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. 2001 Oct;6(8):555-66.
doi: 10.1093/pch/6.8.555.

Allergies in children

Z Chad  1
Affiliations

Allergies in children

Z Chad. Paediatr Child Health. 2001 Oct.

Abstract
in English, French

Allergic diseases in children have increased significantly in recent years and now affect up to 35% of children. They are a major cause of morbidity in children. Although there is a genetic predisposition, it is the exposure to environmental allergens, irritants and infections that will determine the sensitization to different dietary and inhalant allergens. As the genetic and environmental factors that act on an immature cellular immune system are better elucidated and their roles established, the implementation of more enduring preventive efforts will be developed. However, at present, the best approach to the child at high risk for the development of allergies is to institute dietary and environmental control measures early to decrease sensitization, and to recognize and appropriately treat the evolving signs and symptoms of allergic disease.

Les maladies allergiques chez l’enfant ont augmenté de manière considérable ces dernières années, et elles touchent désormais jusqu’à 35 % des enfants. Elles représentent une cause importante de morbidité chez l’enfant. Bien qu’il existe une prédisposition génétique, c’est l’exposition aux allergènes environnementaux, aux irritants et aux infections qui détermine la sensibilisation aux divers allergènes diététiques et inhalés. À mesure que les facteurs génétiques et environnementaux agissant sur un système immunitaire de cellules immatures seront élucidés et que leurs rôles seront établis, des efforts de prévention plus permanents seront implantés. Cependant, pour l’instant, la meilleure démarche face à un enfant à haut risque de présenter des allergies demeure des mesures précoces de contrôle diététique et environnemental pour réduire la sensibilisation ainsi que le dépistage et le traitement pertinents des signes et symptômes évolutifs des maladies allergiques.

Keywords: Allergic diseases; Allergies; Environmental factors.

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