An allergy to down pillows in a child may occur due to contact with home textiles filled with down and feathers of waterfowl (goose, chicken, duck, eider, swan).
There is an opinion that a mixture of natural bird feathers and down is the warmest, softest and lightest material with excellent thermal insulation and hygroscopic properties, which ensures a comfortable sleep. But with all the positive characteristics, pillows with such filling can pose a health hazard - they can provoke the development of allergies.
What causes an allergic reaction
More than 90% of people all over the world are prone to allergies to bird feathers and down, but not everyone is affected by the pathology. The following factors increase the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction in children:
- genetic predisposition;
- weakened immune defense;
- other types of allergies;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- age-related hormonal changes.
With increased sensitivity, the children's immune system responds not to the pillow itself and its filling, but to the allergens accumulated in it. Often the cause of the development of a pathological reaction is dust and feather mites and their biological waste. When pillows are used for a long time without proper hygienic care, mites actively multiply, forming entire colonies. A rapid increase in the concentration of pests can cause allergy attacks in humans with damage to the respiratory tract.
In addition, the list of the strongest irritants includes a specific protein in the composition of bird saliva and epithelium, as well as bird excrement and dander, pollen and a host of other allergens deposited on feathers and down. A thorough diagnostic examination and assessment of characteristic symptoms will help to accurately identify the cause of the pathological reaction.
Antihistamines 3rd and 4th generation
These medications have much fewer side effects and do not affect the nervous system and do not cause drowsiness.
Among the relatively safe antihistamines are: levocetirizine (Suprastinex, Cesera, Xysal, Levocetirizine Sandoz), fexofenadine (Telfast, Rapido, Allerfex), sehifenadine (Histafen), desloratadine (Erius), hifenadine (Fenkarol).
All of them can be sold under other names, which need to be checked with the pharmacy. The safest and most effective drugs are the 4th generation: levocetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, but they are also more expensive.
The listed drugs also have their own nuances of administration, compatibility/incompatibility, restrictions (pregnancy, age).
Signs of developing allergies
Symptoms of an allergy to a down pillow in a child appear as a response of the immune system to exposure to antigens. To provide protection from the irritant, the body triggers the synthesis of histamine. This is a kind of danger signal, in response to which other cells begin to be actively produced, and all systems and processes in the body are intensively stimulated. This “help” is manifested by allergic symptoms:
- irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, accompanied by difficulty breathing, sneezing, suffocating cough (usually at night and in the morning);
- intense watery discharge from the nose without any prerequisites for ODS;
- inflammation and redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, lacrimation;
- skin manifestations in the contact area (hyperemic rash, itching, swelling);
- in rare cases, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
Signs of allergy may occur immediately after contact with the antigen or delayed. This process depends on the level of immune defense and the rate of accumulation of toxins in the body. With an immediate course, bright manifestations are observed after 5-7 minutes, while slow development makes itself felt after 2-3 days.
In children, symptoms appear earlier and much more intensely than in adults. The child’s immune system is not fully developed, so it is more vulnerable and reacts more sharply.
feather pillow allergy
It would seem - what could be special about... a pillow?! A pillow is a household item that you notice only in its absence. Or when a pillow, as a result of some kind of disaster in a particular apartment (like, “Seryozhka came to me - we played a little”), becomes completely unusable and requires replacement. For example, I had to change my pillow after going to the doctor about frequent headaches. The reason is trivial - osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, and the doctor advised, in addition to all sorts of massage pills, to replace my favorite feather pillow with a natural filler. I never thought that the pillow could also be a factor in the occurrence of my neck pain. It turns out - maybe very much so. I approached the choice of pillow, one might say, from all sides. That’s why I decided to share the information in case it’s useful to anyone?
With the fact that we need a pillow - I hope this statement will not be disputed. Even in the absence of it, we still try to put something under our head (a hand, a folded blanket, a log - it all depends on the situation) - our anatomy requires this. Normal and complete rest is possible when the spinal column is not curved. Especially in the cervical region. You will fully feel a curvature of the neck or an uncomfortable position during sleep in the morning. By the way! Here's a little test drive on the topic.
— Do you try to raise your head by placing your hand under your head or under your pillow when you fall asleep? This means the pillow is too low.
— Do you slide off the pillow during sleep and your head can be anywhere but on it? Your pillow is too high.
— Does your neck and “wooden” shoulders hurt in the morning? The low pillow + hard mattress are to blame for this.
What is the definition of comfort and usefulness in a pillow? There are several important parameters. You need to choose a pillow based on height (you understood this from our mini-test), shape, hardness and quality of the filler. Size here, by the way, really doesn’t play a special role - it’s up to your taste and preferences.
