Question

Erik is a 5 month old baby who suffers with severe allergy. Recommend a treatment plan for Erik, discussing the mechanism of action and pharmacological effects for your choice of therapy with all possible age-related precautions and adverse effects which must be taken into consideration with this treatment.  

Answer 1

Alleries are over reaction of the immune system to harmless substances. Pollen is one allelrgin which causes allergic responses in individuals. Small babies have still developing immune system. The babies body produces more antibodies to fight off the allergens. Also produces chemicals such a histamines which bring inflammation and redness in various parts of the body.

Such allergic responses can be treated by Anti- histamines. These drugs can counter the effect of histamines and reduce allelrgic response of the body. Anti-histamines bind to G protein coupled histamine receptors and bring back the normalcy in the body . Zyrtec is one such antihistamine considered safe for chilren below 6 months too. It is second generation histamine which causes less drowsyness. It also penetrates less through blood brain barrier. So the side effects of the drug are lesser.

An antihistamine most likely causes some drowsyness and also irritability in the toddler. Eventhough the new drugs such as Zyrtec is considered to have less side effects. Antihistamines work by acting of the nervous system. Because they act on the nervous system, each child may respond differently. If this drug does not work effectively , a paediatrician needs to be consulted for correct dosage and drug.

Excess usage of the antihistamines in toddler may have long lasting effects because these drugs show their effect on immune system also. Anti histamines are also related to SIDS When given to toddlers , anti-histamines caused SIDS.