Allergies in children.

An estimated 25% of the British population suffers from some form of allergic condition. Atopic dermatitis and food sensitivities are more common in infants and younger children, with hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), perennial allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma developing throughout adolescence. Allergic reactions occur as a result of an interaction between allergen and mast cells via the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE). Classic symptoms include itching, redness and swelling. These symptoms, and their time course, help the health professional to differentiate between allergic and non-allergic symptoms. Avoidance plays a part in management. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and recent guidelines recommend early use of epinephrine in patient with a severe allergic-type reaction.