SERVICES
Management of allergic conditions (Asthma and eczema)
What are allergies?
Allergies arise from the body’s exaggerated response to what one normally considers harmless substances (foreign proteins), such as pet hair, pollen, dust and certain fragrances or food. If your child is allergic to a type of protein that the body has an adverse reaction to, they may develop the following symptoms:
- Itchiness, a rash, or hives over large regions of the face or body
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
- Swelling near the mouth or within the throat or tongue
With food allergies, symptoms may develop within the first thirty minutes of ingesting the specific food. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, seafood, peanuts, wheat and soy.
deliveries & routine newborn care Neonatal and paediatric ICU care Well-baby visits General paediatric check-ups Monitoring growth and development Ongoing care of chronic conditions Sick visits and emergency consultations Management of allergic conditions, including asthma and eczema Constipation and other gut disorders
What types of allergic conditions exist?
Childhood Asthma
Childhood asthma, or hyperreactive airway disease, is a respiratory condition that occurs when the airways narrow and swell up in response to cold air, exercise, viral infections or respiratory allergens. As a result, extra mucous is secreted, making breathing even more difficult. Because of this, your child may develop a wheeze, shortness of breath and a cough.
Eczema Eczema is a subtype of dermatitis, a condition that results in inflammation of the skin. Signs of eczema develop during early childhood and can prolong into adulthood. Typical signs of eczema include dry, dehydrated skin with itchiness and a skin rash.
Typically, eczema symptoms flare up when the skin comes into contact with irritants, perfumes, lotions and soaps, extreme heat, or certain types of foods, grass, pollens, etc.
Unfortunately, eczema is an irreversible condition. However, Dr Sebetseba can help patients manage symptoms through various treatment options.
How does Dr Sebetseba address allergies in children?
Typical treatments for child allergies include the following:
- Antihistamines are typical medications taken to alleviate severe signs of an allergy.
- Steroid nasal sprays (corticosteroid nasal sprays) are anti-inflammatories delivered directly through the nostril.
- Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate signs of allergies causing eye irritation
How do you treat asthma in children?
Treatment for asthma in children aims to prevent flare-ups in the future. In order to treat asthma, it's essential to identify the signs of the condition, take the necessary precautions to mitigate attacks and prevent severe chest infections in the future.
The type of medications Dr Sebetseba prescribes depends on the child’s age, symptoms of the condition and the reason for flare-ups.
How do you treat eczema in children?
Your paediatrician may recommend implementing a few lifestyle changes, such as modifications in room temperature, the clothing your child wears, and a change in the temperature of the water in which they bathe. Oral medications or topical ointments are typically prescribed to alleviate signs of eczema. After treatment, your child's skin can take a few weeks to clear up.
FAQ
Your child will require an EpiPen if he/she develops the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in the colour and texture of the skin (bluish/pale skin) or redness over the skin.
- Swollen tongue or lips
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Sneezing excessively.
A 3-10 day course of a steroid like prednisone may be prescribed after an asthma attack.
Eczema is a common skin disorder affecting babies. The condition affects twenty-five per cent of children. Baby eczema does not necessarily mean that your child will suffer from eczema for the rest of their life.