Allergy is widespread among toddlers and adults. But, it is surprising to know that babies are also prone to allergies of different kinds. When babies begin to turn back and crawl, even a tiny particle can potentially give them a form of allergy. Allergies in babies may sometimes also cause a feeling of nausea and digestive issues. They might be unable to tell you the difference in the body, but if you notice anything abnormal in your baby’s behavior, consider calling your doctor.
As parents, you need to be wholly aware and give full attention to even the slightest change in your little one’s body and behavior. In this article, we shall discuss what an allergy is, how babies get it, how allergies are diagnosed, and the different allergies among babies.
In This Article
- What is an Allergy?
- Are Allergies in Babies Common?
- Who is at Risk of Getting Allergies?
- Causes of Allergies in Babies
- 3 Common Types of Allergies in Babies
- Diagnosis of Allergies in Babies
- Common Allergies in Babies
- Treatment Options For Allergies in Babies
- Top 3 Home Remedies For Allergies in Babies
- When Should You Consult a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
What is an Allergy?
Allergies occur when a foreign substance reacts with the immune system of a human being. These foreign substances are commonly termed ‘Allergens.’ Our immune system produces antibodies that are required for our body to function correctly. When your body meets with an allergen, the immune system produces antibodies to react with the allergen. This process might create inflammation in the skin, sinus, airways, or digestive system.
Are Allergies in Babies Common?
Yes, allergies are common in babies, especially when they begin to move around the house. The most challenging job is to identify each of them. For example, when you find your little one with a stuffy nose, it is difficult to ascertain whether it is due to an allergy, cold, or any other condition. Allergies are one of the chronic conditions experienced by babies.
Who is at Risk of Getting Allergies?
Allergies are widespread, and every child is prone to them at some point in their childhood. But, experts have concluded that genes play a significant role in determining whether babies risk getting allergies.
- If both parents are sensitive to allergies, the baby is at 70% risk of catching the allergy.
- If any one of the parents is allergic, the risk is reduced to 33%.
Causes of Allergies in Babies
Although allergies are common, there are a few common causes that contribute to the occurrence of an allergic reaction in babies. Based on your family history, there is a possibility of shielding your baby from that particular allergen.
Here is the list of most common allergens that can potentially cause allergies in babies.
- Seasonal changes
- Environmental particles (pollen, grass, and weed)
- Food
- Medicine
- Indoor particles (pet dander, mites, dust, and insects)
3 Common Types of Allergies in Babies
Here are the three most common types of allergies in babies
1. Food and Medicine
When introducing particular food or new medicine to your little one, pay close attention to their body reactions and check if they develop any new allergies. The following are some of the most common allergens in food.
2. Environmental
When babies consume or get touched by any of the following allergens of the environment in which they survive, they are prone to get allergies.
- Dust Mites
- Household Cleaning Agents
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Detergent
- Molds
- Pet Dander
3. Seasonal
Seasonal allergens are those which occur only during a particular time. It is commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. You may find that your little ones are having a tough time and sneezing all the time during winter. Similarly, allergies are also common when certain trees and weeds are blooming. The pollen from the trees is the primary allergen that causes allergies in babies.
Diagnosis of Allergies in Babies
Doctors can diagnose allergies in babies by performing various tests. Most of the time, your pediatrician will do the tests. But, the test results might not be accurate enough to conclude that your baby has an allergy. In some cases, the pediatricians might refer you to a specialist allergist. An allergist is a doctor who specializes in treating allergies. Some allergists specialize in treating allergies in babies. The following tests may be performed to diagnose allergies in babies.
1. Skin Prick Test
In skin tests, a tiny portion of the allergen is placed under the skin and allowed to stay for 15 minutes. If there is no reaction in the skin, the allergen is eliminated, and there is no allergy. This process is also known as the Percutaneous or Skin Prick Test. This test is considered for older babies and toddlers.
[Read : Skin Prick Allergy Test in Children]
2. Blood Test
A blood test is best suitable for babies for whom skin tests cannot be performed.
3. Elimination Diet Test
If doctors suspect any allergen from the food that you feed your baby, they may ask you to eliminate the food from the baby’s diet.
