In the development of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, an important role is played by genetic predisposition. It is implemented when the body is exposed to certain triggers (provoking factors). There is even a so-called “window of adverse opportunities” during pregnancy and in the first months of a child’s life, when these factors can particularly affect the formation of allergies. Unfortunately, it is impossible to change the heredity, but to reduce the external negative impact on the baby is quite real. What parents can do to avoid the development of bronchial asthma in a child – let’s look at MedAboutMe.
Prevention of asthma in a child begins with the mother’s pregnancy
It is known that already during pregnancy the immune system baby begins to produce immunoglobulins E (IgE) – antibodies that are actively involved in the development of an allergic reaction of the immediate type. Therefore, there is a potential for the formation of hypersensitivity to allergens even in utero. Given this fact, the prevention of allergic diseases is important at the stage of pregnancy, especially in the presence of burdened heredity in the baby.
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing allergic bronchial asthma in a child, there are effects of tobacco and environmental pollution. The future mother is recommended to quit smoking, as well as to protect herself as much as possible from tobacco smoke in close surroundings.Of course, living away from industrial enterprises and busy roads will be useful.
Important!
Supplementing vitamins D and E during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing obstructive diseases of the lungs in children, which include bronchial asthma.
Hypoallergenic diet during pregnancy: is it necessary?
Contrary to popular belief, dietary restrictions or changes in nutrition during of pregnancy are not preventing the development of asthma in a baby whose parents are allergic. Rather, a varied menu, including well-known allergen products, reduces the risk of developing allergies in general.Through blood the mother’s body of the child meets with food allergens, forming tolerance to them. Such a conclusion was made by specialists on the basis of observations, and even was made to the international recommendations of GINA (Global Initiative for asthma) of 2018. You should not abuse any one product, provoking a negative reaction of the immune system. The menu of the future mother should be balanced.
The exception is women in need of hypoallergenic diets for health reasons.
Breastfeeding and the risk of developing bronchial asthma
Numerous advantages of breastfeeding for the health and growth of the child are well known. Does mother’s milk protect against the development of asthma? According to the recommendations of the Russian respiratory society, it protects against the early debut of the broncho-obstructive syndrome, which manifests itself in the form of suffocation and wheezing. However, it does not prevent the development of directly chronic lung disease – bronchial asthma. In general, the effect of breastfeeding is transient, temporarily reducing the risk of sensitization – hypersensitivity to allergens.
Excessive cleanliness – the cause of allergies
Interesting is the “hygienic theory” of the formation of allergies, recognized by the world medical community. She says that excessive purity and minimal contact of the child with bacteria and viruses contribute to the “allergic” path of development of the immune system. Without encountering enemies in the form of microbes, immune cells perceive harmless house dust and plant pollen as a potential threat. Therefore, the child should be allowed to crawl on the floor, play in the sandbox, stroke and “kiss” with pets. By the way, about our smaller brothers.
Living a small child in a house where there are pets, often alarming parents, because the wool of cats and dogs is not only not hygienic. It is a strong allergen causing asthma. However, despite doubts, such a neighborhood has a positive effect, reducing the risk of developing allergies.
Allergic rhinitis – halfway to bronchial asthma
If a child is already suffering from this or that allergic disease, then the goal of doctors and parents is not only to maintain remission as long as possible, but also to prevent the further spread of allergy. In particular, the emergence of bronchial asthma.
It is worth noting the fact of a direct connection between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma: “one system – one disease.” This means that an allergic rhinitis is not just an ailment that disrupts a child’s usual lifestyle, but a condition that is dangerous to become chronic lung disease. Allergic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract mucous can eventually “descend” into the lower respiratory system. Is it possible to avoid the development of asthma in a baby already having a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis?
Not only possible, but necessary. Especially in the arsenal of doctors, allergologists, immunologists have a necessary tool for this: allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). Relieving symptoms of an allergic disease, reducing the need for medications and preventing the spread of allergies, including the development of asthma, are the main goals of ASIT. That is why experts so actively tell parents about the benefits, albeit time consuming, but such an effective treatment method.
In addition to ASIT, an integral part of the treatment – elimination measures – helps avoid asthma. More precisely, the termination or reduction of contact with substances guilty of the development of allergy. For example, regular cleaning during sensitization to house dust mites or rest in another climate zone during dusting of cause-significant plants. These activities will also be relevant for children suffering from atopic dermatitis or having latent sensitization according to a survey.
Allergic asthma is a chronic disease and cannot be cured. It is possible only with the attending physician allergist-immunologist to control its course. And even better to prevent the development of asthma in a child, following the recommendations for the prevention of allergies.