Infant Allergies

Type of Allergies

• Food allergies are the most common type of allergies affecting children. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that up to two million children in the Unites States are affected by food allergies. Common food allergies are cow's milk (different than lactose intolerance), peanuts (or peanut products), eggs, soy and wheat. In addition to food allergies, infants can develop allergies to common allergens such as mold, dander, dust mites and pollen. Lastly a third common allergen are medicines; antibiotics are the most common type of medication that causes allergic reactions in children.

Common Reactions

• Depending on the type of allergen there are several common symptoms of an allergic reaction. Food allergies can elicit hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, itching mouth, itchy nose, eczematous rash and shock. Airborne allergens commonly cause sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing and itchy nose and/or throat.

Anaphylaxis

• Infants with severe allergies can be at risk of anaphylaxis, which is a sudden potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving four body systems: the gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and skin. Common signs of anaphylaxis are hives, wheezing, vomiting, swelling, difficulty breathing and coughing. Immediate treatment of this type of reaction is required and caregivers should call 911 promptly.

Diagnosis

• Documentation of a pattern of symptoms immediately following exposure to possible allergens is the first step in diagnosis allergies in infants. If the symptoms persist longer than a week or two, a common cold can be ruled out and skin allergy tests can be performed to pinpoint the exact cause of the allergic reaction. A skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of the allergen under the skin or by placing a drop of purified liquid on the skin and breaking the surface with a small prick. Blood tests, although less sensitive, can also be used to determine allergies.

Treatments

• Allergies are incurable; avoid and reduce exposure to allergens if at all possible. Mothers of breast-fed infants with food allergies should avoid consuming foods that causes allergic reactions as the allergens can cross into the breast milk. Minimize airborne allergen reactions by keeping pets separated, removing carpets or rugs, cleaning frequently and keeping infants from exposure to damp areas. Over-the-counter medications are available to treat allergy symptoms and in severe cases immunotheraphy (allergy shots) are available through an allergist.

Allergy vs. Intolerance

• When determining food allergies it is important to realize the difference between allergies and intolerance. Intolerance is caused by an infant's inability to digest certain substances, not an allergic reaction to the substance. Intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. A common intolerance is a lactose intolerance and causes indigestion, gas, loose stools and burping.