An allergen is a substance that can come in contact with your baby’s body through the skin, nose or food. The baby’s immune system overreacts to the allergen and triggers symptoms, also known as an allergy. These symptoms can be mild or severe.

Allergies are genetic, and your baby might share your allergies. If you have a dust allergy, your baby may or develop an allergic reaction to dust. But, at times many babies still develop an allergic reaction to some allergens, which are not genetic.

Symptoms and Treatment for Seasonal Allergies in Babies

The most common allergies in babies are airborne allergies. The carrier or allergen is airborne.

Pollen: Pollen is one of the most common allergens. Each pollen allergy may exhibit different symptoms. When weeds, grass, trees release their pollen or tiny particles into the air, they make fertilization possible for other plants as well. If your baby inhales the pollen or it comes in contact with his skin, it can lead to an allergy.

Dust: Dust mites are common allergens, usually found on carpets, upholstery, beds, curtains, table mats, etc. These mites are microorganisms living on lifeless skin cells that drop off our bodies every day.

Cockroaches: Cockroaches can also trigger allergies in babies. Keep your kitchen platform clean as food left open will attract cockroaches.

Pets: Cat allergies, dog allergies are very common in babies. Animal saliva, Animal fur or urine, and pet dander are common allergens that could cause allergies in babies.

Cow’s Milk: Studies have shown that almost 2-3 % of babies are allergic to cow’s milk. The allergen is the protein found in cow’s milk or cow’s milk-based formula. However, this allergy outgrows itself as the kid grows up.

Wheat: Wheat allergies can cause illness in babies, but they shouldn’t be confused with gluten allergies.

Peanuts and Tree Nuts: Some babies are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. Your pediatricians may advise you to refrain from feeding your baby nuts if they detect any allergies to peanuts or tree nuts.

Soy: Many babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy and its products.

Eggs: Many babies are allergic to eggs, but babies can outgrow this allergy.

Symptom​s:

Each allergy is different, and the type and severity of the allergy vary from one individual to another. Some of the common symptoms seen in babies include:-

• Itchy eyes and nose
• Sneezing
• Tightness in throat, coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Watery or red eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarse throat
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Hives
• Swelling
• Wheezing
• Skin rashes
• A drop in blood pressure

Allergens can trigger severe symptoms like low blood pressure and others. Severe allergies are quite serious. Seek immediate medical aid if your baby exhibits symptoms like:-

1. ANAPHYLAXIS:- If and allergy leads to symptoms like low blood pressure,vomiting or dizziness, your baby might have anaphylaxis. Wheat, soy or chemical allergies can sometimes lead to anaphylaxis.
2. CONJUNCTIVITIS:- Conjunctivitis is an airborne condition where your baby develops watery or Bloodshot eyes.
3. ECZEMA:- Eczema or atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent and persistent inflammatory skin condition. It is a symptom of many allergies and also indicates the presence of hay fever or asthma.
4. ASTHMA:- Asthma is not an allergic reaction, but a chronic condition, which begins in the lungs. Studies hint that babies who are susceptible to allergies are also asthmatic positive.

Treatments​:

Unfortunately, there are no cures for allergies. What is curable and controllable, is the severity of symptoms. As a parent, you should make an effort to keep your baby’s environment allergy free.

When an allergen is unavoidable, doctors may prescribe some medications to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Medications often include:

• OTC medicines
• Nasal sprays
• Eye drops
• Immunotherapy – allergy shot

Prevention:

Allergies and what their usual symptoms are, let’s look at ways to keep your baby safe from allergies. You should consider putting these steps into practice, they include:

• Keep pets away from kids, may be in another room.
• It’s best to fold carpets, rugs and keep them in cupboards for later use.
• Avoid items that could attract dusts, like heavy drapes.
• Clean the room, when your baby is not in that room.
• For babies who are allergic to pollen, its best to keep windows closed.
• For babies allergic to food, avoid feeding him food items in even the slightest quantity.
• If you are feeding your baby with packaged food, always read the ingredients to check for potential allergens.

Fortunately, many babies outgrow most allergies as they get older and eat all sorts of food items. With proper treatment and precautions, you can keep your baby safe and healthy. Did your baby suffer from any allergies? Tell us here! Our readers would love to hear from you.

Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!