The ABCs of Children's Allergies - 21 October 2025

About this video

• Video Title: The ABCs of Children's Allergies - 21 October 2025
• Channel: CESPHN
• Speakers: Lauren Thomas, Dr. Martina Gleason, Dr. Anna Dosen
• Duration: 01:01:19

Overview

This video provides a comprehensive overview of common childhood allergies, presented by Dr. Anna Dosen. It covers the diagnosis and management of food allergies, anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, as well as strategies for allergy prevention. The session also addresses practical aspects for general practitioners, including patient history, diagnostic testing, and when to refer patients for specialist care.

Key takeaways

• Understanding Food Allergies: The video differentiates between IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food reactions, emphasizing the importance of a detailed history for diagnosis, as positive allergy tests do not always correlate with actual allergic reactions.
• Anaphylaxis Recognition and Management: It outlines the current definition of anaphylaxis, highlighting key signs and symptoms, and stresses the critical need for prompt administration of adrenaline.
• Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema: The presentation discusses allergic rhinitis as a common, often under-managed condition, and explains that eczema is primarily an epidermal barrier dysfunction, with food allergies sometimes developing as a secondary issue.
• Prevention Strategies: Key preventive strategies include not avoiding common allergens like peanuts during pregnancy and lactation, and the current recommendation for early introduction of solids, including allergenic foods, around 4-6 months of age to promote tolerance.
• Diagnostic Tools and Resources: The video touches upon diagnostic methods like skin prick tests and serum IgE tests, while also directing viewers to valuable resources such as the ASCIA website and the ASCIA e-training program for further information and management guidelines.