Can a baby have an allergy? Allergies in infants (newborns up to a year): symptoms, treatment and advice

Hello!

Let's talk about allergies in an infant, which often worries new parents. If you have noticed at least once a rash on the baby's bottom, peeling of the cheeks, diaper rash or itching, it is highly likely that you have an allergic reaction to some irritating factor (allergen). The mother's task is to find and neutralize the "culprit" of these manifestations. But how to do this in order to help the child as quickly as possible? Let's figure it out!

Pediatricians name two reasons for the appearance of allergic reactions in a baby:

• food (nursing mother or the crumbs);
• allergens of non-food origin.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

food allergy

Can there be an allergy to breast milk? Alas, even a newborn baby is not immune from this. If you omit hereditary factors, breast milk allergy is most often associated with the diet of a nursing mother. Therefore, the basis of treatment in this case is a thorough analysis and adjustment of the mother's menu. First of all, potential allergens are excluded: cow's milk (the baby's immune system considers cow protein as foreign), chicken eggs, fish and seafood, mushrooms, nuts, honey and brightly colored vegetables and fruits. In the first 2-3 months of life, the digestive tract is just being formed in the baby and there are no protective enzymes, so a young mother should be extremely attentive to what she eats. Even better - at the first sign of an allergy, start writing down your daily menu. This will greatly facilitate further work with the allergist when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.

The help of a doctor is also necessary if the baby is on artificial nutrition and the mother has suspicions that the components of the infant formula are causing an allergic reaction. In this case, after the examination, the allergist will prescribe a hypoallergenic diet for the child.

What are the symptoms of an allergy in an infant? The entry of a foreign antigen into the baby's body can be expressed in different ways:

• various rashes;
• peeling of the skin on the cheeks;
• diaper rash
• persistent nasal congestion;
• profuse regurgitation;
• vomiting and loose stools;
• difficult breathing;
• angioedema (in extremely rare cases).

Agree, some of these symptoms are extremely similar to prickly heat and diathesis. How to identify them correctly? Prickly heat in the form of small bubbles in the folds of the skin and on the neck usually does not cause discomfort to the baby and disappears without a trace after 2-3 days (provided there is no overheating in the future). Diathesis is nothing more than the first bell that makes the mother seriously think about the child's tendency to allergies. It is directly related to the adaptation of the crumbs in the external environment and the formation of its gastrointestinal tract. The most common causes of diathesis are dry air, chlorinated water, washing powders and, of course, the mother's poor diet. Diathesis is manifested by loose stools, a bright rash, red cheeks, but with proper therapy it disappears without a trace in the first years of life.

Non-food allergies

So, we have come close to the appearance of allergic reactions in infants that are not related to food. In the vast majority of cases, their cause lies in heredity and constant contact with the allergen. Most often, the reaction of the body can cause:

• dust and dust mites;
• animal hair;
• plant pollen;
• household chemicals;
• children's cosmetics.

To find out what specifically caused the allergic reaction, the doctor conducts skin tests. To do this, one or another alleged allergen is applied to the baby's skin and the reaction is monitored. If after a certain time the skin has not changed, they move on to the next possible “culprit” ... and so on until the allergen is identified. The task of the mother after all this is to find a way to isolate the baby from contact with the allergen and choose the optimal drug accompaniment.

A separate point I would like to note the allergic reaction of the baby to diapers. In this case, the rash is small dots with redness, itching, swelling, which invariably causes a lot of questions from parents. The first step is to exclude diaper dermatitis, which manifests itself with a rare diaper change, and the mechanical irritation factor (uncomfortable Velcro and elastic bands). In other cases, allergies may occur due to:

• using cheap diapers made from poor quality materials or fakes;
• frequent diaper brand changes;
• additional components in the composition of diapers (chamomile, aloe).

Get rid of allergies, pick up a healing ointment and switch to Huggies - diapers made with natural 100% cotton and hypoallergenic porous materials that allow your baby's skin to breathe.

Treatment

As mentioned earlier, the main treatment for allergic manifestations is aimed at eliminating the cause. Having noticed the symptoms of an allergy in an infant, the baby should be immediately shown to the attending physician, who will help eliminate all possible allergens, relieve symptoms and prevent progression. If an allergic reaction has occurred quickly enough and is life-threatening, the baby should immediately be given antihistamines (suprastin, zodak) and call an ambulance.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, if you want to avoid any allergic manifestations in your crumbs, follow these rules:

• do not introduce complementary foods earlier than WHO recommends (from 6 months) and only after consulting a specialist. Many mothers strive to “pamper” the baby with something tasty as early as possible, without thinking about how the baby’s body will react to it;
• any theoretically allergenic product, a nursing mother should try a little bit and carefully monitor the reaction of the crumbs. Exclude from the diet whole milk, nuts, honey, eggs, smoked meats, coffee and foods with flavor enhancers;
• when choosing an infant formula, strictly follow the instructions of the pediatrician;
• maintain an optimal climate in the children's room (with a temperature not higher than 20-22 ˚С and a humidity of 60-70%) and carry out wet cleaning in it as often as possible;
• dress the child according to the weather. It has long been proven that overheating is much worse than hypothermia;
• if possible, limit the contact of the child with pets;
• wash children's clothes with special powders and carefully choose care cosmetics.

Allergy is a defensive reaction to various stimuli. It can be food, cosmetics, dust and more. For some people they are familiar things, for others they are allergens. The disease is often genetically transmitted. Therefore, children whose parents suffer from an allergic reaction are more likely to develop an allergic reaction. Moreover, an allergy in a newborn can be completely different from the parent.

