Food Allergies in Infants

Allergy is a type of disorder associated with the immune system, where people become oversensitive to certain substances, which are known as allergens. These allergens are recognized by a hypersensitive immune system as foreign, harmful particles and so, stimulate the production of certain antibodies and chemicals to destroy them, which trigger allergic reactions (allergies). Usually, the substances or allergens, which are identified by the immune system as foreign particles, are actually harmless. But still, exposure to them initiates a series of reactions in individuals, who are allergic to them. Different individuals can become sensitive to different types of allergens, like dust, mites, pollen, etc. Apart from these, some specific foods can also produce allergic reactions in certain individuals, which is commonly referred to as food allergies.

Food allergy in infants and young children is a common phenomenon, especially during the first three years of their life, perhaps due to the fact that their immune and digestive systems are still in the developmental stage. It has been suspected that children, whose parents have allergies, whether food or other types of allergies, are more prone to developing allergies to some common food items, like cow's milk and eggs. Along with egg and cow's milk protein allergy, soy allergy, wheat allergy, peanut allergy are some others are common food allergies in children and infants.

Signs and Symptoms of Common Food Allergies in Infants
Food allergy is associated with the production of an antibody, which is known as immunoglobin E or IgE antibody. This antibody stimulates the production of some chemicals like histamine, that trigger allergic reactions, that can manifest in different forms. In some individuals, allergic reactions can cause hives or skin rash and respiratory problems, while in others they can cause gastrointestinal problems.

The common symptoms of food allergies in infants are skin hives, breathing problems, wheezing, asthma, stuffy or runny noses, eczema, watery or red eyes, hay fever and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and constipation, vomiting, gas, nausea and loose stools. Sometimes, blood spots can also be observed on the stool. Apart from these usual symptoms, infants can also develop colic. In severe cases, food allergy can trigger anaphylaxis. This condition is associated with the excess secretion of histamines, that dilate the blood vessels and causes swelling in the entire body. This can ultimately lower the blood pressure abnormally, leading to shock.

The signs of food allergies in infants may appear immediately after feeding the specific food, in which case the particular food to which the baby is allergic to, can be easily identified. This type of allergy is termed as type 1 food allergy and can be easily diagnosed by an allergy skin test. But if the symptoms do not appear immediately, then it becomes quite difficult to diagnose the condition. Even allergy skin test may not show a positive result in such a situation.

Treatment and Prevention of Food Allergies in Infants
The best way to treat food allergy is to avoid the specific food items, that act like allergens and produce the allergy symptoms. Therefore, identification of the particular food that causes allergy is very crucial to avoid its further exposure and prevent food allergy. To alleviate the symptoms of food allergies, physicians may prescribe glucocorticosteroid drugs, especially when the symptoms are of a very severe nature.

Physicians usually recommend exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 to 12 months of life, to avoid or delay food allergies. Though evidences are not there to prove that breastfeeding can prevent food allergies from developing at a later stage of life, many believe that it is possible. Even if it fails to prevent the development of food allergies at a later stage, it can at least delay it and help to avoid the problems associated during infancy. Occasionally, a baby can develop so much sensitivity to a particular food, that even mother's milk may produce allergic reactions. In such a situation even the nursing mothers will have to avoid consuming that particular food. Know more about breastfeeding.

For any type of allergy, prevention is always the best treatment. So, it is better to avoid the foods that can trigger food allergies in infants. Also important is to delay the introduction of solid foods, until they complete 6 months. It has been observed that with sufficient care, many children have been able to overcome their food allergies at a later stage of their life.