From Dr. Eric Herman, D.C.
1. True or False – Allergic reactions in children work the same way they do in adults.
The correct answer is True
An allergic reaction for a child or an adult is the immune system’s attempt to defend the body from a perceived threat that, in reality, is harmless. During this process, a foreign substance called an antigen comes into contact with the body and triggers an immune–system response. The immune system responds to the perceived threat of the antigen by producing protective proteins called antibodies. The antibody that responds to allergens is called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibody is attached to a mast cell, which contains granules of histamines and other chemicals. When the antibody binds to the allergen, the mast cell releases histamines and other chemicals, which trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Which of the following factor plays the most significant role in determining a child’s predisposition to allergies?
Hair color Cleanliness Geography Genetics Gender
The correct answer is Genetics
A child is more likely to develop allergies if one parent is allergic. The risk is greatly increased if both parents are allergic. However, parents and children don’t necessarily share the same allergies, and some children with highly allergic parents remain symptom–free. While genetics sow the seeds of allergies, it is environmental factors that bring them to fruition. An allergic reaction cannot occur the first time a child is exposed to a potential allergen – instead, there must be a period of sensitization where the immune system produces its initial antibodies to the antigen. Once this process takes place, an allergic reaction is primed to occur the next time the child is exposed to the allergen.
3. Which of the following symptoms require immediate medical attention?
Difficulty breathing Palpitations Shortness of breath None of the above All of the above
The correct answer is All of the above
Anaphylactic shock is a potentially life–threatening condition that affects the entire body. Anaphylactic shock usually develops rapidly and demands immediate, emergency medical attention. The condition involves difficulty breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. A person should seek immediate medical care after observing anaphylactic symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, difficulty breathing).
4. Which of the following conditions is the leading cause of chronic illness among children in the United States?
Asthma Allergy Cancer Eczema Diabetes
The correct answer is Asthma
Childhood asthma is among the most serious and widespread health risks afflicting children today. Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. There is no cure for asthma, but once diagnosed, it is a highly treatable condition. Various drugs can help prevent asthma attacks, or treat them once they have begun, however often they come with a price to pay. Physicians can also develop an asthma action plan, which allows parents to track their child’s breathing capacity and to spot when urgent medical attention might be necessary.
5. Which type of allergy are children more likely to have than adults?
Cosmetic allergy Penicillin allergy Food allergy Nickel allergy
The correct answer is Food allergy
Children are more likely to have food allergies than adults. Children experience these at a much higher ratio than adults, with those under age 3 showing the highest incidence of allergic reactions. About 3 to 8 percent of children have a food allergy as compared to roughly 2 percent of adults, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. High–protein foods, especially cow’s milk, are particularly likely to trigger symptoms.
6. True or False – Asthmatics have trouble breathing because they are unable to inhale enough air.
The correct answer is False
Asthmatics have trouble breathing because their lungs are overinflated. They cannot easily exhale the air trapped in their lungs because their airways are constricted due to the inflammation and extra mucus produced. Uncontrolled, asthma can lead to other lung–related complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
7. True or False – There is a cure for asthma.
The correct answer is False (however, there is a new treatment that is dramatically reducing and often eliminating the symptoms of asthma. Keep reading to find out more)
There is no cure for asthma. Once a person’s airways show a tendency towards asthma, the airways will continue to show the tendency and ability to constrict for a lifetime – even during periods when inflammation is not present. However, up to half of all children who experience asthma symptoms see them disappear in their teen years. Unfortunately, 50 percent of those individuals will see symptoms reappear in their 30s or 40s. The reasons behind these changes are not understood. While some outgrow their symptoms, many children with asthma will see their symptoms increase through their teen years and beyond. Neurological Stress Reduction Therapy or NSRT has been safely eliminating the symptoms of asthma and other allergy related conditions.
8. Besides a food allergy, what other allergy tends to affect children more than adults?
Allergic rhinitis Animal allergies Insect sting allergies Atopic dermatitis All of the above
The correct answer is All of the above
Dander, dust mites and molds are among the first allergens to affect children. Allergic eczema is a type of skin rash that most often occurs in infants and young children. Pets are a prime source of animal allergies for children. Children are often allergic to the saliva or venom in some insects’ bites and stings.