Moms and dads should be attentive to the baby. It is important to identify the disease in time, distinguish the allergen and begin treatment. Today, an allergic reaction occurs among 30% of young children worldwide.

Factors that cause allergies

The factor that can cause a negative reaction in a child is different. The most common type is a food allergy. Moreover, the products can be consumed by both the baby and the mother. Do not forget that along with milk, every element of food that a nursing mother ate enters the child's body. Therefore, it is important to monitor the diet while breastfeeding.

There are the following causes of allergies:

• Abuse by a nursing mother of allergenic foods (citrus fruits, chocolate and other sweets, pastries, eggs, etc.). Recommended menu for breastfeeding under the heading;
• Cow protein and early transfer of an infant to artificial feeding with cow's milk, milk mixtures or kefir. When and how to introduce complementary foods, read the article “”;
• Heredity;
• Medicines used by mother or baby;
• Adverse environmental impact;
• Viruses, vaccines and inoculations;
• Products introduced into complementary foods. What can and cannot be given to an infant, read;
• Cosmetics and household chemicals (creams and powders for children, soap and washing powder);
• Household allergens (animal dander and plant pollen, house dust and pillow feathers).

Many children in the first weeks of life suffer from an allergic reaction. So, in the first 20 days after birth, the child develops a rash on the skin. The reason for this phenomenon may be the mother's hormones, which the baby receives in the womb. The body adapts to new conditions, resulting in small red spots on the face and neck. Such a rash goes away after three to four weeks on its own.

Typical allergy symptoms, in addition to rashes, include redness, roughness and dryness of some areas of the skin. Additional symptoms are also distinguished, including green stools, coughing and sneezing, runny nose and severe itching. Let's take a closer look at what an allergy looks like in infants.

How does allergy manifest itself?

Allergies manifest themselves in different ways. It depends on the type of allergen and the individual characteristics of the development of the child. Depending on the type of reaction, the symptoms of the disease are distinguished. The following types of allergies are distinguished:

• Atopic species affect the skin, eyes and nasal cavity, sometimes the lungs. This category includes dermatitis, urticaria, various edema and allergic lung diseases (asthma, pneumonitis, etc.). Children with such problems may have uneven weight gain and increased stubborn diaper rash;
• infectious species appear due to bacteria and fungi. Typical symptoms include skin manifestations, runny nose and nasal congestion, coughing and watery eyes, swelling and malaise, in arthritis - joint pain and fever in the affected areas.

There are other options for what an allergy looks like in infants. After all, every child reacts differently. In a baby, a negative manifestation can be not only in the respiratory organs and on the skin. The reaction can also manifest itself from the intestines. These are bloating and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and other problems with stools, regurgitation and vomiting. In this case, there are problems in weight gain.

Keep in mind that redness of the cheeks does not always indicate an allergy. Red cheeks are typical symptoms of diathesis, which is a borderline condition between an allergic disease and a healthy state. As a rule, diathesis is manifested due to the use of any products.

When does the allergy go away?

Rashes and redness of the skin begin 1-1.5 hours after interaction with the allergen. Food allergy from the intestines manifests itself within two days. That is why, when introducing a new product into the diet, nursing mothers are advised to observe the reaction of the newborn for two days.

How long an allergy lasts in a baby depends on several factors. First of all, it is contact with the allergen and types of reaction. If you exclude the pathogen immediately, then the reaction will pass in a few hours. But it will not be possible to quickly eliminate the reaction to food, since it takes time for digestion, complete elimination of the product from the body and subsequent rehabilitation. Allergy symptoms after the exclusion of the pathogen from the menu during breastfeeding will last another two to three weeks. The time depends on the amount of food taken.

The duration is also affected by the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment, the state of immunity. The stronger the immunity in children, the faster the body will cope with the disease.

How to help a baby

When an allergic reaction occurs in a child, parents immediately ask themselves what to do and how to treat. The skin rash that appears in the first weeks due to mom's hormones will go away on its own. Treatment in this case is not necessary. Do not remove or treat red spots with cotton swabs! This will lead to the spread of spots on the skin on the entire body.

If the allergy is not caused by hormones, then treatment should begin with a diet. Eliminate allergenic foods from your diet. You can not take various means and drugs for children, since self-medication can only aggravate the condition of the child! To determine the form of allergy, consult a doctor. Only a specialist can prescribe the right treatment!

How to help a child with allergies:

• A hypoallergenic diet that doctors advise every mother to use in the first 1-1.5 months of lactation. Such nutrition will reduce the risk of the risk of an allergic reaction and help to cope with the disease that has already appeared. Read about the principles of nutrition with a hypoallergenic diet at the link /;
• Often the cause of food allergies is cow protein. Eliminate such foods from the diet, especially cow's milk. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky does not recommend drinking until 4-6 months after the birth of the child;
• Keep a perfect clean in the house. Remember that dust is the strongest allergen that can cause various diseases and complications. Perhaps with allergies, you will have to remove soft toys, carpets and fur bedspreads from the room, which collect dust in large quantities;
• Wash at high temperature with hypoallergenic soap or powder and rinse thoroughly. Linens are washed at least twice a week. Choose duvets and pillows with hypoallergenic synthetic filling. Often, an allergy in a newborn appears due to feather bedding;
• With artificial or mixed feeding, an allergy in a newborn may be due to an incorrectly selected milk formula. In case of a negative reaction, use hypoallergenic products without bovine protein. How to choose the right mixture, read the article "".

In case of allergies and a child, in no case do not stop breastfeeding! After all, it is breast milk that forms and strengthens the immune system, which is able to quickly fight an allergic reaction. Only mother's milk saturates the body of children with the necessary vitamins and useful elements to the fullest.

Remember that allergies are a disease. Therefore, if you find symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. He will prescribe tests that will help identify the allergen. After exclusion of the pathogen, the symptoms of the disease decrease and gradually disappear.

It is strictly forbidden to start self-treatment and use medicines! Only a specialist will correctly select drugs that will quickly cope with the disease and will not harm the baby. There are various means for children.

Allergy Remedies for Babies

(20 pieces) Fenistil dropsRelieves itching and burning, eliminates tearing, eliminates allergy symptoms, but causes drowsinessFrom 1 month, course - up to three weeks360-400 rubles

(20 ml) Drops Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects, but has a number of side effects, including nausea, insomnia and excitability, From 6 months 200 rubles

(7 pieces of 10 mg) Fenistil-gel Applied to the skin, but not suitable for large, inflamed or affected areas of the skin From 1 month 380 rubles (100 gr) Enterosgel Paste for oral administration. Removes toxins from the body, relieves allergy symptoms and strengthens the walls of the intestines.Any age category350 rubles (100 gr)

Prohibited drugs for newborns

There are a number of strong drugs that quickly relieve negative symptoms and are quickly excreted from the body. However, for infants and young children, they carry a serious risk. These drugs include:

These drugs are addictive and have serious side effects for children. They disrupt the work of nerve cells and coordination in movements, cause lethargy and dizziness, lethargy and apathy. May lead to poisoning.

Seven Ways to Avoid Allergies

We all know that prevention is better than cure. Start allergy prevention from the very birth of your child. The following actions will help to avoid the disease:

1. Hypoallergenic diet during the first month of breastfeeding;
2. In the second month after the birth of the baby, gradually begin to introduce new foods and carefully monitor the well-being of the child for two days. If negative, delay administration for at least four weeks;
3. Follow the principles of nutrition of a nursing mother. Drink plenty of fluids, do not eat foods with preservatives and other chemicals. In the first months, avoid brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Raw fruits are introduced no earlier than 4-5 months. Eat boiled and baked foods. Avoid too fatty and sweet, salty and fried foods.
4. Keep breastfeeding as long as possible. Remember that breast milk is the best prevention of disease in young children;
5. Observe a hypoallergenic life, which includes daily wet cleaning, the absence of animals and flowers, the use of hypoallergenic hygiene products, household items (powders, etc.) and natural materials (clothing, bedding, etc.);
6. Do not take medicines and do not give medicines to a baby unless absolutely necessary and without consulting a doctor;
7. Lead a healthy lifestyle with your baby. Do gymnastics for children and walk more often in the fresh air. And it hardens the body, strengthens the immune system, and helps to avoid diseases and infections.

Nursing mothers should not forget about their own health. Proper nutrition, exercise, a healthy lifestyle will have a positive effect on the well-being of the baby.

Food allergies in infants are a fairly common occurrence that almost all parents periodically encounter. The body of a newborn immediately after birth is just beginning its long process of adaptation. He will still have to face for the first time a large number of foods to which a negative reaction may occur. In the first month of life, red spots on the face may appear and disappear in a child. Most often, the situation is observed against the background of changes in the hormonal background in a nursing mother. Some babies get a rash while still in the womb. Allergies in infants usually do not require treatment and resolve on their own within a short time.

Food allergies in infants are characterized by a special rash. This type of negative reaction can only be eliminated through diet. Pediatricians suggest that mothers take medications only as a last resort, because they can adversely affect the overall health of the crumbs.

Self-medication is dangerous, so it is necessary to consult a doctor who is familiar with the history of a young patient.

Manifestations of food allergies

Parents should know the symptoms that will recognize the pathology at the first stage of development. These signs are manifested in almost all children in the same way:

• A rash and severe redness appear on the baby's skin. The baby feels uncomfortable due to itching and peeling. If the course of treatment is not started in time, diaper rash, prickly heat and urticaria will appear. Quincke's edema is the most dangerous, because it can be fatal.
• Against the background of food allergies, the gastrointestinal tract also suffers. The baby begins to spit up and vomit frequently. There are also worsening of the stool, which manifests itself in the form of diarrhea or constipation. Colic and excessive flatulence do not allow the baby to sleep normally.
• Of the organs of the respiratory system, a negative situation most often manifests itself against the background of a stuffy nose and a runny nose. The baby often coughs and sneezes. The situation can be aggravated by the appearance of bronchial asthma.

Parents are interested in the question, how does a food allergy manifest itself in newborns? Children suffer greatly from the flow of tears and irritation in the eye area. In addition, it should be noted that disorders in the work of the respiratory and digestive organs are symptoms of a large number of diseases. Diarrhea also appears in case of food poisoning. That is why only a specialist in this field should analyze the symptoms of a negative condition in infants.

Consultation in case of allergic manifestations is given by an allergist or pediatrician. The first of them can identify the pathogen in a short time and choose the right course of treatment. When breastfeeding, it is not allowed to independently determine the preparations for the crumbs.

Almost every baby at least once in his life showed an individual intolerance to a certain product.

Spots on the skin in this case appear within two hours after food allergens have penetrated inside. However, cases have also been recorded when a negative reaction manifested itself two days after consuming a certain food product. Most often, it occurs on components that are absorbed exclusively in the intestines. Such consequences in infants with the exclusion of the allergen disappear on their own within a maximum of three weeks.

The period during which the allergy to certain foods passes depends on the following factors:

• What portion of the allergenic product did the baby receive.
• Is it possible to immediately eliminate this ingredient from the diet.
• Was the doctor able to choose the right course of treatment.
• Equally important is the state of the immune system. If the protective reactions work well, then there will be no negative effect on the body of the crumbs.

Allergy in newborns manifests itself up to two years. Among the dangerous products are eggs, milk and red vegetables. In the period from two to four years, such a negative reaction is minimized. However, if an individual intolerance to fish or seafood has been identified, then it will remain with a person for life. That is why such dishes are allowed to be introduced into the diet of crumbs no earlier than eight months. In some cases, this process should be delayed up to two years.

Features of treatment

If parents have already learned what a food allergy looks like, then it is necessary to choose the right course of treatment. At the first stage, the irritating product is completely excluded from the diet of the baby and the nursing mother. Allergy on the face appears on foods high in protein, eggs and vegetables. A hypoallergenic diet helps to quickly get rid of negative symptoms. Mommy must exactly follow all her principles.

A food allergy can only be cured if the food that caused the negative reaction is completely excluded from the diet. After a certain period, it is allowed to re-enter them into the diet. In this case, the reaction of the body is monitored for 48 hours.

Moms are faced with the question of how to treat individual intolerance to the crumbs.

Only a doctor can choose the right course of treatment. Enterosgel is often used to eliminate itching and red spots. The medication is available in the form of a paste and helps to remove toxins from the body and directly the allergens themselves.

If the baby is already one month old, then food allergies can be treated with Fenistil. It is advisable to use the drug in case of extensive skin lesions. The active ingredients quickly and effectively relieve inflammation.

Drops of Zirtek or Fenistil help to eliminate lacrimation and swelling of the eyes. The latter option often causes a side effect. If the allergy is accompanied by a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is advisable to take activated charcoal.

Zirtex - drops from lacrimation with allergies

If children develop a rash due to the use of food, then it is not allowed to give them Suprastin and Tavegil. The drugs have pronounced antihistamine properties. Their action can be noticed almost immediately, and the effect after discontinuation of the drug also becomes invisible. Most pills have a long list of side effects. Against their background, there is a disorder in the work of nerve cells. The baby becomes lethargic and loses coordination of movements.

What to do if a negative reaction occurs in a child on an artificial or mixed feeding option? To eliminate it, it is enough to choose a mixture that does not include cow's milk. That is why parents are advised to carefully study the composition of any product before buying it. Complementary foods should not be introduced early. Otherwise, an allergy will appear, which will negatively affect the development of the crumbs.

List of prohibited products

Parents need to know not only how long a negative reaction manifests itself in a child. Additionally, foods high in protein should also be excluded from the mother's diet. In this group, milk and chocolate are especially dangerous. Quite often, allergies occur against the background of the use of mushrooms and nuts by a nursing mother. A negative reaction is caused by certain varieties of fish, citrus fruits and red berries.

Preventing the development of allergies is simple - it is enough to follow the basic dietary requirements that a pediatrician puts forward for a woman. In this case, it will be possible to avoid negative consequences and deterioration in the general health of the baby.

While breastfeeding, a woman is allowed to eat the following foods:

• natural fermented milk products with a low percentage of fat content;
• hard cheese;
• from cereals, your choice should be stopped at buckwheat, oatmeal and corn;
• only light-colored fruits and vegetables are allowed;
• low fat fish
• vegetable oil in a small amount;
• chicken or turkey broths.

It will be possible to avoid allergies only if the following foods are excluded from the diet:

• mushrooms;
• all kinds of nuts;
• whole milk products;
• purchased sweets and honey;
• exotic seafood and caviar;
• bright fruits and vegetables;
• all kinds of citrus fruits;
• black coffee and tea;
• hot spices, onions, garlic;
• pickles and marinades;
• recipes with a high content of dyes, preservatives and synthetic substances;
• fast food;
• drinks with gas or alcohol.

It will be possible to avoid an allergic reaction in the first months of a baby's life only if you eat exclusively stewed or boiled food. Fatty and fried foods should be excluded from the diet for this period. Mom must drink plenty of fluids. If she has any questions, then you should immediately contact your pediatrician with them.

Cow's milk should not be given to a child under one year of age.

Prevention of food allergies

A hypoallergenic diet must be followed in the first month after the baby is born. New dishes are introduced gradually, starting from the third month. Allergies tend to be inherited. However, the negative product may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the crumbs.

New foods are introduced into the diet only after the end of the adaptation process. No more than one food item is allowed to be tasted at a time. An allergic reaction in a baby can occur within two days. During this period, parents should be extremely attentive to the health of the crumbs.

When introducing a product into the diet, it should be tasted in small quantities. If there is a negative reaction, it is not allowed to enter the diet for at least another month. After the expiration of this period, the attempt is allowed to be repeated.

A woman should try to extend the lactation period as much as possible. This product contains all vitamins and minerals necessary for the baby. Thanks to milk, the immune system is properly formed, which is necessary in the fight against viruses and bacteria. The lactation product contains the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals. Milk is quickly and efficiently absorbed in the digestive system of the crumbs.

If the baby is on a mixed diet, then you need to choose the right mixture. It must exactly match the age and other needs of the baby's body. In the presence of allergies, it is necessary to change the product in the future.

