Food allergies are a natural part of every child’s development, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. That’s because they can also be severe reactions linked to your kid’s immune system. If left unaddressed, they can lead to chronic itching, nausea, sudden breathing problems, and even life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
If your baby has food allergies, you can deal with them by paying attention to their symptoms and taking their condition seriously. Keep in mind that there is no cure for food allergies. The best ways to deal with their allergies are to stay informed and help your little one avoid food allergens. Read this guide to learn more about food allergies in babies.
What Causes Food Allergies in Babies?
Further research is needed to determine why some children develop food allergies and others don’t. However, if you have a family history of allergies, eczema, and asthma, your child is likely to become allergic to specific foods.
How Can I Tell If My Child Is Allergic to Certain Foods?
Children with food allergies have an immune system that reacts to harmless foods as if they were threats. Since their digestive system can’t comfortably handle these foods, their bodies create histamines and antibodies to fight them.
Pay attention to your baby’s symptoms, including hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea. If you see red blood in their diaper, they may have allergic colitis, a type of milk allergy that irritates the colon.
Other signs you need to watch out for in your kid are a swollen tongue and breathing difficulty. They may be experiencing anaphylaxis, the most serious allergic response. It is a potentially fatal reaction that produces a form of shock. When this happens, call an ambulance right away and seek immediate pediatric care.
What Are the Most Common Food Allergies in Babies?
The most common allergy in babies is cow’s milk. Many parents confuse this allergic reaction with lactose intolerance, an inability to digest the milk protein lactose. Remember that this condition is rare in infants, so consult your doctor right away to ensure your little one’s health. Other common food allergies in children are eggs, peanuts, nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
How Do Children Get Diagnosed with Food Allergies?
As a parent or guardian, you are concerned about your child’s health, which may hinder you from letting your little one consume certain foods due to fear of allergic reactions. However, doing this without a trustworthy diagnosis can limit your child’s food choices.
Sometimes the problem is not related to food allergies, so be careful in restricting your little one’s diet. Therefore, if your baby experiences stomach problems, discuss with your pediatrician and visit an allergist right away to know the cause behind your child’s health issues. On the other hand, steer clear of trigger foods if they get diagnosed with an allergy.
Conclusion
Allergic reactions from food can cause symptoms that can lead your child to the emergency room. Protect your baby’s safety and health by keeping the information stated in this guide in mind. It’s your responsibility to take care of them, so be vigilant about their symptoms when consuming certain foods. In case they experience allergic reactions, seek prompt medical attention.
Let our professionals address your child’s pediatric urgent care needs. At Agile Urgent Care, we offer walk-in pediatric services in New Jersey without the expensive cost of going to emergency rooms. Contact us to learn more about our ability to treat your little one’s medical issues!
