Allergic disorders are among the most common problems addressed by pediatricians. They affect over 25% of the population in developed countries.
In the developing countries, the magnitude of the problem is not less and similar statistics are reported in the Gulf countries.
Recent studies have shown that over the past 15-20 years the worldwide prevalence of allergic conditions has increased. This is, perhaps, related to increased exposure and enhanced allergy responses to increasing numbers of allergens.
On daily basis, allergies cause time lost from school and leisure activities, decreased productivity at school and adversely affect the child’s education, quality of life and future. Utilising modern diagnostic tests and effective therapeutic methods, allergic diseases can be controlled and their effects minimised.
In selected cases, allergy can be “cured” by exposing the patient to increasing doses of the offending substance, a process described as ‘Immunotherapy,’ which usually takes three years. In children, this is given as drops under the child’s tongue (Sublingual Immunotherapy) and is available in the UAE. Mechanism of Allergy
Allergy is basically an altered body reaction to a foreign substance following prior exposure to that substance.
When an individual is exposed to a foreign substance, which is capable of inducting an allergic reaction (an allergen), such as grass pollen or egg, the individual may be immunized (normal and beneficial) but in a genetically predisposed person, sensitization may occur.
On subsequent exposure to the same substance, the body reaction is exaggerated and allergic manifestations appear.
The world is unfortunately full of allergens. These allergens (triggering factors) can enter the body by inhalation (house dust mites, grass and tree pollens, animal dander, etc.), by ingestion (cow’s milk, nuts, egg, etc.) or by injection (insect bites by wasp, bee, etc.). In UAE, the commonest allergen is house dust mites, which thrive on humidity.
Khaleej Times