It is best to introduce complementary foods from the age of six months. At the first stage, mommy prepares mashed vegetables. This is perfect for zucchini or broccoli. To date, these vegetables are considered the safest for the baby's digestive system. It is allowed to use cottage cheese and kefir during this period. Such dishes have many similarities with mother's milk. We should not forget that each child has his own individual characteristics. Mom should carefully monitor the reaction of his body and, if necessary, change the specification of complementary foods.

Quite often, an allergy in a baby occurs if his mother fed him porridge with milk. Such a dish is allowed to try for the first time no earlier than three months. The first complementary foods must be prepared without fail on the water. If a negative reaction does not occur, then it is allowed to increase the portion. You can use cow's milk from six months. If you plan to cook semolina, then it should not contain gluten that is harmful to the body. Some experts, on the contrary, are convinced that animal milk can be used in dishes from only one year old.

The family should lead an exceptionally healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to spend more time outdoors and do gymnastics regularly. Swimming and hardening have a positive effect on the baby's body. They strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of serious diseases.

During breastfeeding, a woman is advised to follow a special diet. She will have to cook tasty and healthy dishes from limited products. We recommend that you find out in advance the features of nutrition in this period. Only in this case will it be possible to avoid serious consequences in the future.

The first complementary foods should consist only of hypoallergenic foods.

In a baby, an allergy can occur not only to food. There are frequent cases of negative reactions to dust, cosmetics and drugs. Parents should organize conditions for the crumbs in which there will be no place for allergens. It is recommended that immediately after discharge from the hospital, take flowers out of the apartment and remove animals. Soap and other household chemicals should only be used by children. Bed linen should not be made from natural materials (down and feather), because they often provoke an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions in children are becoming more common. This is due to the abundance of allergenic products, and to poor ecology, and to the hereditary factor. Previously, this disease was less common, and there is a logical explanation for this: the majority of the population lived in rural areas, where food was exclusively natural.

Now there are many drugs to relieve allergy symptoms, nutrition is adjusted by a special diet. These methods improve the quality of life of allergic children and adults and effectively cope with attacks of the disease.

Causes of food allergies in children

An allergy is a response of the human immune system to certain substances. They are not dangerous, but for some reason the body perceives them as alien and actively fights them. Allergies in children occur for various reasons:

• The state of the immune system. The children's body is affected by many external factors, some of them cause an immune response.
• Heredity. If parents suffer from allergic reactions, the likelihood that they will appear in children is very high.
• Bad environmental situation. It's no secret that the state of the environment, especially in cities, leaves much to be desired. This cannot but affect children's health. By the way, there are much fewer allergic children growing up in villages and villages than in the city. This fact is explained by the fact that rural children from an early age have contact with a huge number of potential allergens (animal hair, bird fluff, plant pollen), to which the body reacts adequately.
• intrauterine factors. Hypoxia during pregnancy, an abundance of strong allergenic substances in food, smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs (we recommend reading:). All these factors have an extremely negative effect on the fetus and provoke various disorders.

What causes allergies in children:

• Any food can provoke such reactions. The most allergenic are chicken eggs, cow's milk, chocolate, nuts, soy, fish, seafood, citrus fruits, pineapples, honey, mustard, red fruits and vegetables, beef, coffee, etc. The immune system reacts negatively to a foreign protein contained in products.
• Medicines. Theoretically, any drug can cause an allergy, but the most dangerous are those that contain sweet syrup or herbal ingredients. Often there is such a reaction to antibiotics and vitamins. That is why many medicines for babies are available in the form of candles.
• Contact allergies are caused by contact of the baby's skin with certain substances. Usually it is children's cosmetics, synthetic materials, creams and soaps.
• household allergies. It is caused by dust, pet hair and saliva, home or dish cleaning chemicals, laundry detergent, etc.
• Seasonal allergies. Occurs on pollen, poplar fluff. Insect bites can also provoke such reactions. Bees and wasps are especially dangerous, their bites cause severe swelling. As a rule, such an allergy is combined with intolerance to honey. There is an allergic reaction to the sun and cold.

How does a food allergy manifest in an infant?

Together with food, allergens enter the intestines, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause characteristic symptoms. Allergy makes itself felt from different organs and systems. The reaction appears 1-2 hours after contact with the substance or accumulates gradually with prolonged exposure and will manifest itself after a few days. With contact allergies, the reaction is noticeable immediately.

How to understand that a newborn baby has an allergic reaction, because he still cannot talk about what worries him? What signs should parents look out for, including in older children? The symptoms of an allergic reaction are the same for everyone:

• the child often cries, is naughty, does not sleep well;
• he has a poor appetite;
• rashes appear on the body, which can itch or get wet;
• rash on the face, mainly around the mouth and on the cheeks;

• mucous membranes swell - allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, coughing appear;
• the skin is flaky;
• yellowish scales form on the head;
• redness in different parts of the body;
• diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas formation, frequent regurgitation;
• angioedema, anaphylactic shock with a strong reaction of the body to an allergen.

An allergic reaction in infants up to a year old can manifest itself in diapers, synthetic clothing or a mixture. This must be taken into account when determining the allergen.

