What
does an allergic child feel? 
One in five children will suffer from an allergic reaction at some point during their childhood. An allergic child can feel all the symptoms of allergies that an adult can - a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, and skin irritation - but it can be particularly upsetting for a young child, because they often don't understand why they feel bad.
It is now generally agreed that parents who are allergenic are more likely to have children with allergies than non-allergenic parents. For instance, if one parent has allergies, then there is a 50% chance that their child will develop allergies. According to the newly released treatment guidelines for allergic rhinitis, there are certain genetic and environmental factors around the home that can contribute to a child's chances of developing allergies, especially if he/she is a child of allergic parents. These include:
- if your child was formula-fed
- if your child had a low birth weight
- if your child was exposed to dogs, cats, or tobacco smoke in early life
- if you have a family history of food allergies, your baby may be susceptible to them
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology(AAAAI), the following steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence of allergies in children:
- delay exposure to potentially allergenic foods
- delay solid foods until six months of age - then follow a suggested regimen for introducing new foods, waiting until babies systems are more mature can help reduce their odds of suffering from food allergies.
- aggressively control mites, by using protective covers on bedding
- limit exposure to indoor pets early in life
- reduce and eliminate maternal smoking during and after pregnancy
- avoid day care for very young children
Copyright, 1996 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Inc. All rights reserved.
Breast-fed babies have fewer allergies later in life. So, above all, a mother's milk provides a baby with enzymes and antibodies to which formula manufacturers can't even come close. So think of breast milk as the first health food for infants and the first step in preventing allergies for your child.
Once your baby is eating cereal, your doctor will probably OK the introduction of vegetables and fruits, and maybe even plain whole-milk yogurt (which should not cause allergies, as regular cow's milk can). It's important to pace your introduction of new foods to make sure there is no allergic reaction to them. You might want to start with rice or oat cereal (the introduction of wheat cereal is often delayed because it can be highly allergic). Then wait a week before introducing the next food. Here are some of the possible signs of food allergy or reaction:
- bloating or an increase in intestinal gas
- a rash around the mouth or anus
- diarrhea
- runny nose or eyes
- unusual crankiness
If you notice any of these problems, stop feeding your baby the newest food. In very rare cases, babies can have severe allergic reactions to newly introduced foods. Speak to your doctor about any suspected allergic reaction your baby has to a new food. If the reaction is mild, your doctor will probably instruct you to wait one week, then try the food again. If the reaction recurs, your baby probably can't tolerate that food.
Over the counter antihistamines and topical nasal steroids can provide effective relief for allergic reactions in children, but attention must be given to the dosage amounts recommended. Consult your doctor about allergies in babies and children under 2 years of age.
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