{"id":2363,"date":"2020-09-25T15:55:27","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T07:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/?p=2363"},"modified":"2020-09-25T15:55:27","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T07:55:27","slug":"childhood-allergies-in-singapore-triggers-treatment-and-health-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.sg\/blog\/childhood-allergies-in-singapore-triggers-treatment-and-health-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Childhood allergies in Singapore: Triggers, treatment, and health insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Childhood allergies are a common problem around the world, and Singapore is no exception. You might have heard about a neighbor\u2019s child who\u2019s allergic to cats or a baby who gets an awful allergic reaction to formula milk. There are several types of childhood allergies in Singapore<\/a>, with varying characteristics and severity. Even though it\u2019s impossible to protect your child from every allergy out there, it does help to have a basic understanding of them. This Pacific Prime Singapore article<\/a> discusses childhood allergies in Singapore, including triggers, treatment, and health insurance.<\/p>\n

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Children and allergies: What you need to know<\/h2>\n

If your child is constantly sneezing and has a stuffy nose, or gets a stomach ache after eating a certain type of food, you\u2019re probably wondering whether they have an allergy.<\/p>\n

Common child allergies and triggers<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s very common for children to have allergies. In fact, allergies in children seem to be on the rise throughout the world. While the exact cause is uncertain, potential causes can include diet changes, overuse of antibiotics, and rising obesity. Regardless of the reason, what we do know is that children all over the world have them. Environmental allergies are also much more prevalent than food allergies. While food allergies can appear in infants, environmental allergies in children tend to cause problems from the age of two.<\/p>\n

Environmental allergies<\/h4>\n

The most common environmental triggers in Singapore are dust mites and tobacco smoke, while pollens and grasses are common triggers in other countries. These types of allergies are usually not life-threatening, and tend to cause a runny nose, cough, and congestion. Children who suffer from these allergies often have symptoms such as snoring, fatigue, and poor sleep. However, environmental allergies can trigger an asthma attack in some children or worsen a child\u2019s asthma.<\/p>\n

Food allergies<\/h4>\n

In Singapore, the most common causes of childhood food allergies are peanuts and shellfish. Shellfish, which includes prawn, crab, and lobster, is the most common food allergen<\/a> in the city-state. It\u2019s also prevalent in Southeast Asia, which is likely due to its high consumption. A child\u2019s shellfish allergy follows them into adulthood and is recognized as the most common food anaphylaxis among adults in Singapore<\/a>. It\u2019s advisable for parents to be very careful when introducing their children to shellfish.<\/p>\n

Childhood allergies to milk, egg, and fish are generally quite low in Singapore. One food allergy that is unique to Singapore is bird\u2019s nest. Similarly, formula milk allergies, or Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) allergies, are coming to light in the region. If you\u2019re changing your child\u2019s milk or switching brands, be sure to do it gradually and carefully.<\/p>\n

Common childhood allergy symptoms<\/h3>\n

When a child\u2019s body encounters an allergen, the release of histamine in their body can result in symptoms such as:<\/p>\n