Let's try to identify the allergen

An allergist will need to establish an accurate diagnosis. The doctor must make sure that the child is really suffering from an allergy, and not another disease with similar symptoms (for example, helminth infection or gastrointestinal disorders). What methods are used to make a diagnosis:

• Examination and questioning of parents - when signs appeared, what they are expressed in, whether their appearance is dependent on the use of any products or contact with substances.
• A skin test will determine which substance the baby's body is reacting to. Various allergens are applied to the skin with a sharp medical instrument, and in case of an allergy, after a certain time, swelling or redness appears in this place. How allergic tests are carried out can be seen in the photo.
• A blood test shows the level of immunoglobulin and the presence of antibodies.

A skin test is done for children from 5 years of age. However, she will not always give an answer, what exactly caused the reaction of the child's immune system. The analysis reveals the most common allergens (eggs, milk, fungi, bacteria, fish, bee and wasp venom, etc.), and theoretically, an allergy can appear on anything. In such a situation, it is better for parents to rely on their own observations of the condition of the baby and carefully consider the preparation of the diet.

Treatment of food allergies in children

To cure a food allergy, the first step is to eliminate contact with the allergen that caused the reaction. This applies not only to food, but to chemicals, drugs, and cosmetics. If a food allergy manifests itself in a baby up to a year old, all suspicious foods should be removed from the mother's diet (for more details, see the article:). During the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is forbidden to introduce new food as complementary foods.

A pediatric allergist will prescribe medications to eliminate the signs of allergies and to remove pathogenic substances from the body as soon as possible. Compliance with the requirements of a specialist will save the baby from the manifestations of the disease. Some allergic reactions are temporary and disappear as the immune system strengthens and the enzymatic system matures.

Emergency help

When going with children on a trip or on a picnic, be sure to put antihistamines in the first-aid kit - Fenistil, Zodak, Zirtek or others. They will help both in case of mild allergies and as first aid for Quincke's edema before the ambulance arrives.

This pathological condition rarely appears in children who have never suffered from allergies. As a rule, edema develops when there have already been reactions to various substances, and is expressed by severe swelling of the mouth, larynx, and genitals. Ears, lips, eyelids and tongue increase in size, the temperature rises. Sometimes vomiting, paralysis, seizures are possible.

The mortal danger is that the child may suffocate. Similar symptoms accompany anaphylactic shock. Foam from the mouth, cyanosis of the lips, numbness of the face are added to them. It is important in the very first minutes of the onset of symptoms to give the child any allergy remedies at hand and call an ambulance. Fortunately, such conditions rarely occur, but parents of allergy sufferers need to know how to provide first aid to a child in such situations.

Pharmacy preparations

The choice of antihistamines in the pharmacy is very large. The attending physician will determine which drug is right for your child, and select the appropriate dosage:

• Suprastin. In addition to the main action, it also has antiemetic properties and relieves spasms. This tool has been developed for a long time and has a number of side effects - it causes drowsiness, palpitations, dry mucous membranes, headache. Allowed for children up to a year.
• Diazolin. Also a first generation drug. Has a sedative effect. Designed for children from one year old.
• Zyrtec (we recommend reading:). New generation drug. Available in drops. It does not have a sedative effect and is approved for use from 6 months.
• Fenistil. Available in drops and in the form of a gel. When applied topically, it relieves itching and eliminates redness. It can be used for children from 1 month.
• Psilo balm. Reduces redness and puffiness. Used in children from 2 years.
• Dimedrol. This is a very strong remedy, so it is used for children (including newborns) only in critical situations, as directed by a doctor.

In addition to antihistamines, the doctor will prescribe enterosorbents, with the help of which allergenic substances are removed from the body.

In case of food allergies, doctors must prescribe enterosorbent Enterosgel as a course to remove allergens. The preparation is a gel saturated with water. It gently envelops the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, collects allergens from them and removes them from the body. An important advantage of Enterosgel is that allergens are firmly bound to the gel and are not released in the intestinal calves located below. Enterosgel, as a porous sponge, absorbs predominantly harmful substances without interacting with beneficial microflora and microelements, so it can be taken for more than 2 weeks.

Sometimes a cleansing enema is needed. With nasal congestion, you can drip vasoconstrictor drops (Vibrocil, Nazivin).

Folk remedies

It is not worth treating a child with alternative medicine without a doctor's prescription, because many medicinal herbs themselves are strong allergens. Self-medication can lead to severe manifestations of allergies.

Folk remedies relieve skin symptoms, relieve itching. Baths with a decoction of celandine, succession, chamomile or calendula help well. However, you can take such baths every 3 days so that the baby does not experience excessive dryness of the skin. You should start with one herb to determine if you are allergic to it. Time gradually increases from 5 to 15 minutes.

You can carry out wiping with decoctions of medicinal herbs - bay leaf, St. John's wort, mint, oak bark. The broth should not be too steep. Treatment of the affected areas will relieve inflammation, heal the skin, and remove peeling.

Diet as a prerequisite for treatment

With food allergies, it is very important to follow a diet. Without it, no medicines will save the baby from the symptoms of the disease. What foods can a child eat:

• Rye bread;
• cereals - buckwheat, corn, rice;
• chicken, turkey, rabbit meat;
• cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli (see also:);
• green apples;
• butter, low-fat dairy products;
• olive, sunflower oil;
• dried fruits and compote from them, rose hips.

Excluded from the menu: chicken eggs, cow's milk, honey, coffee, chocolate, fish, red fruits and other allergenic foods. This also applies to the diet of a nursing mother, if an allergy occurs in a newborn.

Food must be steamed or in the oven, stewing is allowed. No need to add spices to it. Products must be fresh, conservation should be excluded from the diet. In order for the baby to receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients, they make up a complete menu together with a nutritionist.

