When you’re a parent, having a sick infant can feel scary, especially when you aren’t sure what’s causing their symptoms. Infants are particularly vulnerable to illness, and their symptoms can often be challenging to interpret. For example, allergies often present with similar symptoms as a cold.
Understanding what causes allergies in infants, how to spot the warning signs and the best ways to manage and treat them can help you feel more confident in keeping your baby safe and healthy.
How Common Are Childhood Allergies?
Allergy-related disorders are among the leading diagnoses of chronic diseases in children, with approximately 4% of children having food allergies, 8% having asthma and 15% to 25% having allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
What Are The Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction?
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, itching, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, red or watery eyes and a headache. Food allergies might also cause nausea, vomiting and swelling around the throat, tongue and face. Because infants cannot communicate their feelings, paying attention to the physical signs is essential.
When Should I Consider An Allergy Test?
An allergy test can help determine if your child’s symptoms are the result of allergies and which specific allergens are causing the reaction. Generally, it is wise to consider allergy testing if symptoms persist longer than a week without an identified cause.
What Are My Allergy Test Options?
There are three common methods used to find allergen sensitivities, including:
- Skin tests. The most common type of allergy testing is skin testing, which involves placing a small drop of an allergen onto the skin. A small needle is then used to prick the skin under the drop, allowing a tiny amount of the allergen to enter just below the surface. Skin testing is rarely done on infants under six months old.
- Blood tests. Blood tests involve sending a small sample of your child’s blood to a lab to check for increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, a protein your body produces in response to allergens.
- Elimination diets. Elimination diets are a great way to identify food allergies in infants. Infants can have allergies to formula or react to common food allergens through their mother’s breast milk. To start an elimination diet, cut out highly allergic foods and introduce them back one by one to watch for a reaction. If breastfeeding, you may also need to cut allergic foods out of your diet.
Identifying sensitivities early on can help your child adapt to managing their allergies as they grow. Over time, they’ll easily navigate Spartanburg playgrounds, restaurant menus and other allergen hotbeds. For more information on diagnosing and managing your infant’s allergies, contact Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
