Introducing the baby to solid food is an interesting milestone for parents, however, it comes with too much hesitation and concern mostly if you think about food allergies. No mother expects their baby to have upset stomach, rushes or difficulty in breathing straight after consuming food. It’s one thing introducing your baby to solid food but a totally different thing getting it right. It’s with zeal that mothers hope to learn what to do in case of such phenomenon.
According to research conducted by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), 10% of children under the age of 2 years are normally affected with food allergies. They say there are certain foods that if fed to the child causes an overreaction in their immune system hence triggering chronic itching which is allergy. The research further reveals that up until late 90s the allergy’ percentage on children was very minimal but grew rapidly from the new millennium century. Scientists can’t put reasons on to these findings owing to the fact that there is more awareness now than then though, they blame it partly on low immune system brought about by the less exposure to bacteria and allergens.
Well the good doctors’ advice against introducing one food at a time, instead, they advise on blanket introduction of foods to the baby saying it helps boost the immune system hence reducing chances of developing allergies.
Causes
This still remains a rhetorical question since no study has facts on the allergy development in babies. Doctors hardly understand the main cause though the food and allergy department within Cincinnati Children’s Hospital have cited eczema as one of the major causes. According to them allergies rise mostly from hereditary basis, any families with eczema and asthma history in their linage stand a better chance of passing at least one allergy to their newborn. It originates more from the genes than what a mother would do during breastfeeding of natal care.
Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies
Food allergy is when the immune system discharges the histamine and antibodies to reject a specific type of food fed into the system barring it from fitting into the digestive system. The allergy signs range from, swelling of the tongue and throat, tingling of the mouth to difficulty breathing. At times its goes past swelling to diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
You may also notice a bloody poop in the diaper in case of allergic colitis, which is a sign of colon irritation caused by a specific type of milk. The most shocking allergic symptom still is anaphylaxis (a potentially fatal reaction), first detected when the child becomes flushed and wheezy. This needs an emergency response.
All in all, when introducing new food to the baby’s diet the most common food allergy symptoms to look out for are:
Dealing with Food-Allergies in Babies
- Face, lips and tongue swelling
- Hives or welts
- Frequent Coughing and wheezing
- Flushed skin or rash
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
The food allergies vary from mild to hush (pronounced), but whichever the case you need to see a specialist. Also, mild reactions hardly stay at mild, it may be in its original stages, and later develops to worse. Contact your pediatrician as and when you spot the symptoms for further evaluation, in pronounced cases you may need an allergist for a diagnostic test but that should be a referral from the pediatrician. Allergy treatments involve either skin or blood test.
A skin test involves collecting of a liquid allergen from the food sample and placing it on the baby’s forearm skin then waiting for a few minutes to see if the skin area either turn red or develops raised spots. This is a minor local test that will determine if the baby should go through a lab test. For a blood test, the doctor simply sends you to the lab where a blood sample is collected and tested for antibodies.
There are allergies that disappear with time, they appear after feeding and disappear before you know it. Some of these surface after eating things like eggs and milk, such allergies are managed on rationing. Reduce the child’s intake on such but don’t let go completely, the body will adjust with time. But if symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
As for the family lineage allergies that are passed down from one generation to the other, always be cognizant about them because your baby has a 50% chance of developing them. Despite the state of such allergies on your baby, seek medical advice immediately as the baby should be introduced to allergens gradually as the allergy develops. This is done by allergists (doctors who deal with allergies) so get a recommendation from your pediatrician.
Prevention
Introduce solid food as early as 4 months instead of 6 months but be sure your baby is ready for the change. As you kick off, introduce the foods in bits, one after another in a space of about 5 days before introducing the next. This is meant to help you monitor the allergic reactions in case of any.
Introduce the sensitive meals like eggs, and cow milk at home first and not in the daycare for close monitoring. Also, it shouldn’t be the first food you introduce, allow them to come much later after the body has started adjusting to complementary foods.
Remember peanuts and peanut butter are a good example of choking hazards in infants and shouldn’t be administered direct. Consider mixing peanut butter with either warm water, or purées before feeding the baby. Also, if the older siblings are allergic to peanuts consider that a red alerts, chances are the baby has a slightly higher percentage of peanut allergy than the rest. In this case it’s either you test gradually or avoid completely, the latter is a better option.
There is a reason you are introduced to a nutritionist during your clinic visits, follow the advises given keenly mostly if the baby is diagnosed with eczema.
Food allergies are better of prevented than treated, monitor your child’s intake and reactions keenly to catch up with them in time.