When the baby is just starting to receive complementary foods, you need to be especially careful about the manifestations of allergic reactions to new foods. It is best for mom to start a food diary, where she will write down every day all the new foods that her child receives.

Children with allergies should not introduce complementary foods before 6 months. If the pediatrician insists on complementary foods due to insufficient weight gain, then it is better to start with hypoallergenic foods: mashed zucchini, cauliflower, buckwheat and corn porridge (more in the article:). Give a new product in the morning, so as not to miss the symptoms of allergies, and always start with half a teaspoon. For the first time, potentially allergenic food should be introduced from 7-8 months (meat, eggs, kefir).

If an allergic reaction occurs in the form of skin rashes, itching, redness, nasal discharge or lacrimation, a new product should be removed from the menu. Before trying something new, you should wait about a week until the unpleasant symptoms pass.

How long does it take for symptoms to go away?

In the question of how long the allergy in children passes, it all depends on the health of the child, the degree of damage and the allergen that caused the reaction. In some babies, the symptoms are easily treatable and disappear in 3-5 days, while others suffer for months, and their condition is difficult to treat.

Food allergies in infants are corrected by the diet of a nursing mother. In the maternity hospital, she is given a list of products that are forbidden to be consumed in the first months (you must definitely exclude coffee, chocolate, fish, red fruits). Potentially allergenic foods should be introduced into the diet no earlier than 7-8 months. Much in the treatment depends on the parents - whether all the doctor's recommendations are followed, whether the child receives prescribed drugs, whether he does not use prohibited foods.

Content

A common and unpleasant problem is an allergy in a baby: the body of a baby has not yet developed the necessary protective reactions, so any allergen - food, fabrics, dust, plant pollen, pet hair - can provoke an allergic reaction. It is often more difficult to treat it than in an adult, so it is important to accurately diagnose the source of irritation and avoid contact of the child with it. What are the causes of irritation and what means can be used without harm to the child, we will consider in this article.

What is an allergy in the baby

It is known that an allergy in infants is a process of increasing the sensitivity of the skin, intestines to certain allergens. It can be of food and non-food origin: absolutely any food product, as well as household phenomena, such as dust, chemicals, pets, can cause an irritable reaction in a child. Allergies in newborns can be manifested by rashes on the body, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory allergies of the respiratory system.

What does an allergy look like in babies?

Irritation can be on the buttocks, stomach and face of the baby, the scalp, eyebrows are flaky. Allergy in infants looks like redness, a small rash, flaky skin, subcutaneous swelling of the mucous membranes, prickly heat, urticaria, diaper rash. If skin manifestations occur, even given the correct, regular care, it is possible that the allergen is to blame.

Allergy in the baby on the face

An allergy appears in a baby on the face in the form of diathesis, a number of characteristic symptoms that are located on the cheeks, forehead, chin, look like red, dry spots of various sizes, rashes, small watery pimples. They appear immediately after eating, or some time after contact with the allergen, then disappear partially or completely.

Such symptoms can cause discomfort in a child: itching, slight burning, tightness of the skin. If the face is affected, you should try not to let the child comb itchy places with your hands, because this can not only spread the rash all over the face and body, but also provoke the appearance of sores, small wounds that take a long time to heal in infants.

Causes of allergies in babies

Among the causes of allergies in infants, reactions of food and non-food origin can be distinguished. An important role is played by heredity: children whose families have repeatedly encountered cases of bronchial asthma, dermatitis, chronic rhinitis, are at an increased risk of developing allergic reactions from birth. Another factor is the timing of breastfeeding and the child's natural immune abilities.

Food allergies in babies

A frequent irritant is the protein found in ready-made milk formulas and even the components that make up breast milk. Food allergies in infants are manifested by rashes on the skin, manifestations from the intestines: frequent regurgitation, loose stools, constipation, abdominal pain. The respiratory system can be complicated by spasms, nasal congestion. You can list the following sources of problems:

1. The diet of a nursing mother includes such foods: chocolate, coffee, mushrooms, fish and seafood, exotic fruits, red vegetables, freshly squeezed concentrated juices, whole cow's milk, chicken eggs, honey, fried and smoked foods, fatty meats, sausages, blue cheese , preservatives, emulsifiers, dyes.
2. Ready-made milk formulas containing protein, lactose, cereals, soy, honey. It is necessary to check the mixture for allergenicity before feeding.
3. Irritation in a child can be a consequence of malnutrition of the mother during pregnancy, diseases, infections, smoking.
4. Overfeeding a child can cause allergies.

contact allergy in infants

An allergy may develop in an infant after interaction with potential irritants: household chemicals, animals, plant pollen. Even with the most careful care, the child is in contact with the environment and develops responses that do not always go unnoticed. Contact allergies in infants can be triggered by the following:

• dust, mites, bedbugs;
• perfumery, cosmetics (both for children and those used by adults);
• indoor plants;
• pets (any, even hairless);
• household chemicals (washing powders, dishwashing detergents, air fresheners).

How to determine what a baby is allergic to

Diagnostic methods vary depending on the age of the child. To determine what the baby is allergic to, special tests, laboratory tests by specialists will help: a pediatrician, an allergist, a nutritionist. After a year, children are given special skin tests, tests to identify an irritant: various substances are applied to the skin and the reaction is observed. How to identify an allergen in a baby:

• inspection;
• survey of parents regarding the products consumed, mother's diet;
• blood tests (checking the level of immunoglobulin E, eosinophils);
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Allergy to protein in infants

Protein is contained both in mother's milk and milk mixtures, in the form of cow's, goat's milk, soy. An allergy to protein in a baby can appear immediately, 10-30 minutes after feeding, or within a few days. The casein protein contained in animal milk is thermostable - that is, it does not break down when heated, children are allergic to it.

