Why are childhood allergies on the rise?

The worldwide recorded count of allergy cases among babies over the previous few decades has increased to a shockingly extent. More children than ever before are experiencing allergy reactions that compromise their quality of life; including nut and egg sensitivity, as well as eczema and asthma. Although genetic influences do play a role, environmental factors such as pollution, shifting patterns and climate change, and modern diets also contribute to this alarmingly increasing trend.

Food sensitivities have virtually doubled over the past 20 years. According to statistics on allergies in children; dairy, eggs, seafood, and nuts are the most observed offenders. Comparably, eczema occurrences have tripled in some regions while paediatric asthma has skyrocketed and affects about 14% of children, globally. These illnesses not only affect the quality of life in children, but also severely tax families and healthcare systems.

Environmental aspects affecting pollution levels and climate change
Particularly in metropolitan environments, air pollution has been linked to respiratory allergies and asthma. Children are particularly prone to have asthma due to lung inflammation brought on by home pollution, industrial emissions, automobiles, and fine particulate matter. Children with allergic rhinitis and hay fever are also experiencing additional symptoms from extended pollen seasons, triggered by rising temperatures.

Contemporary diets and processed cuisine
Children's immune systems may be weakened from processed meals, synthetic additives, and preservatives that define modern eating trends. Early exposure to highly processed meals has been linked, in studies, to changes in gut flora, which comprise essential elements for immunological control. Young children not exposed to a range of natural foods are more likely to develop food allergies. Breastfeeding provides indispensable benefits that nurture an infant's immune defenses from the early stages of life. Breast milk contains essential antibodies that safeguard digestive well-being and support the body's natural protection mechanisms. Research indicates exclusively receiving this personalized provision for six months or more can safeguard babies from typical allergens by cultivating equilibrium in their immune reactions.

Decreased microorganism exposure (Hygiene Hypothesis)
The hygiene theory holds that children's immune systems might not be able to build resistance to common allergens due to too frequent cleaning, insufficient outside play, and misuse of antibiotics. Children raised in exceedingly clean surroundings may be more likely to have allergy reactions.

Aarav's (renamed) fight with severe asthma
From Hyderabad, Aarav, a vibrant seven-year-old, had often struggled to breathe ever since the time when he was four years old. Living close to a big junction made his difficulties worse, particularly in the winter, when air pollution levels were dangerously high. Though he was treated with medication and inhalers, his condition deteriorated with time. Finally, his family agreed that a change was required and moved to a suburb with better air quality. His health improved dramatically, proving the vital role of environmental elements in inducing, or relieving, respiratory problems.

Ananya's unexpected dietary allergies
A curious five-year-old, Ananya developed severe nut allergy unexpectedly. After taking a snack at school, she experienced her first worrisome reaction that could have caused possibly fatal anaphylaxis. Given neither of her parents had a history of food allergies, the diagnosis was surprising. Consultations with an allergist determined that her early exposure to highly processed baby meals lacking in nutritional diversity may have led her immune system to over react.
We could possibly help contain the rising trend of childhood allergies and give our children better futures by raising awareness and implementing preventative actions. See a professional for early intervention and management, should your child exhibit symptoms of allergies.

Future prospects and preventive strategies
Early and Gradual Exposure: Introducing allergic foods progressively, from infancy onwards, could help build tolerance.
Time spent outside and exposure to microbes could help immune systems to grow and thrive.

Promoting Change: Encouragement of better air standards will help to protect the long-term respiratory health of youngsters.

Balancing Nutrition: Eating plenty of unprocessed, organic foods strengthens the immune system and supports intestinal health. Fresh entire foods in their natural, unadulterated form offer basic and nourishing nutrition.
If your child demonstrates any sensitivity, get professional advice promptly, for quick monitoring and intervention. Prevention is crucial, since timely interventions can significantly impact the future resilience of fragile, growing adolescent bodies.

Dr. Vittal Kumar Kesireddy, Consultant & In-Charge, Department of Paediatrics, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad