Pediatric Allergy Advice about Baby Allergies

 

Is your precious bundle of joy fussy, sneezy, oozing with mucus, or covered in a miserable rash? These signs may not be a cold or flu, but baby allergies, a possible cause of long-term issues if not handled quickly and properly.

A common condition

Fifty million Americans suffer allergies, which emerge during infancy or childhood and rank number one among children’s chronic disease. Unlike colds and flus, which are seasonal, allergies may be present any time of the year. Symptoms may even be ongoing if the allergens which are effecting the baby are indoors.

Caused by an over reactive immune system, common signs of baby allergies include:

* Nasal congestion.

Mouth breathing can result in fitful sleep and daytime fatigue. More than a nuisance, if not addressed, mouth breathing can also lead to malformation of the facial bones and teeth.

* Ear infections.

Ear infections are painful, and fluid buildup can decrease hearing, hindering speech development.

* Skin problems. Many rashes are related to baby allergies, including…

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). A red, scaly, sometimes oozing rash common on baby’s cheeks, torso, arms, and legs. 

• Contact dermatitis. Caused by a skin reaction to soap, detergent, clothing materials, poison ivy, or any other item that has come in contact with baby’s body, resulting in a sensitivity rash.

• Hives. Intensely itchy, raised red welts.

*Stomach sensitivities

Not only from food allergies, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea may also result from sinus drainage and the swallowing of phlegm, which can irritate baby’s stomach. If other causes have been ruled out and baby is still fussy, baby allergies may be the culprit.

* Behavioral issues

Eating, sleeping, and mood disorders could be the result of baby allergies.

* Food allergies

Especially sensitive babies may have reactions to foods breastfeeding mothers eat. When introducing solids to baby, food introduction should be done gradually, one food at a time, separated by a week or more, in order to identify potential baby allergies.

Your sweetheart doesn’t have to suffer

A consultation with Dr. Habib or Dr. Alasaly may help you determine if your baby has allergies and if allergy testing is necessary.

An ounce of prevention…

Minimize baby’s exposure to allergens until the offending sources can be determined and addressed.

• Breastfeed your baby for first 4 months.
• Introduce new foods wisely but try to expose your baby to most of the solid foods in the 2nd 6 months of life to help in the development of tolerance.
• Don’t withhold commonly allergenic foods (milk, eggs, fish, nuts).
• Clean regularly to keep dust, pollen, and mold under control.
• Use dust-mite proof bedding covers.
• Reduce pet dander with weekly bathing.
• Keep pets out of baby’s room.
• Put away feather pillows.
•  Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
• Avoid carpeting, especially in baby’s room.
• Never allow smoking in your home.

Unsure if baby allergies are what’s troubling your tender little treasure? Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!