While it may resemble a cold, it’s not caused by a virus. AR is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to substances inhaled from surroundings. This condition inflicts itself in one in every two children in Singapore, according to a study conducted by National University Hospital Singapore. The study also found that 730,000 people nationwide suffer from AR.
Also highlighted was the fact that if AR isn’t controlled adequately, it may contribute to learning impairment, school absences, poor quality of life and emotional , social or even behavioural disturbances. AR is not something the kids go looking out for, rather, it’s things within their daily life that set them off. Pollen from flowers, trees and grass, dirt carrying insects or insect bites and mould are allergens in outdoor areas may set your child off.
There may be allergens within the general living area and bedroom that could trigger a sneezing fit too. There could be a range of culprits at play here which could be either dust mites, animal dander, latex in their toys and medication like aspiring or penicillin. Bathrooms or washing areas could also be hot zones as your child may be allergic to mould or fragrances found in bath soaps and perfume.
Parents might also find their work performance dipping slightly with the sleepness nights caring for their kids.While nasal sprays are the recommended treatment for AR, children have been found to respond poorly to it. Adezio, a second generation anti-histamine, may just be the solution to the problem.Tasty lychee flavoured oral solution makes the medicine so much easier for kids to take and the tablet form is also a winning remedy for the issue.
These non-drowsy medication can be purchased at the dispensing counter of Guardian, Watsons, Unity, Mustafa and independent pharmacies and clinics. The solution costs $7.60 while a tab of 10 tablets costs $7.20. Prices quoted are before GST.
FAST FACTS ABOUT ADEZIO
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body. The skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs are common places where the immune system cells are located. These cells fight off invaders that come into contact with the body- inhaled or swallowed.
How do allergies make us sneeze and wheeze?
When an allergy-prone person is in contact with the allergen, his/her immune system generates large amounts of antibodies called immunoglobulin E (lgE), a complex chemical weapon to attack and destroy the supposed enemy (the allergens). These overly sensitive immune cells (mast cells) release a substance called histamine. Histamine causes small blood vessel to widen, allowing fluid to pass from the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues causing an outburst of allergy symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms include:
- Runny, itchy, or blocked nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy roof of mouth or throat
- Red itchy rashes
- Swelling
- Hives
What are hives?
Urticaria (or hives as it’s commonly called), is an itchy rash consisting of localised swellings of the skin that usually last for a few hours before fading away. When urticaria develops around loose tissues of the eyes or lips, the affected area may swell excessively. Although frightening in appearance, the swelling (angio-oedema) goes away in 12 to 24 hours with treatment.
