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Differences in Allergies Between Children and Adults
Allergies in Children and Adults: Risks That Vary by Age
Although allergic diseases can occur at any age, the type, severity, and triggers of the condition vary significantly between childhood and adulthood. At the Allergy and Immunology Department of Egemed Hospital, we implement an age-specific "Personalized Immune Management" program.
[ Childhood Allergies / Pediatric Allergy ]
Children's immune systems are still developing. During this period, allergies typically follow a sequential progression; in medicine, this is referred to as the "Allergic March. "
- Most Common: Food allergies such as cow’s milk and eggs, atopic dermatitis (infant eczema), and wheezing (allergic bronchitis).
- Development Process: The majority of food allergies (particularly those to milk and eggs) tend to resolve on their own around the ages of 3 to 5 as the child’s digestive and immune systems mature.
- Our Approach: The most important step is to plan alternative diets (in collaboration with pediatricians and dietitians) that will not hinder the child’s growth and development.
[ Allergies in Adulthood ]
Allergies in adults are typically respiratory in nature and are often chronic. Environmental factors, stress, and occupational exposures play a major role during this period.
- Most Common: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), pollen/dust mite allergies, drug allergies, bee/insect allergies, and allergic asthma.
- Progression: Allergies that develop in adulthood rarely resolve on their own. They tend to persist throughout life.
- Our Approach: Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, our goal is to permanently alter the course of the disease through allergy vaccine therapy (immunotherapy) and reduce the need for long-term medication use.