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Symptoms of Allergies in Infants

Allergies can affect infants in multiple ways. Symptoms of allergies in infants can often mislead doctors to think the baby is suffering from other ailments other than allergies. If you are concerned that your infant is showing symptoms of allergies, contact your pediatrician immediately and seek the help of an allergen specialist for severe episodes of allergy symptoms.

  1. Types

    • Allergens can be divided into three distinct categories: environmentals, inhalants and foods. Environmental allergens include chemicals that are ingested, inhaled or come in contact with the skin. Examples include laundry soap and paint. Inhalants include dust, pollen and animal dander. There are eight types of foods most common to food allergens: shellfish, gluten, dairy products, tree nuts, peanuts and corn.

    Identification

    • Symptoms of allergies in infants can include a rash with raised bumps similar in size to a mosquito bite. Hives due to contact with allergens will result in a group of clustered bumps. Food allergens can cause hives that can be located on the stomach, back, insides of thighs, hands and face. Swelling of the eyes, lips and face can also be symptoms of allergies in infants. Breathing problems, continuous runny nose, weepy eyes and sore throats are symptoms of inhalant allergies.

    Misconceptions

    • The tendency to over-eat is often overlooked as a symptom of allergies in infants. They may mistake gas and flatulence pains for being hungry. They may also sleep more or less than usual and demand much more attention from parents.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Contact an allergen specialist that focuses on infants with allergies to test your baby for possible issues. Once you know what allergens trigger your infant, you can work with the specialist to create a prevention plan. Often times simple steps such as removing milk from the infant's diet can result in immediate relief and results.

    Warning

    • Doctors often overlook possible symptoms of allergies in infants, mistaking them for colic. If you feel that your infant is not suffering from colic, continue to pressure your doctor to take a more detailed look at your baby's health and/or recommend you to an allergy specialist.

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