Those who suffer from allergies are accustomed to checking the pollen count and grabbing tissues before they leave their home. Adults with allergies do not often encounter problems because they are able to control their symptoms. Babies can also have allergies, but they are unable to cope with their symptoms like adults.
If one or both parents have allergies, a baby will be at increased risk of developing their own allergies within the first year of age. If you have allergies, your baby can develop allergies that are different from yours. Children can also get allergies even if both parents have none. It is important for parents to know why their children may have allergies, as well as how to prevent and treat their symptoms.
Nasal allergies
Nasal allergies are often associated with a constantly runny nose in adults and children. Other common signs of this type of allergy are red, itchy eyes and clear mucus. Children will not usually develop outdoor allergies, like those caused by pollen or ragweed, until they are three years old. However, babies can be allergic to dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
You can begin preventing your baby’s allergies by first paying attention to what may trigger them. Once you have found the source, begin eliminating it from your household. If your child is allergic to mold or dust mites, clean your house regularly and thoroughly. This includes washing all fabric materials and cleaning in hard to reach places. If pet dander is causing the allergic reactions, be sure to remove as much hair as possible from all surfaces.
Allergy treatment options for nasal allergies include creating a space where no pets are allowed for your baby to spend most of their time. You should also prevent pets from entering your baby’s bedroom. If mold or dust is an issue, be sure to follow precautionary steps to treat the allergy symptoms. Finally, if these measures do not work, your pediatrician may recommend medication for allergy treatment.
Food allergies
Many children are allergic to peanuts, but there are other foods that cause reactions, including milk, eggs, fish, wheat, and soy. Typically, food allergies are not noticed in babies until they begin to eat solid foods. Be careful when introducing your baby to new foods and pay attention to any reactions they may have, Food allergies can cause small reactions like sores around the mouth or dangerous reactions like closing of the throat.
Although you may not be able to prevent your child from having allergic reactions to food, you can take preventative steps. Introducing new food types slowly and carefully is the best way to see if your baby has a food allergy. You can also breastfeed your baby to possibly help delay or even prevent food allergies from occurring.
Treating food allergies can be easier than treating nasal allergies. First, take your baby to the pediatrician to get allergy testing. If a food allergy is identified, immediately eliminate the allergen from your child’s diet. Other allergy treatments that you can use will depend upon the severity of your child’s allergy and their age. Medications can be used to treat food allergy symptoms that are both slight and severe.
Childhood eczema
Eczema is considered to be one of the first signs that your baby will develop allergies. This condition causes red, itchy spots on the skin that can sometimes keep your baby awake at night. Fortunately, childhood eczema often diminishes as your child gets older.
Preventing eczema can be as simple as eliminating perfumed products from your household. Choose products labeled as “fragrance-free” rather than those labeled “unscented,” as these typically contain perfumes that mask other smells.
Allergy treatment for eczema includes bathing your baby every day. Use mild hygiene products that are fragrance-free and pat-dry your baby after their bath. Then, to keep their skin hydrated, apply a gentle moisturizing ointment or cream. You can use an oatmeal bath to treat the symptoms of eczema, but this will not remove the bacteria that cause the condition. If these treatment methods do not work, schedule an appointment for allergy testing with your pediatrician. A professional can offer advice and medical treatments to help with the symptoms and causes of eczema.
Finding the best pediatrician for your child
If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is important. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.
