Allergy Alert

Allergy is a major problem for the 21^st century and is increasing all over the world. In fact, allergic diseases have now become the most frequent reasons for patients to seek medical attention. I was glad I attended this event last Saturday to get myself updated with health and wellness knowledge organised by the Malaysian Allergy and Immunology Society.

Allergy affects approximately 30-40% of the global population. It usually begins with food allergies or eczema. Then, around 50% of these affected children will develop respiratory allergies, like allergic rhinitis and asthma in later life, forming what is known as the Allergy March.

Prevention may be the only cure as the first reason is that allergy has no cure yet and secondly, allergy can reduce the quality of life in the following ways;

Physically

The affected child will suffer the discomforts of allergic symptoms and may face limitations in his lifestyle.

Emotionally

The whole family may experience emotional problems including fear, anxiety, depression, sadness, guilt and anger.

Financially

Additional money is needed for the child’s treatment if they have allergies.

Socially

The affected child may lack confidence to mix with other children. For instance, a child with eczema-covered skin may feel hurt when other children stare at or comment on his sores.

Our immune system protects us from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses and parasites. However, in allergic reactions, the immune system gets ‘confused’ and treats safe substances as harmful enemies. So, ordinary things such as food may be attacked by our immune cells and subsequently, chemical substances that cause irritating symptoms like sneezing, coughing or rashes are released. That's how allergy come about.

The most severe type of allergy is anaphylaxis with symptoms like low blood pressure, fainting, chest pain and throat tightness that leads to breathing difficulty. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated immediately.

This is due to the immaturity of their digestive tract and immune system. Besides digesting foods and absorbing nutrients, the intestine is also our largest immune organ where 80% of all antibody-producing cells are found. That's why the young children tend to have allergies easily. 

Every child is at risk actually, that's why I took my precious time to share about this allergy subject to alert everyone esp.for the parents so that they're aware of this health problem and knowing how to take good care of their children. After hearing Dr Goh's heartbreaking real story about her youngest daughter who's admitted to hospital due to serious allergic reaction, I told myself I need to share this knowledge for people around the world to save more lives. 

In fact, I heard many cases about allergy attacks resulted in death cases due to allergy diseases or infection. Family history is important in predicting the risk of developing allergy. Check out all this picture charts that I've created to find out your child’s allergy risk. Study them, take good care of your children to prevent allergy before it strikes aggresively. 

I saw those mom with their sick kids, so pity I just can't bear to see them suffering like this. That night dinner, I lecture my dear Charmers in a nice way teaching them what's allergy is all about, guiding them the hygienic way to live right in their daily activities and remember to bring their Cellfood spray water all the time, fully-filled with oxygen water to protect them from bacteria or infection. I will continue more on the allergy subject in my next Allergy Blog, so stay tuned!