

How is Allergic Rhinitis treated?

 Avoidance of the allergen could prevent the onset of allergic
reactions. (wear masks, avoid exposure)
 Anti-allergy medications can be used to reduce the symptoms.
Anti-histamines (CETIRIZINE & LORATADINE)
-Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
-They can be taken through the mouth, topical drops or sprays.
(Oral, Ocular, Intranasal antihistamine drops)
-If symptoms are frequent or severe, preventive medications
can be given to prevent the allergic reaction from taking place
when exposed to the allergen. (intranasal steroid spray)
 ANAPHYLACTIC
SHOCK
 An acute allergic reaction
resulting in a widespread allergic
symptoms
 Due to introduction of an
allergen in the body that leads
mast cells to release massive
amounts of histamine
(system-wide)
 Histamine release causes:
 Itching, swelling
 Bronchoconstriction
 Vasodilation (↓BP &
CO)
 Increase Heart Rate
 ↑capillary permeability
(fluid shift from intra extravascular
 Decreased
TISSUE PERFUSION

SHOCK
Click here to watch a video on How to Use
an EpiPen in case of an Anaphylactic
reaction (severe allergic reaction)
 END OF
PRESENTATION