Food allergies in infants and young children
In recent years it has caused an increasing awareness of the number of illnesses and complaints, or contributed to, the presence of allergies. Allergies are very common. Conservative estimates are that twenty percent of the population is allergic to something. However, if we consider smaller allergies such as hay fever, eczema and minor food intolerances, the true incidence of allergies or intolerances and may well be much higher. It is believed that changes in the Western diet in the last 100-200 years – increased, in particular the refinement of food, with food additives, and the consumption of animal products and the presence of pollution and have contributed significantly to the prevalence contributed all forms of allergic disease .
Allergies are very common and cause severe reactions. Intestinal tract and the immune system of the child must be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. The introduction of solid foods is too early or present, foods that cause problems likely to quickly result in the baby immature stress systems. With the introduction of solid foods should be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions. This article describes the symptoms of allergic reactions and how to minimize these children.
What is an allergy?
The word means a “modified response” and an allergic individual usually suffers from physical symptoms (such as headaches and migraines, vomiting, rashes, asthma) when he or she is in contact with substances sensitive to. Substance causing the reaction is an allergen and can house dust, dog and cat fur, a food / and be a chemical / s or a bacterium – to name a few. In this article we look at food allergies.
As solid foods are introduced, a child is “allergic” to wheat have one, for example, and develop diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weakness, runny nose, or even a slight ear infection, asthma and eczema. The cause of these symptoms are often not recognized and treated even as a transient infection if the problem is a runny nose or earache. Offending foods continue to be offered and the child recovered normally relatively acute symptoms, although it may be persistent symptoms low. At a later time (days, months, years later), or following periods of stress or infection, or simply by a gradual failure to stay healthy, develop the symptoms.
When food deprived, symptoms usually disappear within three to five days, though sometimes, especially in children that will last as long as three weeks can. It can also be marked withdrawal symptoms, to delete the last.
When introduce new foods for infants and young children should be aware of the symptoms of allergies. This is particularly the case when the parents or other family members have food allergies.
How does a food allergy as a baby or child?
Symptoms associated with food allergies can Legion and a number of different clinical conditions mimic. Depend upon the child or children. Some developing babies and young children symptoms are:
an itchy mouth and throat,
Skin rashes, eczema and urticaria,
Cramping and colic,
Nausea and vomiting,
Diarrhea or constipation,
Wheezing, sneezing, runny nose,
unusual crying,
Shortness of breath,
Hyperactivity and
Sleep disorders.
In extreme cases, a child can develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Severe symptoms or reactions to allergens require immediate medical attention.
What can you do?
Here are two things you as parents to reduce the child with food allergies and sensitivity to can reduce the severity of food allergies:
Wait until your child at least 6 months to introduce solids.
Apply 4-day wait rule when introducing new foods to your baby.
Wait until your child is 6 months
Babies are not born with adult digestive system and can not handle it and will not digest food properly ripened until her digestive system at 4-6 months. Before you do, your child only breast milk or formula. Wait until your child is 6 months to feed solids, the best chance of fact, the ability to digest food proper digestion and reduces the risk of allergies to offer.
4 days wait rule
If you start your baby solids feed, you must ensure that food is not a reaction. Sometimes it takes three to four days occur for a reaction.
Keep a food at a time and then wait for four days before the introduction of other foods.
It is useful for maintaining a food diary and identify which foods are introduced, and when. This information can be invaluable if your child will develop a kind of reaction to an infection or upset, or wind or whatever, even though it is a food reaction can be due could. When you also consider when to start problems, you can often identify the offending food; it includes the child’s diet, and was looking forward to a healthy baby.
If there is a family history of food intolerance, then it is advisable to avoid the introduction of cow’s milk or wheat until the child is 12 months or older.
Allergies are very common and cause severe reactions. Intestinal tract and the immune system of the child must be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. The introduction of solid foods is too early or present, foods that cause problems likely to quickly result in the baby immature stress systems. When introducing solid foods you need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions and should have your reaction to these foods to stop and allow the child to be affected more time to mature. While the details of what should be, in general, education aid and should not be considered a substitute for personal advice from a doctor. You should seek professional help if your child is allergic sudden, extreme, or to improve long-term failure.
What are common causes of food allergies?
Foods that are most likely cause of an allergy:
Wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize (corn)
Cow’s milk and other dairy products
Hen and Chicken
Cane and beet sugar
Fish and crustaceans,
Peanuts,
Color and preservatives
Yeast
Pork
Chocolate and
Citrus fruits.
By Taha Mateen
