Cases of childhood allergies continue to rise in Indonesia, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent adverse effects on children’s growth and development. Data from the World Allergy Organization (WAO) indicate that the global prevalence of allergies ranges from 10% to 40% of the population. In Indonesia, data from the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) show that around 0.5–7.5 percent of children are affected.
UGM pediatrician Cahya Dewi Satria explained that allergies are hereditary conditions that may be passed down from parents, siblings, or grandparents. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins that are otherwise harmless to most people.
“Once the body develops specific antibodies against a protein, exposure to the same protein in the future may trigger an allergic reaction,” she said on Tuesday (Sep. 30).
She further elaborated on the concept of the “Allergic March,” which describes the progression of allergic conditions at various stages of life.
In early childhood, allergies often manifest as eczema or atopic dermatitis, appearing as rashes on the skin. Between the ages of six months and two years, food allergies are more common, while between the ages of seven and ten, the risk of allergic rhinitis, or inhalant allergies, tends to dominate.
“This shows that allergies can evolve from one form to another,” she noted.
She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between normal symptoms and those of an allergy. For example, allergies tend to be recurrent and are not accompanied by fever, unlike infections.
“To determine whether a symptom is allergy-related, we need to consider family history, whether the symptoms are chronic, and ensure no infection is present,” Satria explained.
Certain foods, such as cow’s milk, eggs, nuts, and seafood, are common triggers due to their protein content.
She added that allergies occur through a mechanism called sensitization, in which the immune system first recognizes an allergen as “harmful,” and then reacts excessively upon subsequent exposures. Meanwhile, desensitization, or controlled exposure, may help the body build tolerance to allergens.
“However, desensitization must be carried out very carefully under strict protocols and medical supervision,” she stressed.
Regarding skin-related allergies, Satria referred to the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that children raised in overly clean environments may be more susceptible to allergies.
In contrast, children exposed to diverse microorganisms tend to have stronger immune systems. For children with impaired skin barriers, moisturizers play a key role in preventing allergens from entering through the skin.
“Anything that further dries out the skin, such as antiseptics, should be avoided. Instead, use special soaps and moisturizers to maintain skin hydration,” the physician advised.
The greatest challenge in addressing childhood allergies in Indonesia lies in the increasing number of cases, which are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.
On the other hand, despite growing public awareness, many parents still misinterpret allergy symptoms, often leading to excessive dietary restrictions.
In fact, unnecessary dietary limitations without a medical basis can harm a child’s growth and development.
As a preventive measure, Satria strongly recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. She also highlighted that exposure to cigarette smoke, beginning during pregnancy and continuing throughout childhood, increases the risk of allergies.
“Children must be completely protected from cigarette smoke exposure,” she emphasized.
Additionally, she noted that soy-based formula milk is not effective in preventing childhood allergies. For this reason, allergy prevention requires a comprehensive approach, beginning with educating parents.
She also advised parents against making independent assumptions when diagnosing symptoms.
“It is best to entrust the management of a child’s symptoms to a qualified pediatric specialist so that diagnosis is accurate and the impact of allergies on future generations can be minimized,” she concluded.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik