The Atopic March describes the track that children who are prone to develop allergic conditions. The conditions on the atopic march are eczema, food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Since last month we looked at allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies in general, this month, we will focus on the first three steps. This week is a general overview, and we will dive deeper into individual topics during the month of May.
Eczema
The first step of the allergic march, eczema (atopic dermatitis) shows up in infancy. The dry, itchy skin and rashes that characterize eczema are often the first sign that a child is going to struggle with allergic diseases throughout life. Though there is not a clear way to prevent eczema in infants, and things like probiotic supplementation that tend to help older children and adults with the condition are not proven to benefit infants in the same way. Largely, eczema is an indicator that children need to be watched more closely for the next step on the atopic march.
Food Allergies
The second step on the atopic march is food allergies and shows up when babies start eating food in addition to breastmilk and/or formula. The top eight food allergens in young children are cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Once these foods are introduced into a child’s diet, they need to stay to maintain tolerance to these foods. If the child has an allergic reaction to a food, you need an allergist on board and to follow their advice. Some children outgrow their food allergies. Some have food allergies that persist throughout life. If you need to avoid foods because of food allergies, be sure to work with a nutrition professional to ensure that your child is getting proper nutrition. Each of the major allergenic foods are also nutrient dense and having to cut out an entire category of food is likely to lead to nutrient deficiencies, including to nutrients that are protective against allergic conditions like the next step on the atopic march.
Asthma
Asthma tends to show up in school age children and is characterized by chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks, or worsening of symptoms, can happen in response to a variety of triggers including exposure to allergens, cold air, exercise, etc.
Allergic Rhinitis
The final step on the atopic march is allergic rhinitis, or what we tend to think of as seasonal allergies. These are in response to allergens in the environment and tend to come and go based on what you are being exposed to. Allergic rhinitis can develop at any age and is likely present with the other steps in the atopic march, but is typically not as severe as the others. Allergic rhinitis is more the sneezing, runny nose, itchy eye type of allergic reaction.
So there is your overview of the atopic march. If you or your child need help with managing any of these allergic conditions and ensuring proper nutrition to support your specific health needs, click here to book your first session. It may even be covered by your insurance!
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