Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, including millions of infants. As a parent or caretaker of an infant, it is essential to understand food allergies and how to manage them.
While most food allergies affect adults, infants can also develop allergies to certain foods. In this article, we will discuss what food allergies are, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management techniques.
What are Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks a protein in a particular food item, treating it like a harmful invader.
The immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals, triggering an allergic reaction in the digestive system, skin, and other organs.
Food allergies can be mild, moderate, or severe, and symptoms can occur within minutes or hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergies in infants are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Symptoms include:.
: Symptoms of Food Allergies in Infants include
- Hives, eczema, or rash
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Itching or tingling in the mouth or throat
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, or diarrhoea
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Low blood pressure or anaphylaxis (a severe life-threatening reaction with symptoms such as a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth and throat)
Causes of Food Allergies in Infants
While the exact cause of food allergies is unknown, several factors can trigger them, including genetics, the environment, and the type of food consumed.
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Some infants are more likely to develop food allergies if they have a family history of allergies, eczema, or asthma. Infants who are exposed to allergens early in life may develop a tolerance to them, reducing the risk of developing food allergies.
Diagnosis of Food Allergies in Infants
Diagnosing food allergies in infants can be challenging, as they cannot communicate their symptoms effectively. A doctor may start by reviewing the infant’s medical and family history and conducting a physical examination.
They may also order one or more of the following tests:.
- Skin prick test: A small amount of the allergen is introduced under the skin with a needle to check for a reaction.
- Blood test: A sample of the infant’s blood is tested for antibodies to specific allergens.
- Elimination diet: The infant is put on a diet that eliminates potentially allergic foods for several weeks before slowly reintroducing them.
- Oral food challenge: The infant is given small amounts of the allergen under medical supervision to watch for a reaction.
Managing Food Allergies in Infants
Managing food allergies in infants involves avoiding the foods that trigger an allergic reaction. Here are some tips to help manage food allergies in infants:.
- Read food labels carefully to identify and avoid potential allergens.
- Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning all surfaces, utensils, and dishes after preparing foods that may contain allergens.
- Always carry emergency medication, such as epinephrine, and ensure that caregivers or daycare providers know how to use it.
- Consult with a registered dietitian to ensure that the infant’s diet is nutritionally adequate and does not contain any allergens.
- Work with a healthcare professional to develop an emergency action plan for managing severe allergic reactions.
The Bottom Line
Food allergies affect millions of people, and infants are no exception. Understanding food allergies, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management techniques can help parents and caregivers manage food allergies in infants effectively.
If an infant experiences symptoms of a food allergy, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
