Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Allergic Disorders
Number of Conditions: 3
Food allergies
Specialty: Pediatrics
Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders
Sub-category: Allergic Disorders
Symptoms:
hives; swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
Root Cause:
The immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful and releases chemicals like histamine to protect the body, triggering an allergic reaction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history, skin prick tests, blood tests for allergen-specific IgE antibodies, and food challenge tests under medical supervision.
Treatment:
The main treatment is avoiding the allergenic food. In case of accidental exposure, antihistamines can be used for mild reactions, while epinephrine (adrenaline) is prescribed for severe reactions or anaphylaxis.
Medications:
Common medications include antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine , loratadine , which are antihistamines used to reduce allergic reactions) and epinephrine (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen or Auvi-Q for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis). Antihistamines are classified as H1 receptor antagonists, and epinephrine is a sympathomimetic drug.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Food allergies affect about 8% of children, with some studies showing a growing trend in allergic reactions, especially to peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, other allergic conditions (e.g., eczema or allergic rhinitis), early exposure to allergens, and living in urban areas with less exposure to diverse environmental microbes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many children outgrow food allergies as they age, though some food allergies (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish) tend to persist into adulthood.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if untreated, chronic allergic reactions leading to eczema or other skin conditions, and the psychological impact of living with food restrictions.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Specialty: Pediatrics
Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders
Sub-category: Allergic Disorders
Symptoms:
itchy, red, inflamed skin; dry, scaly patches of skin; rash that worsens with scratching; rash on the face, arms, legs, or other areas
Root Cause:
A chronic inflammatory skin condition where the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, resulting in skin inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and medical history. Skin biopsy (rarely, to rule out other conditions).
Treatment:
Moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Antihistamines for itching. Avoidance of irritants and allergens.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone , betamethasone ) – These are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat flare-ups. They are classified as corticosteroids, a type of immunosuppressive agent. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus , pimecrolimus ) – Immunomodulators used to reduce inflammation, classified as calcineurin inhibitors. Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine , loratadine ) – Used to relieve itching; they are classified as H1-antagonists (antihistamines).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 10-20% of children worldwide. Commonly starts in infancy and can continue into childhood or adulthood.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of atopy (allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever). Dry skin or living in dry environments. Exposure to allergens or irritants.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many children experience improvement with age, but eczema may persist or flare periodically throughout life. Chronic cases may lead to thickened skin or secondary bacterial infections.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin infections (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). Sleep disturbances due to itching. Emotional and social issues related to visible skin rashes.
Allergic rhinitis
Specialty: Pediatrics
Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders
Sub-category: Allergic Disorders
Symptoms:
sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion; itchy eyes, nose, and throat; post-nasal drip, coughing; watery, red, or swollen eyes
Root Cause:
The immune system reacts to airborne allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander) by producing IgE antibodies, triggering inflammation in the nasal passages.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and physical examination. Skin prick test or blood test (measuring IgE levels) to identify specific allergens.
Treatment:
Avoidance of allergens. Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone). Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine). Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) for short-term relief.
Medications:
Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone , mometasone ) – Anti-inflammatory medications, classified as corticosteroids, used to treat nasal inflammation. Oral antihistamines (e.g., loratadine , fexofenadine ) – Used to block histamine and reduce symptoms like sneezing and itching. Classified as H1-antagonists. Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine ) – Used to relieve nasal congestion; classified as sympathomimetic agents.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-30% of children, with prevalence rising in urban environments.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergic rhinitis or other allergic conditions. Exposure to allergens, particularly in early childhood. Living in areas with high pollen or pollution levels.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be well-managed with medication and allergen avoidance. Symptoms may improve with age, but seasonal or perennial allergies can persist.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses). Middle ear infections (otitis media). Impaired sleep and quality of life due to nasal congestion.