Guideline

Allergy & Asthma:- Guidelines: The Allergy March

Allergy develops early in childhood and can persist throughout life

Eczema
Eczema

Gastrointestinal
disorders

Rhinitis

Asthma
Asthma

The progressive development of allergy is called the allergy march.The new-born baby is generally healthy and free of the symptoms of allergy. However, vomiting, diarrhoea and colic often appear as soon as cow`s milk is introduced to the diet.Dermatitis or eczema may follow. Later on, the same child may exhibit breathing difficulties
The pattem has been set for what is often a life-long disposition to allergy, where symptoms develop during early childhood and persist into adult life. The allergy march follows a given pathway after the first appearance, i.e.after the first atopic immune response associated with IgE antibodies. Subsequent exposure to allergens induces more antibodies and further symptoms develop over time. Routine diagnostic tests provide valuable clinical information that helps you predict the "route" of the march and help those who suffer from allergy.

One child in five may face a difficult journey

The problem of childhood allergy is a serious one.At least one child in five will develop allergy and, once they have embarked on the allergy march,they face difficult journey into adult life. If they don`t receive the correct diagnosis and treatment, their social development may also suffer.


IgE antibody levels vary with age.The first responses are often to food allergy. Egg white specific IgE seems to be the earliest predictor of developing allergy{1}.	The allergy march starts early and progresses throughout childhood symptoms vary over time. Respiratory difficulties dominate later childhood and adults risk developing asthma{2}.