Allergies in babies are the same as allergies in adults. The allergic symptoms are the body’s defense response to a chemical, insect, food, drug, or particle in the atmosphere that produces a common set of chemical and physical responses.
Most allergic reactions are caused by an inflammatory response by the immune system that produce mast cells and antibodies that produce extreme responses to common substances that are ingested.
The problem with allergies in babies is that babies cannot speak and cannot tell you how they feel or what symptoms they have so you must determine what their problem is from observation of the symptoms displayed and from the child’s behavior – in this case abnormal behavior.
The symptoms of an allergic condition in babies are runny nose, cold symptoms that last longer than 10 days, excessive drainage of thin mucus, excessive attention by the baby to their nose (rubbing and touching), excessive sneezing, itchy red watery eyes, breathing through the mouth (a stooped up nose), a dry cough, rashes, and skin irritations.
The list of items that can cause an allergic reaction is almost infinite. Medical science is rapidly becoming aware that every person is extremely individual in their genetic makeup and that individuality produces a multitude of allergic responses and conditions.
Many of the substances that cause allergies in babies are common to very household. These allergens include household cleaners, automobile lubricants, feather pillows, wool clothing, and wool blankets.
Allergies in babies can also be triggered by atmospheric pollutants. Cigarette and cigar smoke are a common irritant that can produce an allergic reaction in very sensitive children. Some children are very sensitive to high ozone levels. Particulate pollution like smog or soot can also trigger an allergic reaction in babies.
Pollens of all kinds can cause allergic reactions. Hay fever is a common allergy but some pollens from specific plants can cause a very severe allergic reaction in babies.
Animals can also cause allergies in babies. Some children are allergic to pet dander, dust mites (these exist in every household no matter how clean), and molds of various kinds.
Foods are a common cause of allergies in babies. Eggs and egg products, peanuts, and other foods can cause allergic reactions in babies. Rarely a baby can be allergic to people. This can unfortunately include their parents. The trick to helping your baby if they have an allergy is finding the cause.
First, you should consider what you are allergic to. If you have a specific allergy there is a 50 percent chance that your child has inherited that allergy. If both have the same allergy to the same thing the odds that your child inherited that allergy are higher.
A simple test to determine if your child is having an allergic reaction to something in your home is to change environments. Let your baby stay with your parents or other relatives for a few days and see if the symptoms clear up. If there is an improvement in the symptoms and your pediatrician is sure your child has no disease then there is an allergen in your home or in the environment around your home.
Pediatricians have a standardized test that determines what a baby may be allergic to. These tests cover hundreds of common allergens and a variety of very unique allergens. This testing can identify the cause of your child’s allergy and then you can either remove the cause or your pediatrician can prescribe a drug that will alleviate you baby’s allergy symptoms.