Food allergy in babies: symptoms and what to do
One of the concerns that comes with the introduction of food is the appearance of food allergies. And this can happen to a good portion of babies at this stage.
Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of possible more serious reactions to seek medical help immediately.
To help prevent and identify possible symptoms, we’ve gathered important information in this article. Read on to discover the most common types of allergies in babies and what to do at home in case.
Index
Food Allergy Symptoms
Reactions to foods usually start shortly after ingestion. So look out for the following common signs of food allergies :
- Itchy red spots;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Gases;
- Abdominal pain;
- Swelling in the face, throat, tongue or mouth;
- Difficulty breathing.
The genetic factor also plays an important role in allergy issues. That is, if one of the parents is allergic to some type of food, there is a greater chance that the baby will inherit this reaction. So be even more attentive to any signs.
Also read: Baby with gas: what to do? – 6 tips from experienced moms
Allergenic foods
Knowing the foods that cause the most allergies helps to prevent and understand possible allergic reactions. And that’s why, in the introduction of food, you should always introduce the food gradually to more easily identify any cause of allergies.
So look carefully at this list of foods that are most linked to cases of allergies in babies . But remember that this list should not be a guide to what not to offer the baby, but rather what to offer slowly and watching for reactions.
Cow’s milk (APLV)
It is estimated that 5% of babies up to 2 years old have the condition of allergy to cow’s milk protein , known as APLV. And in 90% of cases the child will go back to consuming milk without any problem until the age of 5 years.
In addition to cutting milk and dairy products from the child’s diet, if she is breastfed, the mother must also stop consuming cow’s milk.
Peanut
Because it contains aflatoxin, peanuts can be intoxicating. Therefore, always consume peanuts with the seal of Abicab (Brazilian Association of the Chocolate, Peanut and Candy Industry) to ensure good origin.
Pay attention to the appearance of symptoms soon after consumption to understand if the allergy really comes from peanuts.
Seafood
In Brazil, it is estimated that 2% to 5% of the population has some allergic reaction to seafood , especially shrimp.
Although allergy is more common in adults, even more caution should be exercised with children with asthma when eating seafood, as they are more prone to severe allergic reactions.
Strawberry and Kiwi
These two fruits always appear on lists of foods that cause allergic reactions. However, their problem is a little different.
As they are more acidic fruits, they can cause canker sores and sores in the mouth region, which does not necessarily represent a food allergy.
In addition, they are usually cultivated with a lot of pesticides , so whenever possible we should give preference to organic strawberries and kiwi fruit .
Eggs
Egg white protein allergy is also one of the most common causes of childhood allergies.
Its most common reaction is urticaria, but the egg can also cause anaphylaxis, which is considered a serious, life-threatening reaction.
Soy
Soy also has a higher risk of allergy in childhood, however reactions to food usually stop around 10 years of age .
Hives, itching, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of this type of allergy.
Wheat
The biggest difficulty to face when the baby is allergic to wheat is to eliminate from the meals all the foods that contain wheat , which are many.
This type of allergy usually starts in childhood and lasts a lifetime, and it must be controlled through a wheat-free diet.
When to take to the doctor?
In cases of difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately because it is a serious and more dangerous allergic reaction.
In milder cases , in addition to observing and cutting food from meals , it is vital to inform the pediatrician . Thus, professional monitoring will help the family with the necessary care, in addition to the doctor may order tests to prove the allergy.
It is also worth remembering that foods not tolerated by parents should be offered slowly and carefully to the baby, as the potential for hereditary allergy is greater .
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.
