But what are the symptoms that should alert in a child? From what age can an allergy to pollens declare themselves? What are the treatments? … We take stock
What are the symptoms?
Red eyes that scratch, eyelids that swell, flowing nose, sneezing, throat and palaces that itch, even respiratory bothers … all at a certain period of the year. So many signs that must alert a possible allergy to pollens in a child. Pollens allergy translates into rhinitis or allergic asthma, but symptoms can vary and evolve with age.
Note that in general, allergies develop and can be explored from the age of 3 and that a child of allergic parents is more likely to be allergic itself.
With spring returns the allergies season …
-The frequency of allergic rhinitis – better known as “hay fever” – has been multiplied by four in the past three decades. In France, one in three people is concerned.
How to diagnose an allergy to pollens?
In the event of a suspicion of allergy, the general practitioner or the pediatrician prescribes an assessment to be made with an allergist who will question the young patient and his parents on his symptoms, but also on his environment and his habits. A clinical examination, then a balance sheet with skin tests (prick-tests) will be practiced. These can be supplemented by a blood analysis by dosage of the specific IgE of allergens. In the case of an allergic asthma, the diagnosis is made following the realization of respiratory functional tests allowing to measure the breath and the bronchial obstruction.
What are the precautions to take?
If it is almost impossible to avoid pollen, transported by air, a certain number of gestures make it possible to reduce exposure to this allergen: ventilate in the morning, avoid external activities when the weather is dry and there is wind, wash your hair in the evening, as well as the nose, close the car windows, do not dry the laundry outside …
It is also advisable to regularly consult the site of the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) which indicates which Pollens are present when and in which department. The various pollens are present from the beginning of spring and until about October but, the most frequent and severe allergies are those with birch pollens (from the end of March) and the Gramins pollens (from July to September).
