Important! Here Are 8 Safe Ways to Treat Food Allergies in Babies

July 22, 2024

Food allergies in babies refer to unusual immune reactions to specific proteins found in food. This condition is quite common and can trigger various symptoms that range from mild to severe, such as rashes, itching, eczema, digestive issues, nasal congestion, coughing, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis.

Several types of food can trigger allergic reactions, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, seafood, wheat, soy, and more. This is why you need to stay careful when choosing daily food and when introducing complementary foods. The risk increases if your family has a history of allergies to certain foods.

Although food allergies in babies do not always threaten life, you should not ignore them because the symptoms can disturb daily activities and your baby's comfort. To avoid unwanted situations, check out the complete explanation about food allergies in babies in the article below.

What Are Food Allergies in Babies?

Before discussing food allergies in babies in more detail, let’s understand the meaning of food allergies. Food allergies refer to an excessive immune reaction to specific proteins in food.

When a person with food allergies consumes food that contains allergens, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and triggers a series of immune responses. These reactions can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can threaten life.

Some people assume that food allergies in babies are the same as food intolerance . In fact, these two conditions have different meanings.

Food allergies happen because the immune system reacts to specific proteins in food. The immune system identifies these proteins as harmful and produces antibodies (IgE) that trigger allergic reactions.

This differs from food intolerance, which happens because the body cannot digest or metabolize certain components in food, such as lactose in milk or gluten in wheat. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system.

People of all ages can experience food allergies. Babies and children face a higher risk. Why does this happen? A baby’s immune system has not developed fully, which makes their bodies more likely to react strongly to unfamiliar proteins.

Babies who encounter allergenic foods at an early age may develop food allergies in babies, especially if other risk factors such as family history exist. Other risk factors may appear when babies start eating solid foods because this exposes them to new types of food proteins that can trigger allergic reactions.

Even the food that mothers consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding can influence the risk of food allergies in babies. Some studies show that healthy and varied maternal diets may help reduce the risk of allergies in babies.

Recognize the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Babies

Source: freepik/EyeEM

Symptoms of food allergies in babies can vary from mild to severe and can appear immediately or a few hours after consuming trigger foods. Here are some common symptoms of food allergies in babies that you need to understand.

1. Skin Symptoms

Rashes: Redness or spots on the skin, often accompanied by itching.
Hives (Urticaria): Red itchy bumps that can appear anywhere on the body.
Eczema: Dry, flaky, and itchy skin that can worsen after consuming certain foods.
Swelling: Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or eyelids.

2. Digestive System Symptoms

Vomiting: Vomiting right after eating or shortly afterward.
Diarrhea: Watery or bloody stools.
Stomach Pain: Abdominal cramps or pain.
Colic: Excessive crying or fussiness without a clear cause, often caused by stomach discomfort.

3. Respiratory System Symptoms

Nasal Congestion or Runny Nose: Symptoms that resemble a cold.
Sneezing: Repeated sneezing.
Coughing: Persistent coughing or wheezing.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.

4. Cardiovascular Symptoms

Fainting: Loss of consciousness or dizziness.
Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms like dizziness or fainting that can happen in severe cases.

5. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis refers to a severe and life threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical care. The symptoms include the following.

Throat Swelling: Difficulty breathing because the airway narrows.
Low Blood Pressure: Can cause fainting or shock.
Rapid Heartbeat: Palpitations or irregular heartbeat.
Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or unresponsiveness.

Causes of Food Allergies in Babies

Food allergies in babies occur when the immune system reacts too strongly to certain proteins in food. Several types of food can trigger allergies, such as eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.

You also need to understand that several factors can increase the risk and trigger food allergies in babies. Here are the main causes of food allergies in babies.

1. Genetics and Family History

If any family members have food allergies, asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions, the baby becomes more likely to develop food allergies. Babies with parents or siblings who have allergies also face higher risks.

2. Immature Immune System

A baby’s immune system has not fully developed, which makes it react more easily to proteins found in food.

3. Early Exposure to Allergens

Introducing certain foods too early or too late can increase allergy risks. Babies who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding may also face higher risks of food allergies.

4. Skin Conditions and Eczema

Babies with severe eczema face a higher chance of developing food allergies. Eczema often connects closely with allergic conditions.

5. Environmental Factors and Maternal Diet

Exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke can increase allergy risks for babies. The mother’s diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding also influences the baby’s allergy risk. This is why maintaining a healthy and varied diet helps lower the risk of food allergies in babies.

6. Infections and Illness

Upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections can affect immune system development and increase the risk of food allergies.

How to Handle Food Allergies in Babies

Source: freepik/EyeEm

Handling food allergies in babies requires a careful and comprehensive approach to protect the baby’s health and safety. Here are several steps you can take to manage food allergies in babies.

1. Confirm the Allergy Diagnosis

You can work with a pediatrician or allergist to diagnose food allergies through medical history, skin tests, blood tests, and food challenge tests. After identifying the exact cause, avoid giving the baby that specific food.

2. Education and Awareness

Make sure all family members and caregivers understand the baby’s food allergies and how to manage them. Stay careful when buying packaged foods and read food labels closely to avoid allergens.

