Recognizing and Managing Allergies in Infants: A Guide for Parents

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Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly reacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust, or certain foods (ACAII, n.d.). Some children experience mild symptoms, while others may face life-threatening reactions.

As a parent, it’s essential to recognize allergy symptoms early, understand the causes, and learn how to protect your child.

Recognizing Signs of Allergies in Children

Children may exhibit different allergy symptoms depending on their triggers. The most common signs include:

  • Sneezing and Runny Nose – If your child frequently sneezes or has a runny/stuffy nose, especially during specific seasons, allergies could be the cause (HealthyChildren.org, n.d.).
  • Itchy, Watery Eyes – Red, itchy, and watery eyes are classic symptoms of seasonal or indoor allergies (ACAII, n.d.).
  • Skin Reactions – Look for red, itchy rashes, hives, or eczema, which may indicate a food or environmental allergy (NRPeds, n.d.).
  • Digestive Problems – Some food allergies cause stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea (HopkinsMedicine, n.d.).
  • Breathing Issues – Wheezing, chronic cough, or shortness of breath can be linked to asthma triggered by allergies (Children’s Hospital, n.d.).

Recognizing these early signs can help you seek proper diagnosis and treatment.

Top 10 Most Common Allergies in Children (FARE, n.d.)

Understanding common allergens can help in identifying and managing allergic reactions. The most prevalent allergies among children include:

  1. Cow’s Milk – One of the most common allergens in infants and young children.
  2. Eggs – Egg allergies are common but often outgrown.
  3. Peanuts – A severe allergy that can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis.
  4. Tree Nuts – Includes walnuts, cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts.
  5. Fish – Often develops later in childhood.
  6. Shellfish – Includes shrimp, crab, and lobster allergies.
  7. Wheat – Some children develop wheat allergies, different from gluten intolerance.
  8. Soy – A common allergy in infants but often outgrown.
  9. Sesame – Becoming a more recognized allergen worldwide.
  10. Pollen – Airborne allergens from trees, grasses, and weeds.

Causes of Allergies and How They Develop

Allergies happen when the immune system wrongly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. Factors that increase the risk include:

  • Genetics – If a parent has allergies, the child has a higher chance of developing them (PMC, n.d.).
  • Environmental Exposure – Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen can trigger allergic reactions (CHOP, n.d.).
  • The Hygiene Hypothesis – Reduced exposure to germs in early childhood may contribute to allergies (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Introducing Foods to Infants to Prevent Allergies

When Should You Introduce Allergenic Foods?

  • Experts recommend introducing allergenic foods between 4 to 6 months to help reduce the risk of food allergies (ACAII, n.d.).
  • Look for signs of developmental readiness, like the ability to sit up with support and an interest in food (Food Allergy Canada, n.d.).

Tips for Introducing Allergens

Managing Allergies in Children and Infants

If you suspect your child has an allergy:

  1. Consult a Doctor – A pediatrician or allergist can provide a diagnosis (Cedars-Sinai, n.d.).
  2. Avoid Triggers – Remove known allergens from your child’s environment (NRPeds, n.d.).
  3. Medications – Over-the-counter antihistamines can treat mild symptoms, while severe reactions require epinephrine (HopkinsMedicine, n.d.).
  4. Create an Allergy Action Plan – Schools and caregivers should know how to handle an allergic reaction (FARE, n.d.).

Reassurance for Parents

As a parent, it’s natural to feel concerned if your child has allergies. The good news is that with proper management and awareness, most children lead healthy, active lives. Educate your child about their allergies in an age-appropriate way, so they understand how to stay safe. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help keep your child’s allergies under control.

Bibliography

  1. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (n.d.). Should I introduce allergenic foods to my infant? Retrieved from https://acaai.org/resource/should-i-introduce-allergenic-foods-to-my-infant/
  2. Cedars-Sinai. (n.d.). Allergies in children. Retrieved from https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/a/allergies-in-children.html
  3. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Common indoor allergies in children. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/common-indoor-allergies-children
  4. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). (n.d.). Common food allergens. Retrieved from https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/common-food-allergens
  5. Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics). (n.d.). Seasonal allergies in children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/Seasonal-Allergies-in-Children.aspx
  6. Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Food allergies in children. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/food-allergies-in-children
  7. National Library of Medicine (PMC). (n.d.). Genetic and environmental factors in allergy development. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805592/
  8. National Pediatric Research (NRPeds). (n.d.). Allergies in children. Retrieved from https://nrpeds.com/Resources/Medical-Conditions/Allergies-in-Children
  9. Solid Starts. (n.d.). Introducing allergens to babies. Retrieved from https://solidstarts.com/allergies-babies/
  10. Verywell Health. (n.d.). How to recognize and treat an allergic reaction in infants. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/infant-allergic-reaction-8749918
  11. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Allergy. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy

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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by our nonprofit is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information and are not liable for any decisions made based on it. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.

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