One of the key points in a baby's development comes when they make the switch to solid food. It's at this time that food allergies may be revealed. Food allergies can sometimes pose a serious threat to a baby's health, so parents should arm themselves with as much information as possible. Here is a brief guide to the subject of babies and food allergies.
Common Causes
Certain types of foods are more likely to provoke an allergic reaction in babies than others. The most common allergy-causing foods include milk, eggs, nuts and wheat. Fish, soy and shellfish often create allergic reactions as well. With some of these foods, the baby is likely to outgrow the allergy as she or he gets older. This is the case with milk, wheat and soy allergies, where about 80 to 90 percent of babies eventually outgrow the allergy. With nut and fish allergies, however, the baby is less likely to outgrow the sensitivity.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the a food allergy are varied, although in some cases, you may need to act immediately. For instance, if the baby merely has a rash or a case of hives in response to eating a specific food, then you can simply contact the child's pediatrician for advice. If the baby has a severe reaction, such as breathing difficulties or facial swelling, then you should not take any chances. Call 911 promptly.
Testing
If you suspect that your baby has an allergy to a specific food or foods, you will need to have this confirmed by your pediatrician. The most basic test is a skin test. The doctor will prick the baby's skin and inject a tiny amount of the suspected allergen. If the skin has a negative reaction at the site of the injection, then the child is allergic to that particular food. Other tests include blood testing and elimination diet testing.
Treatment
No medication or drugs exist to cure a food allergy. The main treatment option is preventative: you must keep the baby from ingesting the food or foods that cause allergic reactions. Make certain that you carefully read the labels on any food you give the baby, to avoid any symptoms. Even products that would not appear to be a problem might contain a small amount of the allergen. If you breastfeed, watch your own diet as well to avoid transferring allergens to your milk.
Food allergies in babies are not anything to take lightly, as they can present serious health issues. For more detailed information about this vital topic, talk with your baby's pediatrician or speak with an allergist such as Alidina Laila MD.
Share18 August 2015
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
