Question

The mother of a 3-year-old child newly diagnosed with an allergy says that she has the same allergy as the child but the child seems to have worse symptoms. What should the nurse explain to the mother?

1) Adults have more chemicals that encourage inflammation.
2) Children have more chemicals that block inflammation.
3) Adults have faster metabolisms than children.
4) Children have more chemicals that encourage inflammation.

Answer 1

Allergies are more severe in children than adults due to differences in the immune response, leading 3-year-olds to potentially have more pronounced symptoms compared to their mothers. Over time, some people outgrow or experience less severe allergy symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a mother of a 3-year-old child newly diagnosed with an allergy asks why the child appears to have worse symptoms despite having the same allergy, the nurse may explain that this is common because allergies are more severe in children than adults. Children's immune systems can often have a more pronounced inflammatory response to allergens compared to adults. As a result, children can exhibit more severe symptoms. Moreover, allergies can change over time, and many people find that their symptoms diminish as they get older, possibly due to changes in their immune system or repeated exposure to allergens.

It is important to understand that immune responses may vary among individuals, even within families. While genetics can contribute to the likelihood and severity of allergies, each person's immune system is unique in its sensitivity and response to allergens. Furthermore, the method of treatment for severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency, typically involves injections of epinephrine.