So, let's decide on the height. The parameters, to be honest, are different. The range is from 6 to 16 cm. But the easiest way is to choose the height of the pillow using the following formula: the height of the pillow is directly proportional to the width of your shoulder. It is this distance that should separate your head from the mattress and ensure the most comfortable sleep - the spine will be in an ideal horizontal position.
With the choice of rigidity, everything is also simple. It is enough to answer the question: “In what position do you fall asleep or wake up?”
- Side sleepers? You need a firm pillow - it provides excellent support for your neck and head.
— Favorite pose: “eyes to the ceiling”? You need a pillow with medium hardness.
— Do you fall asleep on your stomach? Your choice is only a soft pillow.
Externally, pillows come in two types: classic (rectangle or square) and “orthopedic” (in the form of bolsters and with special round indentations). I would also introduce a third type: classic ones with an orthopedic effect. But more on that later. There are several opinions regarding the concept of “orthopedic pillow”. If you look at Japanese films - they have a regular pillow in the form of a bolster - can it be considered orthopedic if it is a classic pillow in the understanding of the average Japanese? Or a classic pillow in shape, but hard enough to support the head and neck in one position - is it an orthopedic product or not? Probably, the orthopedic effect also depends on what the pillow is filled with.
Here we come to one of the main factors in choosing a pillow - the filler. All fillers can also be divided into two types: synthetics and naturel. Both there are positive and negative aspects. The advantages of synthetics are obvious: such products are easy to care for and cheap. But the accumulated static electricity does not bring benefit to our body - once and twice - many complain that many synthetic fillers quickly fall off and lose their shape. And sleeping on lumps is not pleasant. In addition, no one has canceled the saying about the miser who pays twice. Well, you understand me, right?
Not everything is simple with natural fillers either, but at least there is a choice. And it's wide enough. These are down and feathers, latex and cotton wool, wool and silk, and various fillers from leaves, fibers, shavings and plant husks. In this case, the choice depends on your health and the size of your wallet. If you have allergies, then pillows with down, feathers and wool are contraindicated for you. If you are not ready to spend a very, very significant amount of money on a pillow, then down, silk and latex are not for you. This also includes pillows made of sheep wool - they become unusable after a few months, and are not cheap. In my economic opinion, the optimal combination of cost, practicality and usefulness is found in pillows with plant fillings. I will not list the names of plant fillers - there are a great many of them: from exotic to collected wild herbs and flowers. For myself, I chose a pillow with cedar shavings. I'll explain why. Firstly, since childhood I really like the smell of pine needles (5 years of living on Sakhalin Island in the middle of the taiga were not in vain). And cedar shavings release both the smell of pine needles and special substances - phytoncides, which help calm the nervous system and increase immunity to colds. Secondly, this pillow is quite hard - and that’s all I need with my osteochondrosis. Thirdly, the shavings themselves are of a special shape, so that while you sleep, a gentle massage of the head and neck occurs. Fourthly... I just like her! There are, of course, disadvantages (nothing and no one is perfect). It took several nights to get used to the rustling of the filler. So, if you have a very light sleeper, it is better to choose a “quiet” pillow.
By the way, the headaches gradually went away. And along with the headache, the lack of sleep and irritability went away. In the morning I wake up rested and full of strength for new fateful achievements within the framework of a single life, which is what I wish for you!
Good night and sweet dreams.
Why is it dangerous?
Intensive production of histamine can be accompanied by such dangerous manifestations as muscle spasms and bronchospasms, swelling of muscles and soft tissues, low blood pressure and disruption of the cardiovascular system.
Ignoring signs of developing an allergy to bird feathers and down in childhood can lead to serious complications:
- the addition of a bacterial infection;
- Quincke's edema;
- bronchial asthma;
- the onset of anaphylactic shock.
If the child’s condition worsens sharply, there is difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, emergency medical attention is needed.
Diet
Follow a diet of hypoallergenic foods to avoid exacerbating allergy symptoms. Replace bread with crispbread, eat only lean meat and some types of fish (cod, sea bass). You can eat fermented milk products, herbs, vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, parsley, dill, lettuce, zucchini), offal, pearl barley, rice, semolina, drink weak tea, still water.
Avoid spices, bee products, tomatoes, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese, chocolate, strawberries, citrus fruits, corn, fatty fish, seafood, soda, etc.
Allergy treatment
An allergist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of allergic reactions. He takes an anamnesis, conducts a thorough examination of the child, and prescribes additional diagnostics (general blood test, skin prick test, patch tests, etc.).
Based on research data, an optimal treatment plan is prescribed and the first thing parents of a child with an allergy to bird feathers and down are recommended to do is eliminate the irritating factor. That is, get rid of down pillows and replace them with high-quality hypoallergenic analogues. The second stage of the fight against the disease is careful and regular hygiene of the room where the allergy sufferer lives, frequent changes of bed and underwear, and regular ventilation.
