Baby Allergies

Allergies are common in children of all ages. However allergies in babies cannot always be easily identified. This is because many times baby allergies display symptoms that are similar to those of common cold, an upset stomach or even general crankiness that is often seen in babies. If these symptoms are short lived then they can be attributed to a cold but in certain cases these symptoms can be a result of allergies. Statistics indicate that as many as 6 percent of children suffer from food allergies in United States. Baby allergies are basically the inappropriate response of the immune system that is trained to fight illnesses. Sometimes this immune system reacts to harmless substances as if it were fighting against invading germs. For this battle against perceived invaders, the immune system produces antibodies or protective proteins. Excess production of these antibodies results in inflammation and swelling of the tissues. If you have an allergy to certain medicine your child may develop allergies and allergic reactions as well however he/she might not be allergic to the same medication.

Following are some guidelines on distinguishing allergies in babies from other common symptoms:

Upper respiratory tract
If your baby is experiencing runny nose and nasal discharge along with fever then it could be because of cold. But symptoms of common cold normally reduce in a week’s time.  However if the nasal discharge is thin and watery and lasts longer than a week then it could be an allergic reaction. Likewise sometimes a severe reaction can cause swelling of the baby’s airways. Such an allergic reaction is called as anaphylaxis and requires immediate medical attention.

Lower respiratory tract
Wheezing or noisy breathing can be common in babies since babies have small airways within the lungs. Wheezing in babies can be because of common cold and other problems like allergic reactions and asthma problems. Seek medical attention for your baby if the breathing seems noisier than normal because it could as a result of an allergic reaction.

Skin
Rashes and acne are common in infants however such rashes tend to clear out by the second or third month of birth in babies. Some common baby allergies include eczema or atopic dermatitis. In eczema the skin becomes red and scaly and this can be seen affecting areas such as the cheeks, arms, legs and torso of the babies. Contact dermatitis may be caused as a result of reaction to detergents, poison ivy or other irritants. Itchy hive like rash is not common in infants and affects smaller areas in babies as against that in adults.

Eyes
Conjunctivitis may be caused by viruses and also allergies. The symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes and discharge from the eyes. Baby allergies may cause the babies to frequently rub their eyes and they may become irritable or the eyes may tear up excessively.

Stomach
Allergies in babies may cause problems like upset stomach, gas problems, diarrhea and vomiting. Usually allergies cause the babies to become fussy and irritable. Babies can also experience allergies following consumption of certain food items and baby food allergies can be seen manifesting within few minutes to as long as few hours after the food item is consumed.

Food Allergies
If a baby is allergic to a certain food item then the food is treated like an invader by the immune system and this causes the body to react to that food item. A substance known as histamine is released by the body to fight with the perceived invader and this causes allergy symptoms like hives, problems in breathing and swelling in the baby. The allergic reaction to food items can occur even if the same food item had been consumed earlier without any problems. While it is not possible to pinpoint allergic food items among babies there are around eight groups of food that are considered to be responsible for about 90 percent of all the food allergies. These include milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, soy, tree nuts (such as walnuts, cashews) shellfish (shrimp, crab and lobster) and fish (salmon, cod and tuna) In case you find your baby experiencing difficulty in breathing or there is swelling on the lips or the face of the baby, seek medical help immediately. Persistent allergic reactions and symptoms may require attention from a pediatric allergist. In some cases auto injectors may also need to be prescribed if the baby has allergic reaction. These auto injectors look like magic markers and are used to administer the appropriate dose of medication to curb an allergic reaction. Ensure that the people taking care of the baby including immediate relatives, babysitter and daycare workers are aware about the allergies. Studies and experts have indicated that breastfeeding tends to offer a certain amount of protection to children against allergies.

Pet Allergies
Baby allergies from animals occur when there is an immune reaction in the babies to animal saliva, feces, and urine and skin flakes of animals. If a child is allergic to pets and comes in contact with animal droppings or saliva, his immune system may react and release histamine and other chemicals to deal with the allergen. The allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as coughing, asthma like symptoms, runny nose and sneezing among babies. If a baby displays such symptoms throughout the year then it could be because of pet allergies. The best solution for this is to remove the animal from the toddler’s room and for permanent relief you might have to find a new home for the animal.