Respiratory problems adn allergies in childhood are on the rise, becoming a major concern for parents and healthcare professionals. Detecting warning signs early is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring healthy development.
“Allergy and asthma are not synonyms. An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system to substances like pollen, dust, or certain foods, and can affect different organs such as the nose, eyes, skin, or lungs,” explains Dr. Natalia Molini Menchón, a member of the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Pediatric Asthma (SEICAP). “Asthma,on the other hand,is a chronic respiratory disease causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Allergies can trigger asthma, but not all children with asthma have allergies.”
ALLERGIES: EARLY SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS
The first signs of allergy frequently enough appear as rhinitis,conjunctivitis,dermatitis,or gastrointestinal reactions. Parents should watch for repeated sneezing, clear and persistent nasal mucus, and itching of the nose, eyes, palate, or even ears. If these symptoms recur, especially after exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or animal dander, it’s usually a sign of an allergic reaction.Early exposure to antibiotics, particularly in infancy, can disrupt the intestinal microbiota and increase allergy susceptibility.
To reduce allergen exposure at home, the expert recommends avoiding tobacco smoke, daily ventilation, maintaining humidity between 40 and 50 percent to prevent mold and mites, cleaning without raising dust, using anti-mite covers on mattresses and pillows, and limiting pet access to the child’s sleeping area.
ASTHMA: PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Childhood asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchi, causing narrowing and difficulty breathing.Warning symptoms include wheezing, a persistent cough (especially at night, after exercise, or after laughing), a feeling of tightness in the chest, and repeated episodes of “bronchitis” following colds. Recurring signs that worsen with exercise, respiratory infections, or allergen exposure should prompt a medical consultation.
Factors influencing asthma development include a family history of asthma or bronchial hyperreactivity,and genetic variants affecting airway inflammation. Environmental factors like tobacco smoke, air pollution, severe viral infections in early childhood, and premature or low birth weight are also crucial. Persistent or moderate allergic rhinitis increases risk, especially if poorly controlled.
“These medications should not be used only during symptoms or attacks,but regularly according to the indicated schedule”
Asthma control primarily relies on inhaled corticosteroids,which reduce chronic inflammation of the bronchi. The specialist emphasizes that “these medications should not be used only during symptoms or crises, but regularly as prescribed.” Rescue bronchodilators relieve specific symptoms but don’t prevent crises, as they don’t address the underlying inflammation. For severe asthma, biological treatments modify the inflammatory response and help control the disease when inhaled corticosteroids are insufficient.
In terms of prevention, the doctor highlights the importance of skin care, a healthy diet, early introduction of allergenic foods, and maintaining a diverse intestinal microbiota. Specific immunotherapy or oral tolerance induction are options for established allergies, modifying the body’s response and improving quality of life. However, early detection, prevention, and accurate differentiation between allergy and asthma are key to reducing risks and complications in childhood. As Dr. Molina Menchón concludes, “understanding these factors and acting promptly allows us not only to control symptoms but also to offer children healthy development and a fuller life, preventing these diseases from limiting their daily activities.”
*The contents are prepared by journalists specialized in health and endorsed by a committee of top-level experts. However, we recommend that the reader consult any health-related questions with a healthcare professional.
