The management of allergic diseases in children during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

The article presents and summarizes the current state of knowledge about the management and treatment of allergic diseases in children during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients with allergic diseases do not show different symptoms of COVID-19. Children with atopy, like most children, undergo this infection mildly. Current recommendations of Polish and international societies recommend continuing the therapy of allergic diseases to minimize the adverse effects of discontinuing treatment. Continuing treatment with inhaled and oral glucocorticosteroids, antihistamines and anti-leukotriene drugs is not a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be stopped. Effective treatment of allergic rhinitis may have a positive effect on reducing the transmission of the virus. For children with atopic dermatitis it is essential to use barrier preparations to care atopic skin more often to minimize side effects of excessive use of soaps and disinfectant fluids. It is not recommended to start immunotherapy with inhaled allergens during a pandemic. If there are conditions for epidemiologically safe continuation of specific immunotherapy, the sublingual form is preferred. To minimize the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical facilities, telemedicine is the preferred method for continuing specialist care.