At what age is a child's immune system most susceptible to disease? How to protect your baby during these crisis periods and in which case you need to contact an immunologist
Human immunity is a unique defense system that is constantly evolving. Immunity, like the heart, never rests, and every second it holds back the attack of thousands of bacteria and viruses. At the same time, it is formed nonlinearly: the immune system has its "ups and downs". The greatest number of "falls" or periods of weakening of the protective functions of the body occurs in childhood. Immunologists identify 5 critical periods in the development of immunity in children. Parents definitely need to know what age they are.
Period 1: 30 days after birth
The immune system of newborns is suppressed by nature itself / istockphoto.com
Immediately after the birth of a baby, his immune system (the rudiments of which are formed in the womb) is in a depressed or depressed state. This is an idea of nature, which allows you to avoid an overly violent reaction of the immune system to a huge number of new stimuli.
During this period, the baby is very susceptible to new viruses and bacteria, so parents should protect him from unnecessary contacts. No wonder our ancestors tried not to show the newborn to anyone before baptism (which was usually held on the 40th day after birth). This belief did not so much help "from the evil eye" as it saved the child's immature immunity.
2nd period: from 3 to 6 months of life
At three months, mum's antibodies no longer protect the baby / istockphoto.com
Up to about 3 months, the infant's immune system is assisted by maternal antibodies. They enter the baby's body even during intrauterine development, and after birth - with mother's milk. However, then the maternal immunoglobulins are destroyed to allow the child's immunity to develop its own defenses. The stage of destruction falls on 3-6 months of a child's life.
It was at this time that children often suffer from viral colds, intestinal infections and all sorts of inflammations of the respiratory system (adenoviruses, influenza, parainfluenza). Due to this, a primary immune response is formed in the child's body. However, it does not leave behind an immunological memory, so the likelihood of re-infection is very high. Also at this age, childhood infections such as whooping cough, measles and rubella are very difficult. They also do not leave behind immunity, therefore, at an older age, a child can get sick with them again.
In the process of destruction of maternal antibodies at this age, primary defects of the child's immune system may appear. So, for example, if ARVI proceeds with complications and turns into bronchitis or pneumonia, the baby needs to be shown to an immunologist. Also during this period, the first signs of food allergies - on foods that the mother consumes during breastfeeding.
3rd period: 2nd year of the child's life
Two years is the age of sandboxes and weakened immunity / istockphoto.com
The baby's immune system at this age begins to rebuild itself on an "adult track". If before that only local immunity was formed in the child (immunoglobulins of class A, which do not possess immunological memory), now immunoglobulins of class G begin to be produced. They are able to "memorize" viruses, bacteria and microbes and build a stable defense system against them.
At the same time, at this age, the child begins to actively communicate with peers. This is the time for sandboxes, playgrounds, and for some, the first trip to kindergarten. Due to the fact that the immune system is being rebuilt, the body's reactions to viral and microbial infections can be weakened. So the child will begin to catch respiratory diseases much more often (as a rule, even repeatedly). In general, immunologists say that in the second year of life, the child's immune system is not yet ready for a permanent stay in the children's team. Therefore, if there is such an opportunity, it is better to postpone the kindergarten until 3 years.
4 period: age 6-7 years
Many children develop chronic illnesses in primary school / istockphoto.com
This critical period is considered the most "unstable": for some children, it begins at 4 years old, and for someone at primary school age. The main characteristic is that at this stage, the content of class G immunoglobulin in the child's blood reaches the same level as in an adult. Also, class E immunoglobulin reaches its maximum values (it is formed as a result of infection of the body with helminths and is responsible for the manifestation of allergies).
Why, then, is the period considered critical? The fact is that local immunity (for which class A immunoglobulin is responsible) is still unstable. Because of this, many diseases at this age can become chronic (for example, chronic bronchitis and tonsillitis, asthma, type 1 diabetes, rhinosinusitis, there are also chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal path). According to statistics, in 50% of children, chronic diseases first appear precisely at the age of 5-6 years.
Therefore, it is very important during this period to closely monitor the condition of the child. If you notice that the same organs often fall under the target of diseases, you need a mandatory consultation with specialized specialists (ENT, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist). It is worth taking a child to an immunologist if at this age frequent SARS of a child are accompanied by complications. Another reason to appear to an immunity specialist is if a child is repeatedly ill with those diseases to which a stable lifelong immunity should be developed (chickenpox, measles, rubella).
5 period: age 12-15 years
Puberty has a depressing effect on the immune system / istockphoto.com
The last critical period for the formation of immunity falls on puberty. In girls, it occurs earlier, at 12-13 years old, in boys a little later, at 14-15 years old. Hormonal changes in the body affect the lymphatic system: at this stage of growing up, the volume of the lymphoid organs (in which, in fact, immune cells are produced) decreases. Because of this, adolescents often catch "childhood" diseases, but they endure them much worse than at an early age. The same chickenpox in a 13-14 year old child is very difficult and can cause complications up to brain damage.
At this age, it is also very important to monitor the health of the child. Indeed, immunity can be influenced not only by internal, but also by external factors. It is very common for teenagers to start smoking or trying alcohol. A weakened lymphatic system is destructive. If a child by this age already has some kind of chronic disease, and you regularly treat him with antibacterial, antifungal or hormonal drugs, constant supervision of an immunologist is very important in order to avoid the development of autoimmune reactions.
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