Infant Allergies Often Misdiagnosed

Infant allergy symptoms are often challenging to diagnose. They can be exacerbated foods, inhalants and the environment. When a baby has an allergic reaction to milk, the results can be difficult for the parent and for your child. Here are some tips that will help you determine some of the basic causes of infant allergies.

Since babies cannot calm itchiness caused by an allergic reaction, unstoppable crying may be one of the principal infant allergy symptoms you will notice. Depending on the age and mobility of the infant, they could also roll and struggle trying to scratch the uncomfortable area. Dry skin may be visible behind the ears and on the scalp and may look like cradle cap. If it is visible behind the ears it may look as though the child is not being washed thoroughly, but it will not wash off.

Welling Up may also occur in the face or lips and if swelling is seen, the infant’s breathing must be monitored. As with most infant allergies the throat could also swell. This could bring about anaphylactic shock and conceivably death. Some infant allergies may result in breathing problems or a drippy nose and be treated for colds. They may also exhibit sinus problems and may start to due to nasal drainage into the throat while sleeping.

Breast Feeding Can Exacerbate Allergic Reactions

Many doctors suggest that nursing mothers to avoid foods known for causing allergic reactions such as corn and wheat, among others. If the child's allergies are brought on by something in breast milk, your child may have a swollen stomach or constant gas. They may vomit often or cry constantly. Many physicians will misidentify infant allergies as colic and recommend that you wait for the child to outgrow it, normally about six months. In most cases with allergies, if your baby has an allergy to milk, reducing dairy products from the mother’s diet will usually alleviate the symptoms.

If you wonder if the allergies are being caused by sources other than food, there are a few more products you

can attempt to rule out. Try using laundry detergent and fabric softeners without perfumes or dyes. Remove chemicals in the child’s bedroom, such as furniture polish or air fresheners and keep the room as free of dust as possible to avoid the conditions of an allergy to dust mites.

Until the reasons for your infant allergies are diagnosed, do not allow pets into your child’s room and, when possible, change your baby’s clothing at nap time and bed time, and always give the infant their bath at bedtime. Try to keep a log of the infant allergy symptoms your child is displaying, and if you think your baby has an allergy to milk, try substituting with a suitable replacement. Check all ingredients on packages, and note what you eat if you are breastfeeding. If you do not see any improvement in the rashes or other suspected signs of infant allergies, or if your child just cannot stop crying, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.