3. Prepare an Emergency Plan for Symptoms

Create a clear allergy action plan, including steps you need to take when a reaction occurs. You also need to prepare medications such as antihistamines for mild reactions and epinephrine (EpiPen) for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Make sure all caregivers know how to use the epinephrine injector.

4. Introduce New Foods Carefully

When introducing new foods, do it one at a time and wait several days before offering another food to monitor allergic reactions. Watch closely for any symptoms that appear after introducing a new food.

5. Regular Consultation and Monitoring

Schedule regular consultations with a pediatrician or allergist to monitor the baby’s condition and update the allergy management plan. Some food allergies can improve as children grow, so regular evaluations are important.

6. Adequate Nutrition

If the baby needs to avoid certain foods, make sure they still receive enough nutrients from other sources. You can consult a nutritionist or doctor if needed. If necessary, provide supplements recommended by the doctor to ensure complete nutritional intake for your little one.

7. Communicate with Caregivers and Schools

Inform caregivers or teachers at daycare or school about the baby’s food allergies and how to manage them. You also need to make sure the baby’s food items are clearly labeled to avoid cross contamination or food mix-ups.

8. Maintain a Safe Environment

Ensure that feeding tools and food storage areas stay free from allergens that may trigger reactions. Washing hands before preparing the baby’s food is also important to prevent allergen transfer.

When Should You Bring Your Baby to the Doctor if Allergy Symptoms Appear?

When babies show symptoms of food allergies, you need to know when to take them to the doctor or seek medical help. Some symptoms require immediate medical attention because they can indicate a severe allergic reaction. Here is a guide to help you decide when to bring your baby to the doctor when allergy symptoms appear.

When symptoms of anaphylaxis appear such as difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, low blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, and pale or bluish skin, especially on the lips and nails.
When the baby vomits repeatedly with severe diarrhea accompanied by dehydration.
When rashes spread quickly, itching intensifies, and swelling increases significantly.
When rashes or eczema do not improve after first aid treatment.
When allergy symptoms repeatedly appear every time the baby eats certain foods even if they seem mild.

Prevent Allergies with These Steps

Preventing food allergies in babies involves several steps that help lower the risk of allergy development. Here are some strategies you can apply.

1. Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding during the baby’s first six months supports a lower risk of food allergies. Breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies that help build a strong and healthy immune system.

2. Gradual Introduction of Solid Foods

Start introducing solid foods when the baby reaches about 6 months while continuing breastfeeding. You should introduce new foods one at a time, with several days between each new food to monitor any allergic reactions. Always observe your baby closely for potential symptoms after introducing a new food.

3. Avoiding Allergenic Foods During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid allergenic foods during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially if your family has a strong history of allergies.

4. Reducing Environmental Allergy Triggers

Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke because exposure to smoke increases allergy risks.

Also keep the house clean and avoid excessive air pollution exposure.

5. Managing Eczema

If your baby has eczema, proper skin care helps reduce the risk of food allergies. Use moisturizers regularly and avoid triggers that worsen eczema.

6. Consultation with a Doctor

If your family has a history of allergies, consult a pediatrician or allergist to get advice on the best way to introduce solid foods and reduce allergy risks. You should also monitor and evaluate your baby’s development and potential allergy symptoms regularly.

Besides paying attention to food allergies in babies, you also need to choose high quality feeding containers to maintain hygiene and your baby’s health. Proper storage for expressed breast milk and MPASI foods is very important. This is why you should choose products that support your baby’s needs.

In this case, Hegen introduces the Hegen Breastmilk Storage which functions for several purposes. It stores expressed breast milk, works as an MPASI container, and can also be used as a milk bottle. Here are the advantages of Hegen Breastmilk Storage that you should consider.

Made with amber colored PPSU material that is free of artificial pigments and BPA free, which ensures your baby’s food stays safe and uncontaminated.
PPSU material withstands temperatures from -20°C to 180°C which makes it durable and long lasting.
The wide shape makes the product easy to clean. This keeps MPASI containers more hygienic.
The lid seals tightly and makes it easy for moms to open and close because it uses the PCTOTM innovation (Press-to-Close Twist-to-Open).
Besides storing breast milk, puree, mashed porridge, and rice porridge, Hegen Breastmilk Storage also stores snacks, fruit pieces, oatmeal, seasonings, and many other items.
Available in three sizes: 60 ml, 150 ml, and 240 ml.

Get the products on the Hegen Indonesia official store . You can also find other premium products such as feeding bottle, drinking bottle, straw cup, breast pump, teats/baby nipples, bottle and teat cleaner, and other supporting accessories. Your breastfeeding journey and MPASI experience become safer, easier, and more enjoyable with Hegen Indonesia.

References:

Ashley Marcin. What to Do If Your Baby Has an Allergic Reaction to Food. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-allergic-reaction-to-food
LaKeisha Fleming. What to Do If Your Baby Is Having an Allergic Reaction. https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-to-do-baby-allergic-reaction-6361253
ASCIA. How to Introduce Solid Foods to Babies for Allergy Prevention. https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-prevention/ascia-how-to-introduce-solid-foods-to-babies

Featured image - freepik/user14699452

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