Infant allergy symptoms are often difficult to diagnose. They can be exacerbated foods, inhalants and the environment. When a baby has an allergy to milk, the results can be tough for the parent and for your child. Here is a guide that will help you recognize some of the basic causes of infant allergies.
Since babies cannot calm itchiness caused by an allergic reaction, uncontrollable crying could possibly be among the chief infant allergy symptoms you will perceive. Depending on the age and mobility of the infant, they may also roll and struggle attempting to scratch the offending area. Dry skin may be visible behind the ears and on the scalp and may seem to be cradle cap. If it shows up behind the ears it may look as though the child is not being washed thoroughly, but it will not wash off.
Puffiness may also materialize in the face or lips and if swelling is found, the infant’s breathing must be monitored. As with most infant allergies the throat may also swell. This could lead to anaphylactic shock and even death. Some infant allergies may create breathing problems or a drippy nose and be treated for colds. They may also display sinus problems and develop a cough due to nasal drainage into the throat while sleeping.
Is Breast Feeding Causing Baby Allergies?
Many health professional advise nursing mothers to restrict foods known for causing allergic reactions such as nuts and wheat, among others. If the child’s allergies are caused by something in breast milk, your baby may suffer from a distended stomach or persistent gas. They may vomit often or cry constantly. Many physicians will misidentify infant allergies as colic and tell parents to wait for the child to outgrow it, normally about six months. In most cases with allergies, if your baby has an allergy to milk, eliminating dairy products from the mother’s diet will almost always ease the symptoms.
If you believe the allergies are being caused by sources other than food, there are a few other products you can try to rule out. Try using laundry detergent and fabric softeners without perfumes or dyes. Do not spray chemicals in the child’s bedroom, such as furniture polish or air fresheners and keep the room as free of dust as possible to reduce the likelihood of an allergy to dust mites.
Until the sources of your infant allergies are diagnosed, do not allow pets into your child’s room and, when possible, change your baby’s clothing at nap time and bed time, and always give the infant their bath at bedtime. Try to keep a journal of the infant allergy symptoms your child is displaying, and if you think your baby has an allergy to milk, try substituting with a suitable replacement. Check all ingredients on packages, and write down what you eat if you are breastfeeding. If you do not see any improvement in the rashes or other suspected signs of infant allergies, or if your infant just cannot stop crying, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Infant Allergies 