Managing food allergies and intolerances in babies

Food allergies and intolerances in babies have become quite common and almost 1 in 12 babies suffer from them. So, it is very essential for mothers to take proper care of their babies regarding food. Your baby can have food allergies if you have a family history of food allergy, hay fever, asthma or eczema.

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What is food allergy?

Food allergies in babies occur when their immune system has an adverse reaction to harmless proteins in food and produces antibodies. The immune system responds to the food as toxic. It occurs immediately or after some time of having food.

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Symptoms of food allergy:

  • Redness on skin and dermatitis
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy eyes and mouth
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps
  • Swollen face and eyelids
  • Swollen tongue and lips
  • Frequent crying and distress
  • Persistent cough, difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, shortness of breath and hoarse voice is called anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening food allergy

The most common foods that causes allergy in babies are:

  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Peanut

What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance in babies is caused by some substance present in the food they eat. It is not caused by the immune system responding to the food. Often, food intolerance occurs after two days of having the intolerance prone substance in food.

Symptoms of food intolerance:

  • Skin redness and dermatitis
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

The most common form of food intolerance that occurs in babies are:

  • Milk or lactose intolerance
  • Some react to strawberries
  • Tomato can also cause food intolerance

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Food allergies and intolerances in babies can be controlled in the following ways:

  • Avoid the food: It is very important to avoid the food that causes allergies and intolerance in your baby. So, you should be aware of these foods. Carefully read the food labels and see if words like ‘whey’, ‘casein’ etc. are there. Presence of such words means, having the product can lead to allergies.
  • Have an emergency plan: Parents should speak to their doctor to give them an emergency plan which will help them to recognise allergies and intolerances and if medical attention is needed or no

Diagnosing food allergies or intolerances

If you find that your baby is having a food allergy or intolerance and not getting better, you should always consult your doctor. If the allergies and intolerances are not mild, they will be cured by taking the prescribed medicines. Some tests may need to be done, as well. As mothers breastfeed their babies, they should not eat the foods that causes allergies and intolerances during the pregnancy and breasting period.

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Allergies and Intolerances during Pregnancy – How to avoid them?

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful stages of a woman’s life. But being pregnant doesn’t only mean taking care of the baby, but taking care of self, as well. Taking care of self is one of the vital things during pregnancy. And, if you have allergies, you should consult your doctor regarding the same. Because when you stay fit and healthy, only then will the baby receive all the vital nutrients required for proper development.

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Image Courtesy:  http://www.livestrong.com/article/351157-lactose-intolerance-in-pregnancy/

 

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a response by the body’s immune system to allergen, which may not be very harmful. Some people are sensitive to the allergens and get affected when exposed to them. Though most of the allergies are mild and don’t do much harm, some are severe and life-threatening. The life-threatening ones are known as Anaphylaxis. Food allergies are the most common form of allergy which occur during pregnancy.

Food Allergies and Food Intolerances

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Food allergies are not to be mistaken with food intolerances. Though seemingly similar, each has different signs and symptoms. But it is very difficult to differentiate between the two. The following will help you know the difference:

  • Food allergies occur when the immune system of the body reacts abnormally to certain foods. Food intolerances, however, don’t have an allergic reaction.
  • Allergic reactions happen quickly while the symptoms of food intolerance usually manifest a few hours after having food.
  • In case of food allergy, even a small amount of the food can cause allergic reaction. But the case is not same for food intolerance.

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Symptoms of Food Allergy:

  • Vomiting
  • Itching and tingling
  • Swelling of mouth, lips and throat
  • Constipation
  • Atopic eczema
  • Loose motion
  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • Tiredness
  • Poor growth


Symptoms of Food Intolerance:

  • Diarrhoea or loose stool
  • Bloating and tummy pain
  • Skin rashes and itching

How to Avoid Allergies and Intolerances?

Change in the hormonal level during pregnancy leads to change in allergy symptoms. Pregnant women should note the following to help avoid allergies and intolerances.

  • Avoid food that causes allergy and intolerance
  • Consult your doctor if you are allergic to certain foods
  • Take medications for allergy and intolerance as per your doctor’s advice
  • Check the medication information if it is suitable for use or not during pregnancy
  • Make a list of your allergic and intolerance factors
  • Inform emergency staff about your allergies
  • Ensure all your medicines are easily accessible
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking

Remember, it is very essential for pregnant women to take care of their own health along with the baby in the womb.

References:

http://patient.info/health/food-allergy-and-intolerance

http://www.babble.com/pregnancy/food-allergies-2/

http://www.allergyuk.org/causes-and-risks-of-allergy/allergies-during-pregnancy?cookieaccept=true