BY Dr Kukreja A Kalani MD (Homeopathy)
February, 2025
Allergies in Children & Infants and the role of Homeopathy in treating Allergies in Children & Infants :
I. Introduction to Allergies in Children and Infants:
Allergies in children, from infancy through adolescence.
Allergies in children are an exaggerated immune response to
substances (allergens) that are typically harmless. Allergies
often appear in infancy or early childhood and can continue
through adolescence, with varying manifestations. Allergies can
primarily be categorized into respiratory allergies and skin
allergies.
II. Respiratory Allergies in Children and Infants:
Wondering if your gut is in good shape? Look for these signs:
Respiratory allergies are common in children and can range
from mild to severe. They include allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
and asthma.
1. Common Respiratory Allergens:
-Pollen: From grass, trees, and weeds, common during specific
seasons.
– Dust Mites: Tiny insects that live in dust and commonly trigger
allergic responses.
– Pet Dander: Skin flakes from cats, dogs, or other furry
animals.
– Mold: Fungi that grow in damp environments, releasing
airborne spores.
– Air Pollutants: Smoke, chemicals, or other pollutants can also
act as irritants.
2. Stages of Respiratory Allergies in Children
A. Infancy (0-12 Months)
– Onset: Rare for infants under 6 months to develop respiratory
allergies, though exposure can increase risk later.
– Signs & Symptoms: Wheezing, nasal congestion, cough,
irritability, and disrupted sleep patterns.
– Common Triggers:Indoor allergens such as dust mites,
smoke, or pet dander.
– Challenges: Babies can’t verbalise symptoms, making
diagnosis challenging.
B. Toddlers (1-3 Years)
– Onset: Allergy symptoms may start becoming more
noticeable.
– Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, coughing, eye irritation,
and wheezing. Asthma may develop in some children.
– Triggers:
Introduction to outdoor environments can lead to pollen
allergies.
C. Preschool Age (3-5 Years)
– Signs & Symptoms: Nasal congestion, postnasal drip,
sneezing, wheezing, or frequent coughing, often worse in the
morning.
– Development of Asthma: If allergies are not well-managed,
allergic rhinitis can evolve into asthma.
D. School Age and Adolescence (6+ Years)
– Symptoms: Seasonal variations in symptoms, exacerbated by
outdoor activities. Nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy nose,
coughing, and wheezing.
– Challenges: Emotional and social factors can complicate the
condition as children grow.
3. Management of Respiratory Allergies in Children :
– Avoidance of Triggers: Keep the house dust-free, use air
purifiers, limit exposure to pollen, and avoid smoking indoors.
– Environmental Controls: Cleaning practices, proper
ventilation, and HEPA filters.
- Regular, pain-free bowel movements.
- No persistent bloating or gas.
- Ability to digest a variety of foods without discomfort.
If you’re facing challenges, focus on natural remedies for gut health and consult a specialist when necessary.
III. Skin Allergies in Children and Infants:
Skin allergies, or atopic dermatitis, are common, especially in
young children, and include eczema, contact dermatitis, and
hives.
1. Types of Skin Allergies in Children:
A. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
– Definition: Chronic, itchy skin condition that often begins in
infancy.
– Symptoms: Red, inflamed patches, severe itching, scaling, or
oozing lesions.
– Common Sites: Face, scalp, elbows, knees, and creases of
the arms and legs.
B. Hives (Urticaria)
– Definition: Raised, itchy welts that vary in size and may
appear anywhere on the body.
– Triggers: Foods, insect stings, medications, or contact with
allergens.
C. Contact Dermatitis
– Definition: Skin rash caused by contact with an irritant or
allergen.
– Common Triggers : Soaps, lotions, certain fabrics, metals, or
chemicals.
2. Stages of Skin Allergies in Children:
A. Infancy (0-12 Months)
– Onset: Eczema is common and often appears between 2-6
months of age.
– Symptoms: Dry, scaly patches on the cheeks, forehead, or
scalp.
– Triggers: Genetic predisposition, exposure to irritants, harsh
soaps, and climate.
B. Toddlers (1-3 Years)
– Progression: Symptoms may spread to other parts of the
body.
– Additional Triggers: Introduction of new foods, dust, pet
dander, and environmental irritants.
– Challenges: Scratching can lead to skin infections, making
treatment more complicated.
C. Preschool and School Age (3-12 Years)
– Symptoms: Patches of thickened skin, intense itching, and
chronic dryness.
– Common Sites: Elbows, knees, neck, and wrist areas.
– Social Impact: Visible eczema can affect a child’s confidence
and social interactions.
D. Adolescence
– Development: Symptoms can improve during adolescence for
some children, though others may continue to experience flare-
ups.
– Impact: Adolescents may struggle with self-esteem issues due
to visible skin conditions.
3. Management of Skin Allergies in Children
– Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid common triggers, such as
harsh soaps, wool, and certain foods.
– Skincare Routine:
– Moisturizing: Daily use of emollients to maintain skin
hydration.
– Bathing: Regular short, lukewarm baths with mild soap
followed by moisturizer.
IV. Food Allergies in Children
Food allergies in children occur when the immune system
mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an
allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild to severe
and often impact a child’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and
management are essential to prevent complications.
