How to treat food allergies in babies

Food Allergies in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is food allergy?

A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food. It is important to know that this is different than a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system, although some of the same symptoms may be present.

What causes food allergy?

Before having a food allergy reaction, a sensitive child must have been exposed to the food at least once before, or could also be sensitized through breast milk. It is the second time your child eats the food that the allergic symptoms happen. At that time, when IgE antibodies react with the food, histamines are released, which can cause your child to experience hives, asthma, itching in the mouth, trouble breathing, stomach pains, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

Food allergy causes an immune system response, causing symptoms in your child that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Food intolerance does not affect the immune system, although some symptoms may be the same as in food allergy.

What foods most often cause food allergy?

Approximately 90 percent of all food allergies are caused by the following eight foods:

Milk
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Tree nuts
Peanuts
Fish
Shellfish

Eggs, milk, and peanuts are the most common causes of food allergies in children, with wheat, soy, and tree nuts also included. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe reactions. Nearly 5 percent of children under the age of five years have food allergies. From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18 percent among children under age 18 years. Although most children "outgrow" their allergies, allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish may be lifelong.

What are the symptoms of food allergy?

Allergic symptoms may begin within minutes to an hour after ingesting the food. The following are the most common symptoms of food allergy. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cramps
Hives
Swelling
Eczema
Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
Itching or tightness in the throat
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Lowered blood pressure

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, it does not take much of the food to cause a severe reaction in highly allergic people. In fact, as little as 1/44,000 of a peanut kernel can cause an allergic reaction for severely allergic individuals.

The symptoms of food allergy may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatment for food allergy

There is no medication to prevent food allergy. The goal of treatment is to avoid the foods that cause the symptoms. After seeing your child's doctor and finding foods to which your child is allergic, it is very important to avoid these foods and other similar foods in that food group. If you are breastfeeding your child, it is important to avoid foods in your diet to which your child is allergic. Small amounts of the food allergen may be transmitted to your child through your breast milk and cause a reaction.

It is also important to give vitamins and minerals to your child if he or she is unable to eat certain foods. Discuss this with your child's doctor.

For children who have had a severe food reaction, your child's health care provider may prescribe an emergency kit that contains epinephrine, which helps stop the symptoms of severe reactions. Consult your child's doctor for further information.

Some children, under the direction of his or her health care provider, may be given certain foods again after three to six months to see if he or she has outgrown the allergy. Many allergies may be short-term in children and the food may be tolerated after the age of 3 or 4.

Milk and soy allergy

Allergies to milk and soy are usually seen in infants and young children. Often, these symptoms are unlike the symptoms of other allergies, but, rather, may include the following:

Often, your child's doctor will change your baby's formula to a soy formula or breast milk if it is thought he or she is allergic to milk. If your child has problems with soy formula, your child's health care provider might change him or her to an easily digested hypoallergenic formula.

The symptoms of a milk or soy allergy may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

Prevention of food allergies

The development of food allergies cannot be prevented, but can often be delayed in infants by following these recommendations:

If possible, breastfeed your infant for the first six months.
Do not give solid foods until your child is 6 months of age or older.
Avoid cow's milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, and fish during your child's first year of life.

Dining out with food allergies

If your child has one or more food allergies, dining out can be a challenge. However, it is possible to have a healthy and satisfying dining-out experience; it just takes some preparation and persistence on your part.

The American Dietetics Association offers these tips for dealing with food allergies when your family is eating away from home:

Know what ingredients are in the foods at the restaurant where you plan to eat. When possible, obtain a menu from the restaurant ahead of time and review the menu items.
Let your server know from the beginning about your child's food allergy. He or she should know how each dish is prepared and what ingredients are used. Ask about preparation and ingredients before you order. If your server does not know this information or seems unsure of it, ask to speak to the manager or the chef.
Avoid buffet-style or family-style service, as there may be cross-contamination of foods from using the same utensils for different dishes.
Avoid fried foods, as the same oil may be used to fry several different foods.

Another strategy for dining out with food allergies is to give your server or the manager a food allergy card. A food allergy card contains information about the specific items your child is allergic to, along with additional information, such as a reminder to make sure all utensils and equipment used to prepare your meal is thoroughly cleaned prior to use. You can easily print these cards yourself using a computer and printer. If your child is eating out with friends and you are not going to be present, give your child a food allergy card (or make sure the adult in charge has one) to give to the server.

Alternately, there are several types of allergy cards available on the internet that can be customized with your child's personal information. One example is the Food Allergy Buddy Dining Card, promoted by the National Restaurant Association.

The Food Allergy Initiative, in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, has developed the Food Allergy Training Program for Restaurants and Food Services. This training program was developed to help restaurants and other food service outlets to ensure their customers, including those with food allergies, will receive a safe meal prepared to customer specifications.

