Since August, there has been a significant increase in the number of pediatric patients seeking treatment at the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital due to allergies, especially after severe thunderstorms, there have been even more cases of allergic symptoms among pediatric patients. Han Lihong, Chief Physician of Pediatric Medicine at Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Hospital, reminds "sensitive babies" to strengthen protection during the allergy season and be alert to acute allergic reactions caused by drastic weather changes and increased pollen concentration. Children whose parents and other family members have a history of allergies or allergic diseases such as eczema in childhood have a significantly increased chance of becoming "sensitive babies". ”Han Lihong said. The allergy symptoms of children usually change with age: allergies in infants under one year old usually manifest on the skin or digestive tract, such as eczema, milk protein allergy, etc; By around the age of three, allergies in young children will gradually manifest as respiratory symptoms, with most cases starting with nasal mucosal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. If allergic rhinitis is not well controlled, it may later develop into childhood asthma. Experts suggest that allergic rhinitis in children should be identified, diagnosed, and treated early. Without early identification and standardized treatment, it may affect the healthy growth of children. Han Lihong introduced that if allergic rhinitis is complicated with sinusitis and adenoid hypertrophy, it can lead to severe nasal congestion and mouth opening breathing. Long term mouth opening breathing not only makes children prone to repeated colds, but also may cause dental and maxillofacial deformities, leading to "mouth breathing facial features" or "adenoid facial features". It can also cause abnormal body posture such as neck extension, shoulder hunchback, sleep snoring, night startles, grinding teeth, and even lack of concentration and memory loss. Some children with allergic rhinitis may experience chronic cough, which may be a transitional state from allergic rhinitis to asthma, known as cough variant asthma. Some parents say that their children often cough at night or after exercise, and taking cough suppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs does not improve. This chronic cough may be cough variant asthma, and it is necessary to go to the hospital early to clarify the cause and receive targeted treatment, "said Han Lihong. Han Lihong suggests that if a child is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, they should first avoid allergens and reduce playing in areas with high pollen concentrations in the wild. They should also have a balanced diet and eat less stimulating foods such as those that are too cold or too sweet; Secondly, it is necessary to engage in moderate aerobic exercise to enhance the body's resistance. Families with "sensitive babies" should also pay special attention to thunderstorm weather in summer and autumn. ”Han Lihong said that severe thunderstorm weather can worsen the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and even lead to asthma. Thunderstorm weather should reduce children's outings, close doors and windows at home, use air purification equipment if necessary, and minimize exposure to allergens such as pollen. In the process of preventing and treating allergic rhinitis in children, some parents believe that "adults should take whatever medicine they want their children to take", while others believe that "if there are symptoms, take medicine, and if there are no symptoms, stop taking medicine". Experts remind us to be particularly careful of these medication misconceptions. Han Lihong said that some anti allergic drugs used by adults are not suitable for children, and it depends on whether the drug instructions have specific usage and dosage for children; Allergic rhinitis requires standardized treatment, with different medications adapted according to the age and symptoms of the child. Whether medication can be discontinued needs to be evaluated and cannot be done arbitrarily. (New Society)