Research with supportive evidence have shown that there are more sources of allergies in present times than before. Allergies can come from different sources and affect different people regardless of their age. There are various types of allergic reactions that a baby can develop. These allergic reactions come from various sources, hence, a baby can be affected even without leaving their home. This article will discuss various types of allergies that affect babies and how they can be managed properly.
The allergies can be reactions to food, indoor irritants, or any other thing. These reactions grow on a child after accumulated exposure to an allergen – this is what you have to watch out for. If you have a particular allergy reaction, there is also possibility your child might also have the same allergic reaction. However, you don’t have to panic as these allergens can vary significantly, so if as a parent, you are allergic to pollen, there is also a possibility that your child might be immune to it. It is therefore important to monitor allergic symptoms like eczema, sneezing, red eyes etc.
SKIN ALLERGIES
For skin allergies, eczema is a very common reaction. Symptoms are dry, red patches on the neck, scalp, legs and hands, and cheeks. It is itchy, and your baby might get frustrated trying to get it to stop itching. Strong perfumed products and wrong use of soaps can trigger this reaction.
Water restores moisture to the dry skin so regular bath and moisturizer helps. A daily routine would clear up a mild case most times. For severe cases, a visit to your paediatrician is advisable, and a ‘bleach bath’ – soaking in diluted bleach for few minutes – is a likely recommendation for children from 9 months.
NASAL ALLERGIES
A runny nose is not just an effect of bad weather. If it remains for a while, it could be a symptom for nasal allergy. When your child also rubs the nose often, has red, itchy eyes, and clear (uncoloured) mucus, it is likely nasal allergy. Ragweed, grasses and pollen can trigger this allergic reaction. Dust and dust mites worsen the situation for infants.
A clean, dust-free environment is a common nasal allergy management method. Vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are advisable if parents are going to clean, whilst watching the baby for changes over a period of time. Good hygiene maintenance and proper waste/rubbish management in the house is also advisable in managing the allergic reaction.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Egg, milk, fish, nuts (peanuts, tree nuts like walnut etc), wheat, and soy are common sources of food allergies. Food allergies management is more complicated, and parents might not be able to stop it. However, Breastfeeding has a history of helping with food allergies.
For severe cases of food allergies, parents would need to watch the contents that the child eats to avoid accidental triggers. Paediatricians can also conduct skin or blood tests to help parents decide what to stop feeding their children in cases of severe food allergies.
Some allergies are easy to spot as the reactions are visible within a day. For severe reactions, shortness of breath due to difficulty in breathing, swollen tongue and throat, loss of concentration and consciousness are common symptoms. The severe reactions tend to happen more in teenage years than infanthood. Some allergies are outgrown after childhood but some stay for as long as possible, requiring regular caution such as allergy tests. In addition to this, mild symptoms can suddenly transform to life-threatening cases like anaphylaxis – a situation that sends the body into a shock whilst making breathing very difficult.
Allergies’ management is important, as it can change the lifestyle of the child, parents and family forever. Quick decisions and proper management methods are important in the case of allergic reactions.