What to do if my baby has an allergic reaction ReadySetFood

Learn how to tell if your baby is having an allergic reaction, and steps you should take if your baby develops one.

Any baby could develop a food allergy, so it’s vital to know the signs of a food allergy, and what to do if your baby reacts to a food.

This guide will cover:

Common signs of allergic reactions in babies
Signs of a mild to moderate food allergic reaction
What to do if your baby has a mild or moderate reaction
Signs of a severe food allergic reaction
What to do if your baby has a severe allergic reaction

Signs of baby food allergies: Mild to moderate reactions

In babies and young children, the two most common signs of a food allergy reaction are:

Hives (red bumps)
Vomiting

Hives could show up anywhere on your baby’s body.

For eczema babies: Hives from a food allergy reaction are different from the red scaly rash that eczema causes. Learn how to tell the difference between a food allergy reaction and eczema here.

Other signs of a mild to moderate food allergy reaction include:

Swelling of the face, lips, and eyes
Itchy, watery eyes
Runny nose
Itching
Skin redness

Symptoms of a food allergy reaction usually start seconds to minutes after your baby eats a food they’re allergic to. They almost always start within 2 hours of eating a problem food.

Keep in mind that symptoms of a food allergy reaction can vary from one reaction to the next. So, you can’t predict what kind of reaction your baby will have each time they eat a food they’re allergic to.

Most importantly, remember that a mild to moderate reaction could quickly turn severe. This is true even if your baby has never had a food allergy reaction before.

Important to note: If your baby has been diagnosed with a food allergy, they are at a higher risk of developing other food allergies so it is still important to continue introducing other allergenic foods.

What should I do if my baby has a mild to moderate reaction?

If your baby has a mild to moderate food allergy reaction:

Stop feeding your baby the food that caused the reaction right away.
Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Closely monitor your baby for signs of a severe allergic reaction. After all, a mild to moderate reaction could quickly turn severe.
If your doctor recommends it, give your baby a children’s antihistamine (like children’s Zyrtec).

Always talk to your doctor first, because many allergy medicines aren’t made for children under 2 years old.

Your doctor may also prescribe an Epi-pen, in case your baby has another reaction that turns severe.

A Note about Benadryl: Please always consult your doctor first. Children’s Zyrtec can be preferred over Benadryl since Benadryl is short acting and can cause drowsiness or hyperactivity in some babies. Zyrtec can create more of a steady state with fewer side effects. Benadryl or Zyrtec is only recommended in infants who are having a mild reaction such as localized hives, redness. Benadryl or Zyrtec will not stop anaphylaxis from happening. Only epinephrine can stop anaphylaxis.

Benadryl or Zyrtec will not stop anaphylaxis; only epinephrine can stop anaphylaxis.

Again, Benadryl or Zyrtec is only recommended for mild reactions.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction

Symptoms of a severe food allergic reaction can include:

Swelling of the tongue
Swelling or tightness of the throat
Difficulty breathing
Noisy breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent coughing
Wheezing
Difficulty vocalizing
Change in voice or cry
Pale appearance
Dizziness
Fainting /collapse
Diarrhea
Feeling floppy (infants and young children only)

When the symptoms of a food allergic reaction are severe, and involve more than one organ system, this is known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

What should I do if my baby has a severe allergic reaction?

If your baby has a severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis:

Stop feeding your baby the food that caused the reaction right away.

Lay baby flat in your arms.

Never hold them upright.
Do not let them stand or walk.

If your baby has fainted, or is vomiting, lay them on their side.
If your baby has difficulty breathing, sit them up.

If you have an Epi-pen (epinephrine auto-injector), use it immediately.

It’s crucial that you give your baby the Epi-pen as soon as possible. Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis.
Pop off the cap, and make a fist as you hold the Epi-pen.

Don’t put your thumb on either end.

Hold your baby and their leg still.
Then, use the Epi-pen by pushing the needle end down on your baby’s thigh.

Listen for the click.
Hold the Epi-pen down on their thigh for 10 seconds, then release.

Keep track of the exact time you used the Epi-pen.

Urgently call 911.

Let the 911 operator know that your baby is having an anaphylactic reaction.
Ask for an ambulance.

If you used an Epi-pen, let the ambulance staff know when you used it.

Give the used Epi-pen to the staff.

Be aware: your baby could develop a second reaction after the first severe allergic reaction.

This second reaction is called a "biphasic" reaction.
A biphasic reaction happens when symptoms improve, but then get worse, 4-24 hours after the first allergic reaction.

If your baby develops a biphasic reaction, or if symptoms of the first reaction don't improve after you use an Epi-pen, your baby will need a second dose of epinephrine from a new Epi-pen.

This is why it’s important to have two Epi-pens ready at all times.

Introducing Allergens

Food allergy reactions are scary, but parents can introduce allergens safely and easily with Ready. Set. Food! According to new clinical guidelines, it is recommended to introduce infants to common allergens foods early and often, between 4-11 months of age. In fact, before your baby turns 1 is the safest time to introduce these foods, according to recent research.