Common Allergies in Babies
Babies may be prone to different kinds of allergies. Among many, there are a handful of allergens that cause common kinds of reactions in babies.
Here are a few common allergies in babies.
1. Skin Allergies
Skin allergies, also known as Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema, is an allergic condition that makes the skin itchy and flaky. You may also observe redness on the skin.
2. Food Allergies
These kinds of allergies occur when specific allergens in the food are consumed and do not suit the body well. Food allergies might cause a tingling sensation in the mouth. It may also cause hives, or swelling in the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
[Read : Top 10 Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby]
3. Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies occur only during a particular season where the allergens are produced only during that period and react with the body to create allergies in babies.
4. Nasal Allergies
Nasal Allergy is a condition where allergens might create inflammation in the nose. This is commonly called Rhinitis. When your little one gets affected with nasal allergies, you will notice that fluid keeps running from their nose. This is called mucus, which is always thin and clear to keep the allergens, dust, and debris away from the lungs.
5. Pet Allergies
Sometimes, the favorite pet can be a cause of concern for allergies. Your little one might be very fond of his dog or cat, but his body might be allergic to their body. Cats are the primary cause of concern, while dogs can also cause allergies.
[Read : Dog Allergies In Babies]
6. Injection Allergies
Some allergy shots can also cause a self limited reaction at the area of injection. This reaction may stay for sometime and subside on its own. It can cause swelling, itching, and redness around the area. If you feel the reaction is worsening, it may need medical attention. Doctors consider prescribing antihistamines in such cases.
Treatment Options For Allergies in Babies
When you take your baby to the pediatrician with an allergy symptom, they may conduct a physical examination first. Based on the symptoms and the recent activity that suspect the cause of allergy, doctors may prescribe a few medications like antihistamines and inhalers if needed.
Otherwise, they may ask you to eliminate a few things from your baby’s diet that can be potentially allergic. Doctors may also ask for a family history of allergies. Based on the analysis, certain medications and appropriate steps can help you to resolve allergies in babies.
However, if the allergy is serious, doctors may refer your baby to an allergist. It is always vital to take the doctor’s advice before giving any medication to your little one. Never go for over-the-counter medicines.
Top 3 Home Remedies For Allergies in Babies
While allergies frustrate your little one, you may do the following home remedies to keep them away from allergens and calm them down.
1. Check For the Allergen to Eliminate Allergies in Babies
Checking the cause or type of the allergy can ensure your little one is away from the allergen. This way you can eliminate allergies in babies.
2. Use Cold and Hot Compressions For a Soothing Effect
Cold and hot compressions can help the baby calm down and give a soothing effect.
3. Use Salt Water Spray to Clear up the Nostrils
You can spray the salt water up in the nostrils if your little one has an irritated nose.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Some mild symptoms of allergy might come and go. Though it persists only for a few minutes, always take note of it and try to identify the cause. Think about the new allergen that your baby might have been exposed to. Make a note of the frequency and the time until which it lasted. Do not forget to discuss it on your next visit to the pediatrician.
If the allergy has not subsided within a day, talk to your doctor immediately about it and find a remedy. If the mild symptoms imitate signs of anaphylaxis, rush to the emergency immediately as they could be life-threatening.
Taking care of babies is not an easy task. You need to observe them closely for every small symptom if they are prone to allergies. Managing allergies in babies can be hard and it is natural for you to feel anxious. Follow what you need to do to prevent allergens from worsening the situation. Talk to your doctor when in need and ask for help in taking care of the baby to bring your little one out of it quickly. Happy Parenting!
FAQ’s
1. How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last in Babies?
The time frame until an allergy lasts in babies depends on the type of allergy. While some may last only a few hours and subside, others might require treatment and take a few weeks to subside.
2. What Are the Stages of an Allergic Reaction?
There are three stages of an allergic reaction.
- Sensitization
- Early-phase
- Late-Phase
3. Can a Baby be Allergic to Breast Milk?
No. Babies cannot be allergic to breast milk.
Read Also: Common Indoor And Outdoor Allergens in Children by Dr. Srikanta J T
