Allergic diseases follow a developmental progression clinically termed the allergic march. As infants age, manifestations of allergic conditions undergo phased changes, with different allergic symptoms persistently appearing across various systems.
Professor Li Tianying advises Public Health Network readers that children prone to allergies often carry inherited genetic predispositions from their parents. These infants typically develop eczema within their first year. By ages 2-3, wheezing may become noticeable.as they grow older, they become susceptible to allergic rhinitis. Without timely intervention, this can gradually progress to sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other nasal cavity disorders. In more severe cases, it may lead to bronchial asthma. Simply put, the progression of allergic diseases begins in the nose, throat, and pharynx before advancing to the bronchi and lungs.
In reality, allergic diseases need not be feared. Early detection of allergies and proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of progression. For instance, timely treatment and prevention of nasal allergies in early childhood can minimize the risk of the condition advancing to the bronchi and lungs.
Is Adenoid Hypertrophy an Allergic Condition? When Is Removal Necessary?
Children suffering from chronic allergic rhinitis often also experience adenoid hypertrophy.Adenoid hypertrophy is a common childhood condition with distinct symptoms: snoring during sleep, oxygen deprivation affecting brain development, mouth breathing, and even the characteristic facial appearance with protruding cheeks known as "adenoid facies."
Professor Li Tianying explains that the adenoids and tonsils are lymphatic tissues present in the pharynx at birth, which proliferate with age.They reach their largest size between ages 3 and 8, then gradually shrink after age 8. By adulthood, they are mostly atrophied. However, when adenoid tissue continues to grow excessively in children aged 3-8 or beyond, affecting overall health or nearby organs, it is termed adenoid hypertrophy.
How does adenoid hypertrophy develop? Professor Li pointed out that children with allergic rhinitis often experience enlarged adenoids. Chronic allergies cause inflammation and edema within the nasal cavity, which stimulates the adenoids. This leads to continuous proliferation and thickening of the tissue. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as pediatric sinusitis or secretory otitis media.Adenoid hypertrophy disrupts sleep, impairs daytime learning, and significantly interferes with daily life and education. Professor Li Tianying recommends adenoidectomy when these symptoms manifest.
At what age can children undergo adenoidectomy? Professor Li advises that patients should generally be over 3 years old. However, removing the adenoids does not resolve allergic rhinitis.Adenoid removal merely excises lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx, addressing the issue of mouth breathing during sleep. To resolve the child's allergies, systematic immunotherapy is still required.
What should children with allergic diseases pay attention to in daily life?
Professor Li Tianying reminds readers of Public Health Network that preventing allergic diseases requires attention to the following details in daily life:In Guangdong and southern China, dust mites are the most common allergen, responsible for over 50% of allergic rhinitis and asthma cases. This means more than half of these conditions stem from dust mites. If allergies to mites or animal dander are confirmed, avoid exposure to these triggers. Plush toys and fabric sofas are prime hiding spots for dust mites and should be minimized.Minimize contact with pets. However, avoid excessive cleanliness in the home environment. A moderate level of microbial presence is necessary, as overly sterile conditions can weaken the body's natural defenses.Additionally, during allergic rhinitis flare-ups, when nasal secretions are abundant, rinsing the nose with 0.9% saline solution can significantly protect the nasal mucosa. This mucosa contains numerous cilia that expel trapped particles, providing optimal health maintenance.