Learn more about why Ready. Set. Food! is a safe early allergen introduction option that works for every family.

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All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your baby’s health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your infant has severe eczema, check with your infant’s healthcare provider before feeding foods containing ground peanuts.

Food allergy in children.

How is it manifested and how to treat?

According to WHO, approximately 40% of the world's population has allergies in the 21st century. Mankind suffers from skin allergies, allergies to insect bites, to sunlight and cold. However, the “leader” of the rating is food allergies. And most of all, she worries children - both babies and older kids, and teenagers.

The disease only seems insignificant. She learned to "disguise" herself as other ailments, so not every parent is able to recognize her. How to get rid of allergies, we have already told. Today we will talk about food allergies. Why can one child eat everything without harm to health, while another completely harmless chocolate causes allergies?

What is a food allergy?

A child's food allergy is when the body reacts to one or more foods. During an allergy, the immune system accepts protein or other substances in food not as useful, but as very dangerous and harmful. Against the "enemy" immunity immediately builds protection by producing antibodies.

Each organism and immunity is individual, so it is very difficult to predict the child's reaction to the product. But some foods still cause a reaction more often than others.

From citrus fruits to dried apricots and plums - high allergenic and low allergenic foods

Foods that cause allergies in a child are divided into highly allergenic, moderately allergenic and low allergenic foods. However, doctors remind: it is not at all necessary that oranges will cause a reaction, but pears will not. Each situation is purely individual.

How does food allergy manifest itself in children? 3 main symptoms

Food allergy manifests itself differently in children of different ages. But parents should know the general symptoms of the disease: the child does not want anything, is naughty, sleeps poorly and anxiously at night, and suffers from lack of sleep during the day.

At the same time, the disease also has its own characteristic alarming "signals". Some appear more frequently, others less frequently. What are the 3 main signs of food allergies in children.

Skin reaction

Most food allergies in children are indicated by redness. Pink dots, bubbles and red spots appear. The rash may continue with itching - from this the child sleeps and eats poorly.

Respiratory system

Food allergy in children manifests itself in the respiratory system through a runny nose and nasal congestion, pain and sore throat, cough. With a strong reaction, edema appears. This is a reason to urgently call an ambulance.

Gastrointestinal

Allergy disrupts the child's stomach and intestines. The baby is worried about colic, bloating. Older children feel sick and vomit, there is pain in the abdomen.

Food allergy in children. Looking for causes

Why do children develop food allergies? There are several reasons for the appearance of allergic reactions.

1. Immaturity of the child's digestive system

In babies, everything is just starting to work, so it is difficult for the body to cope with digesting proteins. Even small amounts of allergens can lead to a serious reaction.

2. Irrational introduction of complementary foods

Incorrect or early introduction of new foods into the baby's diet can cause allergies. Too much food can also cause an adverse reaction in the body. Therefore, everything new should be given to the baby one at a time, starting with one teaspoon.

An allergy in an infant can manifest itself due to breast milk - if the mother has eaten a new or allergenic product the day before. But here, too, everything is individual.

3. Heredity

Food allergies in children sometimes manifest themselves due to unfavorable heredity. Parents suffer from allergies, and not necessarily food. The risk of developing this disease in a child increases significantly.

4. Ecology

Poor environmental ecology can also affect a child's allergies. These are air and air pollution, climate change, lack of landscaping in cities, the emergence of unnatural food and substitute products.

5. Bad habits

The risk of allergic reactions increases the presence of bad habits. We are talking about smoking, the use of alcohol or drugs, both by the child and the mother during gestation.

Treating food allergies

How to treat food allergies in a child? There are two types of therapy - diet and medication. The treatment program for each child is individual, it will be helped by a pediatrician and narrow specialists - a nutritionist and an allergist.

Diet

Diet is very important in treating a child's food allergy. First, it is necessary, of course, to limit the child from the use of products that cause allergic reactions. Parents should not forget that the diet should be balanced. No need to give up foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.

If we are talking about a child who is breastfed, the mother needs to think over the diet.

Complementary foods, as we mentioned earlier, should be started gradually. If a child suffers from allergies, then highly allergenic foods - cow's milk, nuts, chicken eggs - doctors advise giving the baby only when he is two years old.

Medications

Doctors usually prescribe antihistamines and adsorbents to relieve food allergy symptoms in children. Creams and ointments will help get rid of redness and skin itching. Parents of the baby should strictly monitor the timely intake of medications and prevent an overdose of the drug.

Allergies can also be cured within the walls of a sanatorium. In the sanatorium "Mashuk Aqua-Therm" there is a special children's program Treatment of food allergies.

January 13, 2020 | allergy | children's programs

Treatment of food allergies in children at the Fantasy Clinic in Moscow

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