An allergist-immunologist answers questions from readers

Dr. med., Allergist-immunologist, director of the Center for Allergology and Immunology Tatiana L. Sadchikova answered the questions of our readers received on the direct line.

Allergies can occur at any age, especially if there are relatives who also suffer from allergies. But 12% of the population give allergies without heredity, this is due to a gene breakdown. Symptoms of allergies are runny nose, sneezing, eye irritation, lacrimation, paroxysmal cough, urticaria. If they appear, you must contact an allergist.

Psoriasis itself is not, but it is possible that an allergic reaction has joined it. In addition, rashes can be the result of a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist and an allergist. In the meantime, you can use care products for very dry skin and eliminate foods that irritate the stomach.

It is possible to say that you are allergic to antibiotics if, for example, urticaria occurs while taking the medicine. If any reactions appeared after the course of antibiotic therapy was completed, then here we are talking about the fact that the drug has disturbed the intestinal microflora. Bowel problems appear on the skin. Pediatricians almost always prescribe also means to restore microflora. As a recommendation, pay attention to food, exclude one with a lot of dyes, chemical additives, and, if possible, imported fruits. In addition, the rehabilitation of foci of infection – so that there are no carious teeth, frequent colds and sore throats. But in any case, expert advice is needed.

The Mantoux test is an allergic test with tuberculin. And if the child has a predisposition to allergies, then the test may not be specifically positive. To find out whether it is an allergy or not, there is a test that is done in a tuberculosis dispensary. And as a preventive measure, before the next Mantoux test, you need to take antihistamines three days before the test and three days after.

It is possible that the child has a reaction to household allergens, such as dust mites. The fact is that mosquitoes and house dust have a common allergen. Therefore, it is necessary to contact an allergist, make skin tests with household allergens. And as a recommendation for mosquito bites at the beginning of the season, use special sprays and treat clothes with repellents.

Six to seven cases of uncomplicated colds for a child attending preschool are within normal limits. But, at the same time, frequent colds can be the appearance of allergies, especially if complications arise every time in the form of bronchitis or sinusitis. Parents should be wary if any of the relatives suffers from allergies, since this disease is inherited. It is necessary to contact an allergist, pass throat swabs and culture for bacteria, as well as samples for household allergens.

Modern antihistamines can be drunk for a long time, they have no restrictions on the duration of administration, and side reactions are minimized. But it should be remembered that the dosage of any antihistamine must be age-appropriate, the dose is prescribed by an allergist. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the previous generation of anti-allergy drugs, such as suprastin, tavegil, had a limited duration of admission, they should not be taken longer than 7-10 days.

You need to see an allergist and dermatologist. The dermatologist will exclude the diseases of his profile, the allergist will prescribe tests for possible allergic reactions. In addition, consultation with a gastroenterologist is also necessary, since vitamins, trace elements and other useful substances from food may simply not be absorbed if there are any disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

As an immunologist, I vote for vaccinations, since the diseases they protect against are very dangerous. If there is a predisposition to allergies, then it will manifest itself without vaccinations. But it should be remembered that before the vaccination, you need to pass a general blood test, and the child must be examined by a neurologist. In addition, if there is any concern, then you do not need to do all the vaccinations on the same day. It is also not recommended to simultaneously vaccinate and introduce new products, especially if relatives have a history of allergies. In my opinion, among the mandatory vaccinations for boys should be vaccination against mumps, and for girls – against rubella.

This condition can be a manifestation of household allergies. It is necessary to contact an allergist for testing and prescribing therapy. In the house, it is necessary to remove what accumulates dust – carpets, paths, curtains, preferably without lambrequins, so that they can be washed regularly. Wet cleaning – daily. A vacuum cleaner, preferably with aqua and HEPA filters. And regularly treat furniture with special sprays – acaricides. They create a protective film that prevents dust mites from getting out. In addition, special hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers are desirable. And the pillows themselves should not be down.

First, it is necessary to take medications, which will be selected by an allergist-immunologist. In addition, when leaving the house, it is advisable to use nasal protective sprays, there are special filters in the nose, you can use gauze bandages. It is necessary to limit trips to nature and to the dacha, it is advisable not to walk in windy dry weather, and after the street, be sure to wash, wash your nose, take a shower and change clothes. In addition, allergy sufferers cannot use herbal medicine – herbal medicines, decoctions of medicinal herbs. It is imperative to reconsider nutrition. And the cardinal measure is to leave for the flowering period in other regions.

For news and information about promotions, see our page “In contact with”.

There are contraindications. Consultation of a specialist is required.