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An atopic (allergic) march means passing from one form of allergy to another. Already in the first months of a child's life, symptoms of food allergy and atopic dermatitis may appear. What are the causes and symptoms of an atopic (allergic) march? How to prevent it?

Atopic (Allergic) Marchis the evolution of an atopic disease, the transition from one form of allergy to another, and its location changes with age. The first manifestation of atopy is most often food allergy, therefore it is here that the allergic march begins. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) appear almost at the same time, which over time can develop into bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

It should be noted that in some people the allergic march may have a different course, e.g. the first stage may be allergic rhinitis, which then turns into asthma. Moreover, individual types of allergies do not always have to give way to subsequent ones. They can join the previous ones and perform with them simultaneously. It is also worth knowing that atopic march, although most often observed in children, can also appear in adults.

Atopic (allergic) march - causes and risk factors

The immediate cause of the development of allergies is an abnormal response of the immune system to the allergen, which overproduces IgE antibodies against the allergen. It can occur during pregnancy, when the first maternal allergens pass through the placenta to the fetus.

The risk of an allergic disease and its evolution, i.e. an allergic march, is mainly increased by genetic factors, such as family history of allergies or the ability to produce IgE antibodies, but also environmental factors, including diet, infections, etc.

Atopic (allergic) march - symptoms

The allergic march may begin in the first months of a child's life with symptoms of food allergy, the most common of which are:

  • stomach pains
  • colic
  • flatulence
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • nausea and vomiting

They appear after the child's first contact with food allergens, which most often include cow's milk proteins and chicken eggs (they can bein the milk of a nursing mother). Over time, gluten, soy, peanuts, fish and wheat may also be included in the list of food allergens.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear almost in parallel with the symptoms of food allergy, i.e. red, shiny but rough-to-touch cheeks, red spots on the body, as well as exudative lumps and scabs. In addition, the baby's hairy scalp is flaky, which can sometimes be mistaken for a so-called cradle cap. However, the most troublesome symptom is itchy skin.

Most children "grow out" of food allergies and AD. However, some may develop symptoms of bronchial asthma such as coughing (especially at night), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, followed by allergic rhinitis (runny nose, itchy throat and dry cough, watery and itchy eyes) , itchy ears and nose).

This type of allergy develops in the course of AD. Airborne allergens (house dust mites, molds, pollen from trees and grasses) penetrate the epidermis damaged by inflammation and activate the immune response cells contained in it. These then multiply and travel throughout the body until they reach the respiratory tract, where they contribute to the initiation of an inflammatory response.

Atopic (allergic) march - how to prevent it?

In order to prevent the first symptoms of an allergic march, you should:

  • extend natural feeding and do not introduce solid foods until the child is about 6 months old;
  • eliminate strong food allergens from the nursing mother's diet;
  • eliminate strong food allergens from your child's diet until they are 13 months old;
  • eliminate airborne allergens (dust, animal hair) from the child's environment;
  • give the child probiotics that will seal the intestinal barrier so that it can better protect the body against the penetration of allergens from the outside;
  • minimize the child's contact with irritants such as e.g. tobacco smoke, air pollution;
  • prevent your child from getting infected;

Atopic dermatitis in children - diagnosis and treatment

Failure to treat atopic dermatitis and food allergy may lead to the development of bronchial asthma, which may cause serious complications, such as chronic bronchitis. Therefore, you should start treating a small allergy sufferer as soon as possible, which will reduce the risk of the next stages of the allergic march.

Diagnostics is quite complex, especially when it comes to the smallestkids. How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed? Is There An Effective Cure For Atopic Dermatitis? Listen to our expert - pediatrician Andrzej Mierzecki from the ENEL MED clinic.

Also read

Allergy in a child - how to recognize the first symptoms?

How to take care of the skin of a child with AD?

Types of skin diseases

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Allergies