List of Foods Causing Allergies
Common foods that trigger allergies in children include milk,
eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), soy,
wheat, fish, and shellfish. These are often referred to as the
“Big Eight” allergens and account for most food allergies.
Types of Food Allergies
Food allergies are categorized into:
1. IgE-Mediated Allergies: Immediate reactions involving the
immune system’s IgE antibodies.
2. Non-IgE-Mediated Allergies:* Delayed reactions that do not
involve IgE antibodies, such as food protein-induced
enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES).
3. Mixed Allergies:* A combination of both IgE and non-IgE
responses.
Role of Colouring Agents in Food Allergies
Artificial food colouring agents, often used to enhance the
appearance of food, can trigger allergies or intolerance in
sensitive children. Additives like tartrazine (Yellow #5) or
carmine are common culprits. These agents may provoke
reactions such as rashes, itching, or respiratory issues.
Types of Food Colouring Agents
1. Natural Colouring Agents: Derived from plant or animal
sources, such as beet juice or turmeric.
2. Synthetic Colouring Agents: Artificial dyes like Red #40,
Yellow #5, and Blue #1, commonly found in processed foods.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children
Symptoms include hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, coughing, wheezing, or anaphylaxis in severe
cases. Early identification and prompt treatment are crucial to
ensure a child’s safety and well-being.
V. Preventive Measures for Allergies in Children
1. Breastfeeding
– Role in Allergy Prevention: Exclusive breastfeeding for the
first 6 months may help reduce the risk of developing allergies,
providing essential antibodies.
2. Allergen Introduction
– Early Exposure: Introducing allergenic foods (such as
peanuts) early (around 4-6 months) under a doctor’s guidance
can potentially help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.
3. Creating an Allergen-Free Environment
– Dust Control: Use mite-proof mattress covers, wash bedding
regularly, and minimize stuffed toys.
– Pets: Minimize exposure to pet dander; consider
hypoallergenic pets.
– Air Quality: Keep indoor air clean by avoiding smoking and
using air filters.
4. Immune System Strengthening
– Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
and omega-3 fatty acids helps support the immune system.
– Physical Activity: Regular outdoor activity helps boost
immunity but should be timed to avoid peak pollen seasons.
VI. Challenges and Emotional Aspects of Allergies in Children
1. Impact on Quality of Life
– Sleep Disturbances: Allergies, especially eczema, and
asthma, can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and affecting
concentration at school.
– Social Limitation: Some children might avoid outdoor activities
or social situations due to allergy fears or visible skin
conditions.
– Emotional Impact:
Children and adolescents might face anxiety or low self-esteem
due to their symptoms or due to social challenges like teasing.
2. Support Strategies
the emotional burden of chronic allergies.
– Education: Educate both the child and caregivers about
managing symptoms and identifying triggers.
– School Collaboration:
Working with teachers to ensure a supportive environment is
crucial for children with severe allergies.
VII. Prognosis of Allergies in Children
– Outlook: Many children may outgrow certain allergies, such as
eczema, while respiratory allergies like asthma or hay fever
may persist.
– Continuity of Care: Regular follow-ups with an Doctor are
essential to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment.
VIII. Conclusion:
The journey of allergies in children, from infancy through
adolescence, involves careful monitoring, avoiding triggers,
managing symptoms, and maintaining a supportive
environment. The combination of medical treatment, lifestyle
adjustments, and emotional support helps children and their
families manage allergies.
IX. Role of Homeopathy in treating Allergies in Children :
Why Allergies in children should be treated with Homeopathy?
We come across so many children and infants who suffer from
several Allergies, so what is the reason for allergy at such a
young age, when you are not exposed to trigger factors.
Allergies surface because of hereditary influences and low
immune/defence activity. It is an individual’s way of developing
immunity so as to wear out the hereditary effect on their
systems.
So, what should be the approach towards treating such
ailments?
It basically requires a holistic / constitutional medicine which will
help support and fight the invasion by improving the defence
mechanism.
What is constitutional prescription in Homeopathy and is
Homeopathy the best allergy treatment for Children ?
∙Constitutional prescription refers to the selection and
administration of homeopathic medicine which aims to
correct the inherent predisposition to a disease.
∙The constitutional remedy covers the genetic makeup,
physical and mind symptoms, thermal state, desires and
aversions of mind and body. The main query remains, how
does the constitutional prescription help – these are a few
points which will answer this question.
∙Medicines act as an immunoregulator and moulds the
immune response to fight off the repeated attacks by
microbes.
∙Homeopathy believes that microbes are the triggers not
the causative factors, the real problem lies with low
immunity which invites repeated infection. One very
important role of constitutional treatment is that it helps in
absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients, this
itself helps in maintaining healthy state of body.
∙Homeopathic treatment also helps in neutralizing the free
radicals. Thus, acts as an antioxidative agent to stop the
disease process. So, what do we achieve, or aim towards
post treatment with constitutional medicines?
∙The intensity and flare ups of acute attacks reduces.
Children do get cold, fever, but the intensity of the illness
reduces and also the repetition of attacks is less. Most
important thing is it helps minimise the tendencies towards
illness, and help them wear out the genetic influences.
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