If you are allergic to protein, it is important to carefully control the diet of a nursing mother, add more cereals, sour-milk products, lean boiled meat and vegetables, dried fruits, baked apples to it; allergic food should be completely excluded. For such children, milk formulas are made with a protein content of not more than 3.5 kDa; when switching to a full-fledged diet, they start with mashed white and green vegetables.

Allergy to formula in infants

Most formulas for artificial feeding include cow's milk, because it is similar to women's; less often - goat or soy products. You need to carefully read the contents on the package, avoid allergic products. Allergy to the mixture in infants can be caused by cereals, which are contained in artificial nutrition. If symptoms are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and individually select a hypoallergenic mixture.

How long does an allergy take

If you exclude the allergen from the diet or the area of ​​​​exposure, the allergy does not go away very quickly, in a few weeks. A common cause of rashes on the body of an infant is primary hormonal changes, the adaptation of the body to the conditions of the outside world, after the first contact with water, various substances. In this case, the diet may not have a visible effect and the reaction goes away on its own. If the problem is in a specific allergen, then medicinal ointments, drops, baths for bathing can speed up recovery.

Treatment of allergies in infants

How to treat an allergy in a baby is a complex issue that requires a detailed analysis of the causes and features of its manifestation. With the defeat of several areas at the same time, it is better to immediately apply complex, drug therapy. Such treatment of allergies in infants includes the elimination of signs of irritation, intestinal disorders, runny nose, bronchial wheezing, a mandatory diet for mother and child. A strict hypoallergenic regimen should be observed for the first 2 weeks, then the menu should be adjusted by adding proven, tolerable foods to it.

If the signs of allergy are strong and cause discomfort to the child, then it is better to perform all procedures under the supervision of a doctor, after choosing the appropriate method of treatment. The timing of adding complementary foods, vegetable and fruit mixtures to the diet should not be violated: earlier complementary foods can cause prolonged allergies, and prolonged breastfeeding can bring a lot of complications in the future.

Allergy remedy for babies

To combat allergic irritation, it is permissible to use individual medications designed specifically for infants. They are prescribed if the diet and restriction of contact with the allergen do not have the desired result. Of all the anti-allergy remedies for babies, antihistamines, hormonal, adsorbents, local remedies, preparations for restoring the intestinal microflora are effective. It is important to study the composition of the drugs used: they may contain even more dangerous allergens. What remedies can help if an allergy in a baby:

• Drops - harmless Fenistil: allowed from the 1st month, has a slight sedative effect, relieves itching, eliminates allergy symptoms, is not addictive. Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Claritin can be taken from the age of 6 months, they have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic effects.
• Ointments - for application to selected, non-inflamed areas of the skin.
• Enterosorbents - for symptoms of intestinal allergies.
• For children under one year old - eye drops Olopatadine, Azelastine, activated charcoal, other drugs without sedatives and other side effects. Charcoal tablets should be dissolved in water, soft-shell capsules can be given to children from two years of age.

Bepanten for allergies

It is known that Bepanten is an external drug for rapid tissue regeneration, healing, and skin moisturizing. It is a soft emulsion that has a dense texture and a characteristic odor; the main active ingredient is dexpanthenol. Bepanten for allergies shows good results: it soothes the skin, fights diaper rash and redness. Contraindicated only in case of hypersensitivity detected during application; safe and non-toxic.

Antiallergic drugs for babies

For the treatment of various types of irritation in an infant, such forms of drugs as tablets, injections, drops, syrup are prescribed, and most of the drugs are prohibited for children under one year old. An allergist will help you choose the right medications, self-medication in these cases is extremely dangerous and undesirable. Antiallergic drugs for babies are available in liquid form, since small children cannot swallow tablets, they can be crushed into powder and dissolved in water. Antiallergic drugs that should be in the medicine cabinet of every mother are:

• Fenistil-gel is an effective external remedy, relieves itching, does not dry the skin, helps with moderate rashes.
• After six months - Zirtek, Kestin, Claritin, Gismanal, Peritol.
• Aerius with mucosal edema.
• Smecta, Enterosgel for intestinal disorders, Sorbex.
• With dysbacteriosis - Bebinorm, Lineks.
• Azelastine, Ketotifen for children up to 6 months.

What to bathe a child with allergies

With an allergic reaction in an infant, bathing in therapeutic baths can help. This ancient folk method will help soothe itching, inflammation, soften dry skin. You can bathe a child with allergies in solutions of chamomile, succession, calendula; according to reviews, a bay leaf decoction has good results, while it is better to buy all herbs in pharmacies: they must be 100% pure. A few rules of water procedures:

• Use only 1 type of herb to see if the child has an irritant reaction to any of them.
• The first bath should last no longer than 5 minutes, the next - 15 minutes each.
• It is undesirable to use baths for a child more than 2 times a week.
• It is not necessary to rinse with water after the bath, use soap and other products while bathing - this will only spoil the therapeutic effect.
• Herbs such as thuja, broom, celandine, tansy, wormwood should be avoided.
• Strain the decoction before bathing.
• The water temperature for a baby is about 40 degrees.
• The broth should not be too strong.

Photo of an allergy in a baby

Video: How food allergies manifest in infants

Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.