Knowing how to deal with a baby's allergic food reaction can come in handy when the situation calls for it. Especially when babies start to eat solid foods, a baby's allergic food reaction can happen.
In the United States, around 8 percent of the population of children are affected by food allergies. Because there could be different reactions to allergies, parents should be vigilant in spotting the reactions so that they could also know how to deal with a baby's allergic food reaction.
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What is an allergic reaction?
A body reacts when a food or beverage makes a person allergic is the body's defense mechanism. Some types of allergic reactions include inflammation which happens when the body releases histamines.
According to WebMD, an allergic reaction happens when the body is trying to defend itself from substances that it is not supposed to make war with. These substances are called allergens. Some types of allergens include peanuts, eggs, or pollen.
Sometimes, family history plays a role in allergic reactions. So when other family relatives have an allergic reaction to a particular substance, parents should look after their kids as well.
What is a mild allergic reaction, and how to deal with it?
According to Healthline, mild allergic reactions of babies can happen when a baby touches, swallows, breathes, or eats a substance they are allergic to.
Some of the symptoms that parents should look at include:
- rash
- dry cough
- sneezing
- abdominal pain
- swelling
- vomiting
Since babies cannot speak and tell what they are feeling, parents should look after signs.
These signs include:
- pulling of ears,
- squeaky voice,
- unusual crying,
- putting of hands in their mouth
What is a severe allergic reaction, and how to deal with it?
One of the most significant differences between a mild allergic reaction and a severe allergic reaction is that the latter is observed soon after being exposed to an allergen.
According to studies, some of the expected severe reactions of babies or children include:
- vomiting
- stomach issues
- hives
Although not very common, parents should also look into difficulty in breathing among their babies.
How to deal with a baby's allergic reactions?
According to experts, parents should ask for professional help when necessary. That is especially if a doctor has not seen the baby in the past.
Some of the reactions that parents should be very keen on are:
- difficulty in swallowing
- shortness of breath
- pulse is weak
- coughing
When these symptoms are observed, parents should call 911. This way, physicians will provide medical help to the baby. However, if the allergic reaction has been dealt with medically in the past, then administering the proper medicine or drug will be a good solution. Parents only have to ensure that the prescribed medications are administered properly.
