ALLERGIES AND HEREDITY

At age 4-1/2, Tommy frequently experiences chronic postnasal drip, recurrent bacterial infections including sinus infections, bronchitis, and ear infections. At age three months, Tommy's ear infections began to occur and have continued at a rate of approximately 10 per year. His mother noted extremely fussy, irritable behavior for the first five months of his life and now complains that he exhibits an explosive temper. Tommy's medical problems are caused by something that's been in the family for years--allergies. Allergies are not typically the type of medical problem that new parents are concerned about passing to their child. But allergies affect millions of children every year. What is an allergy? The term allergy is most frequently associated with an adverse reaction caused by inhalants such as pollens (trees, grass, weeds, molds) and animal danders (cat, dog). Allergies, however, are much broader in scope and are caused not only by inhalants, but by the food we eat and the chemicals present in our air, food and water. Like all genetic diseases, new patients should keep in mind their own medical histories of allergies. It is generally accepted that children are more likely to develop allergies if someone in their family has had them. In fact, if one parent has a history of allergies, 30% of his or her offspring may develop allergies, if both parents have allergies, the incidence increases to approximately 75%. Tommy's mother has a history of family allergies. She is allergic to 13 foods, 16 molds and 25 different pollens and inhalants. Tommy's maternal grandmother and uncle also have allergies. The family members have similar medical complaints and are a clear example of the link between genetics and allergy. Can a parent with allergies help his or her child? Parents cannot control the genetic likelihood of allergies, but there are several ways they can try to prevent or minimize future allergic problems. In order to help prevent the onset severity of allergies, a mother should breastfed her child for the first six to 12 months of his or her life. In addition, there have been many studies documenting the benefits of breastfeeding to decrease the frequency of infections, improve the immune system and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child. Due to the use of numerous additives and preservatives, junk food and sweets present obvious problems for children who have a family history of allergies. Parents should carefully monitor their child's diet to decrease the likelihood that allergies will develop. Infants cannot tell their parents when they are feeling sick. So how can a parent detect allergies in his or her child? Infants experience symptoms which are good indications to parents that allergies may be present. These conditions include: Chronic diarrhea, Chronic nasal congestion, sleeping problems, irritability, increased vomiting, colic, increased frequency of ear infections, appearance of "allergic shiners". An infant who is experiencing a number of these symptoms is likely to be suffering from allergic reactions.

Parents are advised to have their child examined by a pediatric allergist or family physician. The detection of allergies has improved Tommy's health and his family life. He is allergic to 21 pollens and inhalants, 14 different foods, 3 additives and 15 molds. His temper has improved and his recurrent infections and fatigue have significantly declined. Although typically an adult will be aware of his or her allergies before having children, there are times when the discovery process is reversed. Adults often attribute their medical complaints to the stresses of work and family life. But symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and abdominal pain in adults can also be caused by allergies. After the detection and treatment of their child's allergies, parents may realize that the medical problems they have had for years may be caused by an allergic problem similar to the one their child is experiencing. Although a family history of allergies can not be prevented, there are steps a parent can take to ensure that his or her child does not suffer needlessly from allergies. Careful attention to a child's medical complaints can save the parent and child from years of unnecessary pain and anxiety.