Food allergies have become increasingly common in recent years, with estimates suggesting that up to 8% of children experience a food allergy at some point in their lives.

In babies, there are certain foods that are more likely to trigger allergies, and it’s important for parents to understand the signs and symptoms to watch out for.

What Causes Food Allergies?

A food allergy is a reaction to a specific protein found in a particular food. When a baby’s immune system mistakenly identifies this protein as harmful, it triggers an allergic reaction. Common foods that can cause allergies in babies include:.

Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
Soy
Wheat
Fish
Shellfish

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until several hours after the baby has eaten the allergenic food. Common symptoms include:.

Hives, rash, or eczema
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
Coughing or hoarseness
Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosing Food Allergies

If you suspect that your baby has a food allergy, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician. They may refer you to an allergist, who can perform tests to determine which foods are causing the reaction. Tests may include:.

Skin prick test – a small amount of the allergen is placed on the skin, and the skin is pricked to allow the allergen to enter the body. If a reaction occurs, it’s an indication that the child is allergic to that particular food.
Blood test – measures the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. High levels of IgE can indicate an allergy.
Oral food challenge – the child is given small amounts of the suspect food under medical supervision to see if a reaction occurs.

Managing Food Allergies in Babies

If your baby is diagnosed with a food allergy, the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the allergenic food. This can be challenging, especially for foods that are commonly found in many different types of food products.

It’s important to carefully read food labels and ask questions when dining out or attending social events.

In addition, your pediatrician may recommend that you carry an auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) with you at all times in case of a severe reaction. They may also provide you with a written emergency action plan to follow in case of a reaction.

Preventing Food Allergies

Research has shown that there may be ways to reduce the risk of developing food allergies in babies. Some strategies that may be effective include:.

Introducing potential allergenic foods to babies early (around 6 months of age) – this may help the baby’s immune system become desensitized to the allergen
Exclusively breastfeeding for at least the first 4-6 months of life – breast milk may help strengthen the baby’s immune system
Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke
Not delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond 6 months of age

Conclusion

Food allergies are a serious concern for many parents of young children.

By understanding the signs and symptoms of food allergies and working with your pediatrician to properly diagnose and manage the allergy, you can help keep your baby safe and healthy. By following strategies to prevent the development of food allergies, you may also be able to reduce your baby’s risk of developing an allergy in the first place.