A person who has recently appeared in this world is exposed to many adverse effects. Until that moment, he was under reliable protection in the womb, but now the child is left alone with an aggressive external environment. The newborn is attacked by viruses, infectious agents, allergens. The body must respond to all this in time, "repulsing" the attacks of adverse factors. Adaptation process is not always carried out as one would like. Sometimes the effects of external and internal factors lead to the phenomenon of diathesis.
At the household level, diathesis is understood as an allergic reaction to food in a child. This is a false interpretation. Diathesis refers to a whole complex of physiological conditions (namely physiological, diathesis is not considered a disease). In this sense, diathesis in newborns is synonymous with a predisposition to the development of allergic, inflammatory or autoimmune reactions. What do newly made parents need to know about diathesis?
Diathesis in newborns: causes
Often, the formation of diathesis begins in the prenatal period of fetal development. Mother is to blame, directly or indirectly. Among the reasons for the development of this condition can be identified:
• Effects of harmful chemicals on the fetus. Usually we are talking about banal nutritional factors or nutritional factors. Most modern products are a storehouse of harmful substances, therefore, with poor nutrition of the mother, the child is likely to receive diathesis.
• Eating foods with a high allergen index. Everything that the mother consumes, one way or another, goes to the fetus. For this reason, allergic diathesis may form immediately after birth.
• The incidence of viral and bacterial infections during the period of gestation. Particularly dangerous is the transfer of diseases to the first trimester of pregnancy, when the body of the unborn child is most vulnerable to the effects of toxins produced by infectious agents.
• The use of medicines. Admission of antibacterial drugs, medicines for helminths, antifungal medications is negatively affected.
• Severe toxicosis. Due to the accumulation of toxins in the mother and child, the risk of developing diathesis increases.
• Lack of natural feeding. Or its insufficiency.
• A sharp transition from natural to artificial feeding. In this case, cow's milk becomes the strongest allergen.
In the vast majority of cases, the development of diathesis can be avoided if the future woman in labor can limit herself in food and carefully monitor her own health.
Types of diathesis
As already mentioned, diathesis is a group of heterogeneous physiological conditions leading to disruption of the body. The following varieties of this condition are distinguished:
• Allergic diathesis. It develops according to all the rules of an allergic reaction: with redness of the skin, swelling, possible Quincke's edema.
• Diathesis of respiratory origin. Looks like a cold.
• Contact diathesis.
• Infectious or infectious-allergic.
• Autoimmune origin.
• Catarrhal diathesis.
These are only the most common species. There are many types of diathesis in newborns. Each manifests its own symptom complex.
Symptoms of diathesis in a newborn
Symptoms of any diathesis appear during the first month of a child’s life (usually in the 2nd week).
Symptoms of the epidermis mainly develop:
• Seborrheic rash. It is observed on the face, head. Seborrheic diathesis rash has a creamy shade, loose structure. The affected areas differ from ordinary skin by pigmentation, a loose scaly structure. This rash usually goes away quickly, but tends to come back again and again.
• Scabs. Formed on the cheeks. They have a thickened, scaly structure. Such a “crust” is a natural result of allergic diathesis.
• Diaper rash. Unlike ordinary diaper rash, diaper rash during diathesis does not go away even with proper hygiene. They can be stored for a long time. The localization is typical for diaper rash: groin, bends of the hands, etc.
• Cracking of affected skin. Also known as eczema.
• Formation of urticaria: colorless vesicles filled with cell fluid.
In addition to skin symptoms, manifestations from the mucous membranes develop.
• The development of cystitis. With cystitis, the child makes frequent urination. Blood impurities may be present in the urine.
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye - conjunctiva.
• Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis) and throat mucosa. They cause coughing and increased mucus production.
• Damage to the gastrointestinal tract. It causes a whole complex of independent symptoms: nausea, vomiting, unstable stool.
• Change the terrain of the tongue. The texture of the language takes the form of a geographical map.
There are general symptoms. They, unlike the described local ones, are of a generalized nature.
• Poor nutrition: the child refuses food.
• Constant causeless crying.
• Belching more often than usual.
• Superficial heavy sleep.
Treatment of diathesis in a newborn
Treating diathesis alone is not recommended. At the first manifestations, the pediatrician should be shown the baby. Qualitative and competent treatment consists of three components: the diet of a nursing mother (if a woman is feeding a newborn), proper child care, and medication.
Diet involves the exclusion of allergenic and potentially allergenic foods from the diet. These include: rabbit meat, chocolate, tea, coffee, citrus products, red vegetables (including carrots), peanuts, butter products, etc. Their use should be limited to a minimum. In this case, it is important to monitor the condition of the child and draw up a new diet by exclusion.
Proper care of the newborn involves:
• Change of bed linen at least 2 times a day.
• Use of hypoallergenic household chemicals for washing, rinsing, etc.
• "Wash" after bowel movements and urination.
• No shared baths.
• Exclusion of contact of the child with allergenic substances and objects: including toys.
These are the main recommendations that will help not only identify the cause of diathesis in the newborn, but will also help stop the development of the pathological process.
Drug treatment is based on taking drugs in the form of tablets and ointments (topically).
The list of drugs includes:
• Antiallergic or, otherwise, antihistamines. They will help reduce the concentration of histamine in the blood, relieve itching and redness. Drugs in this group prevent the development of allergies and such a dangerous complication as Quincke's edema.
• Sedatives. Appointed to calm the nervous system of the child.
• Drugs to enhance immunity.
• Probiotics. They help to normalize and stabilize the microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention of diathesis in the newborn
Preventive measures play a large role in preventing diathesis. Begin adhering to preventive measures immediately after the birth of the baby. Prevention of diathesis in the newborn includes:
• Refusal of pets.
• Regular wet cleaning in the room where the baby lives.
• Refusal of deodorized household chemicals: perfumes, air fresheners, etc.
• Refusal to purchase Chinese-made toys.
• Mothers should not abuse allergenic foods, including fruits, vegetables, etc.
• The use of hypoallergenic household chemicals for washing a child and for washing.
• Give preference to lightweight clothes made of cotton fabrics.
• Never use deodorized wipes.
• Protection of the child from infectious lesions.
• If possible, feed the baby naturally as long as possible. If this is not possible, artificial mixtures, and later complementary foods, should be introduced into the diet with extreme caution.
In the complex of these measures is enough for prevention.
Thus, diathesis, although not a disease, but a physiological phenomenon, often leads to the development of various complications. Usually allergic in nature. A pediatrician should treat these conditions.
