What is an allergy?
Allergy can be defined as an abnormal or excessive reaction of our body to substances that are normally harmless. The substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an 'allergen'. But allergy in babies is a slightly different situation because allergies in babies are much more severe and troublesome than in adults. The first situation we can observe in babies with allergies is crying attacks that cannot be silenced. Therefore, allergies in babies should be clearly identified and treated accordingly.
What are the types of allergies in babies?
Today, there are many types of allergies that can be seen in babies. The most common of these types of allergies are food allergies, nasal allergies, environmental allergies, pet allergies and seasonal allergies.
What are food allergies and their symptoms?
Since babies' intestinal and digestive systems are very sensitive, it is common for certain foods to have side effects or cause allergic reactions. Food allergies are the second most common type of allergy in infants after nasal allergies and are among the most common types of allergies in infants. Among the most important symptoms of food allergy are the baby's facial swelling, redness, rash, sneezing, gas problem, vomiting, diarrhea, eczema, restlessness, runny nose and swelling in the stomach.
What are nasal allergies and their symptoms?
Nasal allergies are nasal allergies and are one of the most common types of allergies in babies. Particularly, factors such as dust particles, animal dander, cigarette smoke can trigger nasal allergies in infants. At the same time, nasal discharge and congestion can be experienced in the spring months, and in these cases, allergies should not be confused with colds and careful observation should be made. If this condition starts in the spring and summer and lasts longer than three weeks and shows no improvement, the suspicion of allergic rhinitis becomes strong. In these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The most important symptoms of nasal allergies include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and watery eyes.
What are pet allergies and their symptoms?
The causes of pet allergies in babies can include the hairs of animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits and birds. The fur of animals can stick to sofas, clothes, carpets, curtains, quilts, and this can cause allergies in babies. Symptoms of pet allergies include sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, runny nose, inflammation, and swelling of the airways.
What is anaphylaxis and what are its symptoms?
Anaphylaxis is completely different from other types of allergies. This type of allergy is very serious and can even cause death. Anaphylaxis is the name of an allergic reaction of the baby's body to any drug, insect bite or poison. There is no single cause of anaphylaxis. Babies with anaphylaxis allergy may experience problems such as obstruction in the airways, difficulty in breathing, fainting, swelling of the face, tongue and mouth. If you think your baby has anaphylaxis, you should definitely consult a doctor and take the necessary precautions.
How are allergies diagnosed in babies?
As a parent, your duty is to take your baby to a doctor immediately if you suspect that your baby may have an allergy. The doctor will test your baby for allergies and will be able to easily find out if your baby is allergic to anything. When you take your baby to the doctor for an allergy test, you should tell the foods you suspect may cause allergies in your baby, because these tests are made taking into account the foods you have mentioned.
How do we protect our baby from allergies?
Allergy is genetic, so people with a family history of allergies should always be careful and observe the possibility of allergies in their babies. In doubtful cases, a doctor should be consulted and the situation should be explained.