As for drug therapy, small allergy sufferers need to take medications prescribed by a doctor:
- antihistamines;
- enterosorbents;
- antibacterial eye drops;
- corticosteroids (in severe cases).
There are also a lot of folk remedies for combating allergies, and many parents prefer them to modern “chemistry”. In fact, such methods have no proven effectiveness and can significantly worsen the child’s condition. Therefore, any methods and treatment options should be discussed and agreed upon with your doctor.
In addition, an important role in eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of an allergy to down pillows in a child and preventing their development is played by hardening and restorative procedures aimed at increasing the body’s defenses, vitamin therapy, proper balanced nutrition and adherence to a special hypoallergenic diet, and frequent walks in the fresh air.
How to treat seasonal allergies - you can only alleviate the condition with the help of medications and procedures
If you already know about your tendency to spring allergies, during remission, that is, in autumn and winter, you should definitely contact an allergist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment for you. During the flowering period of trees and herbs, you can only alleviate the condition of the nasopharynx, respiratory system and eyes with the help of the following medications:
Enterosorbents
It is very effective to carry out a 2-3 week course of cleansing the body of toxins and allergens 1-1.5 months before the start of flowering with sorbents such as Polyphepan (70-80 rubles), (260-280 rubles), tablets (50-140 rubles) , Entegnin tablet (130-150 rubles), Enterosgel (260-320 rubles), Activated carbon. While taking them, you should follow some rules. Since these are energy sorbents, they reduce the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and other medications from the intestines, so they should be taken between meals, vitamins, or medications, preferably at night. These medications are prescribed by a doctor for chronic intoxication and allergic diseases for a course of no more than 21 days.
Plasmapheresis
Many allergists consider this method of mechanical blood purification to be ineffective, since it has a short-term effect and has a number of contraindications. However, according to the doctor’s indications, in case of severe allergies, as well as in the absence of contraindications to this procedure, it is also possible to use it as a temporary relief of allergy symptoms and cleanse the blood of toxins, immune complexes and allergens.
Antihistamines
- Intal - aerosol for inhalation (when combined with bronchial asthma) 700 rub.
- Ifiral - eye drops, nasal drops
- Allergo commode - eye drops
- Krom allerg - eye drops 70 rub.
- Cromohexal - eye drops 80-90 rub. spray 140-160 rubles, solution for inhalation 370 rubles.
- Lecrolin - eye drops 90-100 rubles.
as well as Vibrocil - nasal drops with vasoconstrictor and antiallergic effects - about 200 rubles.
- Nazaval is a microdispersed cellulose powder that prevents allergens from entering the body. It can be used by children from birth and pregnant women. Using a spray dispenser, powder is sprayed, which combines with the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity to form a durable gel-like film. This film creates a natural barrier for the penetration of aeroallergens into the nasopharynx.
- Prevalin is a combination of oils and emulsifiers that creates a protective barrier against allergens and is most effective when used before the onset of allergic rhinitis at the very beginning of the season.
- Azelastine - Allergodil spray is a histamine H1 receptor blocker, but its use is not recommended for children under 6 years of age and pregnant women.
What drugs are not advisable to use and have long-term consequences?
Today, medicine offers powerful drugs - glucocorticosteroids - for the emergency elimination of severe allergic reactions. And sometimes they are prescribed in mild cases when their use is not justified. These products give a very quick effect: inflammation, swelling, lacrimation, rashes and other manifestations of allergies are relieved. They turn out to be simply magical and it seems that a better remedy cannot be found. But this is a very false impression; the consequences of their use may affect health in the future.
Hormonal medications should not be used for mild allergic reactions. The consequences of long-term use and overdose of such drugs, especially for children, are very serious. It is believed that corticosteroids for local therapy in the form of nasal sprays (Nasobek, Aldecin, Flixonase, Benorin, Beconase, Nasonex, Nazarel) in therapeutic doses when administered by inhalation do not have significant systemic activity. But with prolonged use, it is possible to develop atrophy of the mucous membrane, skin, and the occurrence of systemic side effects.
At the beginning of summer, when the poplar blossoms, some people develop an allergy to poplar fluff; you need to know the symptoms and treatment in order to alleviate your condition. Poplar fluff itself very rarely causes an allergic reaction in humans. The flowering time of poplars coincides with the flowering of trees such as pine, birch, hazel, and maple. Their pollen is microscopic in size, and the fluff of poplars carries it on itself. Pollen from cereal crops, such as rye, fescue or timothy, can also be an allergen.
