Allergy is one of the most common diseases existing within our society. Many people suffer from allergies, and approximately six percent of this population is comprised of children. allergy can affect anyone at anytime. If your immune system overreacts to a foreign object that is usually harmless, histamines are released, and allergy symptoms can occur.
As a parent, your baby is one of the most important persons in the world. You feed them, you clothe them, you provide them with shelter. You must also be aware of any food allergies your baby might have. Allergies can, in addition to discomfort, cause death.
Allergies are common nowadays, and necessary steps need to be taken to manage your child's health. Foods are, most often, the main cause of allergies. Be aware, if you're giving your child solid foods for the first time, be careful that the food does not cause an allergic reaction.
First of all, you have to know how allergy works in order to properly manage and detect reactions as early as possible. If you eat food that you are allergic to, the body will produce antibodies called IgE. After ingesting the same food again, the IgE directs the immune system to produce histamines to fight off the allergens. Allergens are usually harmless but the body's immune system will mistake it as being harmful, and proceeds to attack it. The body will produce signs and symptoms of allergy after a few minutes of ingesting the food or after about two hours of ingesting the food, because of the attack on the allergen.
Allergy symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms can produce discomfort and swelling of the skin, mouth, ears and tongue. Itchy skin rashes can also be another discomfort. Your child may also experience difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, your baby may vomit and/or have diarrhea. It is important to remember that severe allergic reaction can be life threatening.
If a family member is allergic to specific kinds of food, your child may also inherit the allergy. Although there are cases where your child can eat the food with no problem at all, you will notice that your baby may develop allergic signs and symptoms after eating the same food a few times. Here are some of the foods that your child may develop allergies to:
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Eggs
• Milk
If your baby is showing signs and symptoms of allergy, you should immediately call your local emergency number. This situation can cause severe discomfort to your child, in addition to life threatening.
Always remember that early detection leads to proper management and care. Your pediatrician will prepare an action plan for properly managing the allergy attack and provide allergy medications for treatment.
