Baby Allergies

Up to 8% of infants suffer from allergies to everything from dairy to dust. But how do you tell what's bothering YOUR baby? Often, it takes some super sleuthing to pinpoint the EXACT cause of an infant's allergy. Is your child suffering from an itchy skin condition like hives or eczema? Hives are a welt-like rash that form in clusters and may resemble mosquito bites. Eczema, meanwhile, is a red, scaly or flaky rash that you may notice on your baby's torso and face, and in skin folds, like behind the knees and inner elbows. While these conditions can simply represent sensitive skin, hives and eczema are often signs of an allergy. Common culprits include pets, personal hygiene products, and cleaning agents. What if your infant's allergies manifest much like a cold, with itchy, watery eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose? It may be that your child is suffering from airborne allergens, like pollen or dust mites. If symptoms heighten when the seasons change, or if they appear worse in certain areas of your home, an airborne allergy is likely. If, however, you find that your child's cold-like symptoms kick in during damp, cold weather, the culprit may be mold. While not inexpensive, there are plenty of professionals out there who can check your household for mold, and you should consider this, especially if you have a basement. What if it's not your child's body, but his stomach that is frequently the problem? Abdominal pain, visible bloating, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting often signal an allergic reaction to a food like milk, or soy... PARTICULARLY if problems occur within two hours of consumption. And while all of these mentioned symptoms are bothersome, only some of them are particularly harmful. An extremely rare, but potentially life-threatening, allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Nuts and shellfish are common culprits here, Anaphylaxis occurs almost immediately after exposure to an allergen and manifests as...swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, which is a condition called angioedema. But also, there may be difficulty breathing and wheezing, rapidly growing hives, or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea. If you think your child is suffering from anaphylaxis, now is not the time to figure out what caused it! This can rapidly evolve into shock! So, call 911 IMMEDIATELY. AND, If you have an epi-pen, USE IT! Later, once your child is stable, you can consider potential culprits. And remember: Whether mild or monstrous, it's ALWAYS a good idea to see your child's pediatrician if you suspect your baby has an allergy. The doctor will be able to determine or confirm the diagnosis, and will also suggest effective treatment options for the future.