Allergy to poplar fluff is often hereditary and can occur in both adults and children. What are the symptoms of an allergy to poplar fluff?
Due to the emerging inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, frequent sneezing and runny nose appear during an exacerbation.
The wings of the nose become red and swollen, and the eyelids also become red. The person suffers from severe itching in the nose and eyes.
In addition to external manifestations, the patient complains of general weakness throughout the body, and his appetite decreases. Often during this period headaches occur and the functioning of the digestive tract is disrupted. How do allergies manifest in children? Their allergy symptoms are the same as adults. At the same time, the child becomes very irritable, constantly scratches his face and is difficult to calm him down.
If the allergen enters the respiratory tract, the patient may experience a suffocating cough. In asthmatics, this condition can cause exacerbation. When a person's skin is hot and sweaty, tiny allergen particles can stick to it, causing redness and severe itching. All the signs of this ailment are especially pronounced in dry and windy weather.
Since an allergy to poplar fluff in a child can be very similar in symptoms to a cold, it is very important during an exacerbation to seek help from a doctor so that he can make an accurate diagnosis. Self-administration of medications can only worsen the condition.
Symptoms and reactions
An allergy is a disease that can exist in the body and not manifest itself for a long time, so to speak, remain in a dormant state. Hormonal changes in the body, decreased immunity, severe stress, the presence of parasites in the body - all these factors can awaken allergies and one day, seemingly out of the blue, the whole body can become covered with red rashes.
Manifestations of allergies can be varied and depend on the individual characteristics of the body and its reactivity.
For one patient, a few minutes are enough for the body to react to contact with the allergen, while for another it takes several days.
The most common clinical manifestations of bird allergies are:
- Rhinorrhea (increased mucus production in the nasopharynx, nasal congestion, frequent sneezing).
- Conjunctivitis (watery eyes, red eyes, itchy eyelids).
- Bronchitis - occurs in people with high reactivity (cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing in the lungs).
The body's reaction to the presence of an antigen can be quite violent, and the disease then occurs in an acute form. Within a short time, from a few minutes to several hours, severe allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis develops, and subsequently damage to the lower respiratory tract occurs. There is a deterioration in general condition, temperature fluctuations, and muscle weakness.
In the chronic form of the disease, clinical manifestations are less pronounced. Patients usually complain of an incomprehensible cough, nasal congestion, frequent conjunctivitis and periodic appearance of rashes on the body in the form of urticaria. If you do not isolate the patient from the allergen, the pathology can exist for months, slowly gaining pace and severity of clinical manifestations.
Pigeon feathers
Allergy to pigeon feathers is a fairly rare form of the disease. It sometimes occurs, although humans usually do not come into contact with pigeons.
The disease can also be caused by professional activities (production of down and feather products, work at a poultry farm) or personal interests. An allergy to pigeon feathers manifests itself in the form of dermatitis. These are rashes that start on the face, behind the ears, and go down to the neck and chest. They can cover the entire body.
The development of allergic dermatitis can also begin with rashes on the hands. They appear in areas that come into contact with pigeon feathers. A person picks up a bird and as a result, allergic contact dermatitis develops.
It is important to know that pigeons can also transmit various infections to humans. And very often one can confuse allergic diseases and infectious diseases. Since pigeons carry a number of bacterial and other diseases, an important symptom will be an increase in temperature, leukocytosis, as well as rashes in the form of individual spots that are not typical for allergies.
They are formed, for example, as a result of contact with the claws of a pigeon, and a bacterial infection is introduced into these damaged areas. While a typical allergic reaction manifests itself in the form of growing red, pink spots that itch, tend to merge, and can grow.
It often happens that an allergy to bird feathers can be expressed through contact with any representatives of birds, respectively, with pigeons as well. This is a so-called cross allergy because bird allergens are similar in protein composition to each other.
Video about identifying allergens:
Diagnostics
Feather allergy is diagnosed by skin testing. There are several testing methods, but in this case it is advisable to use patches. The suspected allergen is attached to the skin and the patient is observed for 72-96 hours. When it comes into contact with a problem area, the irritant substance provokes a corresponding reaction: swelling, redness, itching, rashes, runny nose, nasal congestion, etc. Typically, the test result is visible within the first 48 hours, however, for maximum reliability, it is recommended to take a longer period under the supervision of a doctor.
In some cases, so-called cross-allergy may be detected. For example, when a person tests positive for chicken feathers, but suddenly he begins to react to derivatives of other bird species or plant/tree fluff (poplar fluff).
Important: First, the doctor must conduct a survey of the patient to get acquainted with his lifestyle and living conditions, bad habits, diet, professional activities, existing health problems, etc. Family history is of great importance, that is, a person’s congenital predisposition to certain diseases.
