The pathogenesis of allergy The common feature of allergic diseases is that the body has a residual specific IgE-mediated or cellular immune-mediated immune response to common inhalant allergens or food allergens, and a clinical allergic reaction occurs. Allergic diseases occur as a result of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of asthma, and approximately 40% of offspring will be involved if both parents have allergic diseases. However, the significant increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases in the last decade or so cannot be explained by the role of genetic predisposition. Cohort studies with large samples have found that environmental factors are strongly associated with the development of allergic diseases. Allergen exposure is the most important environmental factor affecting immune function. Modern lifestyles, interior decoration, and decorative environments suitable for dust mite growth, more time spent indoors by modern people, access to adequate allergen exposure and sensitization, smaller family size , reduced cross-contamination, improved cleanliness, and reduced microbial exposure during infancy and childhood, thus reducing stimulation of the developing immune system, have all been associated with the development of allergic diseases. Allergy prevention The prevention of diseases includes primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. In the case of allergic disease prevention, primary prevention is aimed at healthy children to prevent the occurrence of allergic diseases; secondary prevention is aimed at children who have already developed allergies to take effective measures to prevent the aggravation of allergic symptoms; tertiary prevention is aimed at patients with chronic diseases to take effective treatment programs to prevent the deterioration of the disease and reduce the negative impact of the disease on life Tertiary prevention is to take effective treatment programs for patients with chronic diseases to prevent the deterioration of the disease and reduce the adverse effects of the disease on quality of life and learning ability. The overall goals of allergic disease prevention are: to reduce the incidence of allergic diseases, to reduce the risk of new allergic diseases during the allergic process, and to reduce the severity of the disease. Increase the likelihood of remission and improve quality of life. Overall recommendations 1. Environmental interventions for allergic disease prevention Dust mites and molds are the most common indoor allergens. 92% of homes have at least one detectable allergen in concentrations sufficient to cause symptoms in sensitized individuals. The most suitable environment for house dust mite reproduction is 25°C and 80% relative humidity, while the most suitable environment for mold growth is 18°C to 32°C and relative humidity >65%. Excessive interior decoration is suitable for dust mite and mold growth, coupled with indoor greenery, household pets, furniture and interior decoration chemical organic release, home gas waste release, indoor second-hand smoke pollution and other indoor environment are risk factors for aggravation of respiratory allergy symptoms. For children with dust mite allergy, it is recommended to use anti-dust mite bed covers and wash bed sheets with hot water every 1-2 weeks; don’t play with stuffed toys; don’t store old newspapers and magazines indoors; don’t use wool blankets and down quilts, and replace quilt cores and pillows regularly; and wash air conditioning filters and curtains frequently. For children allergic to mold, it is recommended not to place too many plants indoors because moist soil can produce mold; do not use indoor humidifiers to maintain 30-50% humidity; clean showers and sinks frequently; clean air conditioning filters frequently; avoid staying more in indoor swimming pools, greenhouse flower houses, and basements. Pollen is a common outdoor allergen, usually mostly tree pollen allergy in spring and grass pollen allergy in autumn. It is recommended that pollen-allergic children go out as little as possible during pollen season, wear masks or use nasal pollen blockers when going out. Wash hands and face immediately after coming home and change clothes; avoid planting flowers and plants indoors; avoid playing sports on grass. 2. The role of food intervention on allergic diseases The literature reports that 80%-85% of milk and egg allergic children can obtain immune tolerance by the age of 3; peanut, fish, soybean and nut allergies last longer; multiple food allergies are not easy to obtain immune tolerance or the time needed to obtain tolerance is prolonged. Therefore, for children aged 6-15 years who still have food allergies, strict avoidance of allergic foods is still required. For children with only positive allergen reports and no actual allergic symptoms after eating, avoidance is not necessary. However, children with asthma should reduce the intake of cold drinks to avoid triggering asthma. 3. Active and standardized medication under the guidance of a professional doctor No matter what kind of allergic disease a child suffers from, he or she should promptly seek medical consultation and then standardize the medication under the guidance of a professional doctor, who will develop a reasonable treatment plan according to the patient’s condition. It should be clear that allergic diseases are chronic and require the cooperation of doctors, parents and the affected children. Do not stop or reduce the dosage at your own discretion for fear of the side effects of the medication. For example, for allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, general antihistamines are recommended to be used for more than 2 weeks; nasal hormones for allergic rhinitis are recommended to be used for more than 1 month; allergic asthma needs to be treated for 2~3 years; the course of desensitization treatment is also 2~3 years. Parents of patients should not increase or abuse drugs at will. I once met a child with allergic conjunctivitis whose mother kept using hormone eye drops because they were effective, resulting in glaucoma in the child. Parents should not use the so-called “local remedies” at will. We once met a child with atopic dermatitis who was poisoned by his grandmother’s use of an unknown herbal bath. 4. Other complementary therapeutic measures For children with asthma, it is recommended to go to less crowded places, such as supermarkets, to avoid catching a cold, as respiratory infections can trigger asthma; avoid violent emotional changes, such as anxiety, fear, crying and laughing, which may trigger asthma; do not exercise in large amounts when asthma is not under control, especially in dry and cold air conditions. For children with allergic rhinitis, it is recommended to use unscented detergents and toilet paper, not perfumes and air fresheners; nasal cavity can be cleaned with saline daily. For children with atopic dermatitis, skin moisturization is needed. You can take a warm bath for 15 minutes every day and apply moisturizer all over the body immediately after drying the skin; do not over-wash the skin or scald it with hot water; it is recommended to wear cotton loose clothing close to the body.