Important Information On Infant Food Allergy

The number of cases of infant food allergy have increased 18% over the past decade. New parents need to be aware of the possibility that their children may have some sort of food allergy and know how to react in the event of an emergency. The top foods to watch out for include milk, egg, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, almonds, fish, tuna, salmon, cod, shrimp, lobster, crab, soy and wheat. Most kids will outgrow an allergy to soy or wheat by the time they go to school. Almost half of infants with a milk or egg allergy will outgrow them by age 10. Often shellfish and peanut allergies are for life -- and they are also the most dangerous.

Food allergy symptoms may show up a few minutes after your baby has eaten or even a few hours later. If you're introducing news foods, you should be on the look out for hives, flushed skin, rashes, face swelling, tongue swelling, lip swelling, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing or unconsciousness. If your baby's allergic reaction causes severe sickness, swelling or difficult breathing, do not hesitate to call 911 to get paramedics on the scene at once. It may sound strange, but babies can react to a food even if they've eaten that food in the past.

If your baby consistently shows symptoms of a certain food allergy within a few hours of eating, then the doctor may refer you to a pediatric allergist for testing. The allergist can tell you whether the problems are related to an immune system reaction (infant food allergy) or a digestion failure (food intolerance). Usually, a simple skin prick or blood test will tell the doctor if your baby has IgE antibodies that signify an allergic reaction. The specialists can then let you know what to do when a reaction happens next, thus preparing you for mild or severe symptoms. You may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector if your baby is at high risk of falling unconscious during an allergic reaction.  

There are many online sources of information available to you if you suspect your child has an infant food allergy. You can check out websites like www.babycenter.com, www.askdrsears.com, www.babydevelopmentnews.com and www.allergicchild.com. Your child's pediatrician should also be able to provide you with information on raising a child who has food allergies. Science Daily (www.sciencedaily.com) is a great website for reading about the latest research, studies and trials regarding allergies.

Related topics about Infant Food Allergy
Getting The Food Allergy Help You Need
If you would like more comprehensive food allergy help, you can find local resources through the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network or the Food Allergy Initiative. Here you will find support groups, food-related allergy recipes, activism events, research updates, literature downloads and methods for coping with allergy symptoms at home, school and restaurants. Once you're armed with enough allergy information, you'll feel more prepared for dealing with whatever life throws your way.

What Are The Types Of Food Allergies?
You can get additional information at the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org.

Latest Research On Food Allergies And Children
You may wonder how your child's food allergy symptoms can be treated or eliminated. This is the biggest topic in the food allergies and children debate. Lead author Xiu-Min Li, M.