What is an allergy?

When the body’s immune system reacts in any unusual way to proteins, particularly foods, airborne dust, animal hair and pollens, sensitive reactions occur this is known as allergy.

Naturally occurring inflammatory chemicals called IgE antibodies are produced by the body. which in turn results in a wide range of conditions such as hay fever, eczema, hives and bowel problems.

This condition is also known as atopy.

 

Tis are common in babies and children, which disappears as the child grows up but sometimes it continues to adult life. Allergy ha many symptoms which varies widely from child to child.

Allergy are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

How to diagnose that child has an allergy or not?

 

Allergic reaction may take hours or even days to develop and can affect any part of the body.

Symptoms can be as follows:

1. Persistent cough, runny nose, asthma, sneezing, wheezing, recurring attacks of bronchitis or croup which includes nose, throat and lungs (all the respiratory system).
2.  Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, slow weight gain, colicky behavior in the young baby (including pulling away from the breast) and spitting up of food which includes stomach and intestine (all the digestive system).
3.  Eczema, hives, bowels and other rashes which occurs on skin.
4. Other are irritability, disturbed sleep, crying fits, headache etc.

Causes

Following are the common causes:

• Foods.
• Airborne particles.
• Some soaps and detergents.

 

How food causes allergy?

Our body’s immune system mistakenly treats protein found in food as a threat to the body, instead of food being harmless. Because of which it releases naturally occurring chemicals to prevent the food which its stats as infectious. It is these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reactions.

Any food can cause allergy, but these are some food which causes food allergy most of the time:

 

• Milk and other dairy products.
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fishes
• Wheat
• Soya beans
• Oranges, tomatoes etc.
•  Chocolates

How Airborne particles causes allergy?

Airborne allergens are substances of biological origin, which getting into the human body promote the induction of the immune response with the subsequent development of an allergic disease. Allergic reaction is directly caused by proteins and glycoproteins forming the airborne allergen.

Airborne allergens are as follows:

 

• Pollen
•  Fungal spores
•  House dust and dust mites
• Animal hairs
•  Insect allergens
•  Industrial, food and drug.

Is Allergy Inherited?

 

No, it is not necessary that if parents have allergy than their child will for sure have them. But there are greater chances of child (whose parents are allergic) to become allergic themselves.

However, anyone can become allergic.

How to manage?

Treatment:

Not all reactions in babies require treatment. For example, a mild rash is likely to fade within a few hours and may not trouble the baby in that time.

Child can be treated in following ways:

• Avoiding triggers: The allergens which trigger allergic reactions should be avoided. Choose hypoallergenic products instead.
• Washing with a fragrance-free cleanser: After using a mild, scent-free soap, pat the baby’s skin dry and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
• Applying a moisturizer: Using a hypoallergenic moisturizer after a baby’s bath can help to prevent dry skin. Moisturizers also provide a barrier to protect the skin from irritants.
• Using 1-percent hydrocortisone cream: Hydrocortisone cream can treat skin rashes relating to eczema or other allergic reactions. Although it is usually safe to use for infants for short periods, it is essential to speak to a doctor first.
• Considering scratch mitts: Scratch mitts prevent a baby from scratching a rash with their fingernails. Too much scratching can injure the skin and lead to an infection.

Prevention:

To reduce the risk the following steps should be taken:

• Introducing new foods one at a time
• Washing the baby’s clothes in hypoallergenic detergent
• Washing the baby’s bedding in hot water every week to reduce the chance of dust mites
• Using fragrance-free shampoo, lotions, and soap
• Vacuuming frequently

If a baby has an allergic reaction after breast-feeding, it might be beneficial to keep a food diary to try to determine the underlying cause. Dairy is a very common culprit, especially before the infant reaches 1 year in age.

After identifying the allergen, it may help to avoid eating this food while breast-feeding. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before making changes to the diet.

When to see a doctor?

Allergic reaction in babies can be treated at home. However, in some causes it is best to see a doctor.

If the allergic reaction like rash spreads or worsens over time, than it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is essential to seek medical advice if the skin shows signs of an infection such as blistering, bleeding or seeping fluid.

 

A rash can signify another illness. If rash appears alongside the symptoms shown below than person should consult a doctor;

• Lethargy
• Poor feeding
• Coughing
• Fever
• Excessive crying.

  Wheezing, swelling of lips or tongue, or trouble breathing will require immediate medical attention. There may be possibilities of having anaphylactic reaction, which can be severe.

Identifying the allergen can help to prevent future reactions. Many babies will grow out of their allergies, but others will develop new allergies as they get older.