Allergies to respiratory factors in newborns

Allergic reactions to respiratory factors in newborns

Respiratory allergy in response to inhaling airborne allergens (dust, animal fur) is extremely rare for newborns. Development of this type of allergy requires time and repeated contacts with the allergen. Symptoms resembling respiratory allergy (nasal congestion, sneezing) at this age almost always have a different origin: it may be physiological runny nose, narrow nasal passages, or a reaction to dry air.

What can trigger the symptoms?

Although true allergy is unlikely, strong irritants in the air can provoke a reaction:

• Tobacco smoke: Is a strong irritant for the respiratory tract.
• Sharp odors: Perfumes, air fresheners, household chemicals.
• Dust and dry air: Can cause swelling of the mucous membrane.

If there is a strong family predisposition to atopic diseases, preventive measures to reduce dust and animal allergens are appropriate, but in most cases persistent respiratory symptoms in newborns require exclusion of infectious and congenital causes.