Is my baby having an allergic reaction?

While it’s frightening to witness your little one experiencing an allergic reaction, doctors agree that most allergies in babies are harmless and require mild treatment.   

According to a report in Medical News Today, “An allergic reaction occurs when the body has an adverse response to a usually harmless substance, such as a soap or a specific food.” 

Here are a few of the most common allergies in little ones, with expert advice on how to treat them. 

1. A milk allergy

A milk allergy is the most common allergy in children, says Pretoria-based paediatrician, Dr Tamatha Urquhart. According to the American college of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, children with an allergy to cow’s milk may also be allergic to milk from other animals, including sheep and goats. 

Symptoms

After consuming milk or milk protein your child will start to show symptoms within a short period of time such as: 

- Eczema
- Hives 
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux or vomiting 
- Possible respiratory symptoms and even anaphylaxis.  

Treatment

If you suspect your child has a milk allergy, the first step is to avoid milk, other dairy products and products containing milk protein. Then, see a medical professional who may refer you to an allergist for further testing and diagnosis. This may include a blood test or skin prick test.  

The good news is most children outgrow their milk allergy by the time they reach their teens, says Dr Urquart.  

2. Food allergies  

In South Africa, food allergies occur in around 2.5% of 1–3-year-olds. However, this figure is much higher in children with moderate to severe eczema who have food allergies in around 30-40% of cases, according to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa. 

Eggs, milk and peanuts are the most common food allergies in babies with wheat, soy, other tree nuts and fish/shellfish also included. 

Symptoms 

If your little one has a severe peanut or egg allergy, she can experience anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening reaction with serious symptoms including: 

- Fainting
- Breathing difficulties 
- A fast heart rate 
- Anxiety  

Less serious egg allergies often cause eczema, while wheat presents with gastrointestinal symptoms but can also cause eczema. “Any food allergy can give respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes, but inhalant allergens such as pollen are more likely to give respiratory symptoms,” explains Dr Urquhart. 

Other symptoms include: 

- A cough 
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Itchy throat and tongue 
- Skin rash
- Swollen lips and throat
- Congestion

Treatment 

Like milk allergies, it’s important to avoid the trigger food altogether. If your child starts experiencing symptoms, speak to a pharmacist or GP who can recommend an appropriate second-generation antihistamine, which is generally non-drowsy and fast-acting, with fewer side effects than older or first-generation allergy medications. In severe cases, your little one may need an epinephrine injection and a trip to the hospital. 

3. A medication allergy 

Some medications namely antibiotics, anti-epileptic drugs and anti-inflammatories can cause allergic reactions in babies and toddlers, says Dr Urquart. This is different from adverse reactions to medications, where your child can react negatively to the combination of medications given together.  

Symptoms

- Hives 
- Eczema 
- Severe blistering of skin and mucous membranes 
- Skin rash 
- Anaphylaxis 

Treatment 

According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s important to see a doctor immediately if your child has a reaction to a medication. 

Treatment may include: 

- Immediate withdrawal of the medication 
- Second-generation antihistamines 
- Bronchodilators to assist with breathing difficulties such as wheezing 
- Corticosteroids to treat inflammation associated with more-serious reactions

For anaphylaxis, your little one will need an epinephrine injection as well as hospital care to maintain blood pressure and support breathing.

Your child may also need to see an allergist for a more accurate diagnosis. 

4. Inhalant allergies (to grass, pollen, mould, animal hair, and dust) 

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal membranes and is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, says Dr Urquhart. Also referred to as hay fever, AR symptoms are triggered by allergens such as house dust, grass, tree pollens and pets. 

Symptoms

- Eczema 
- Sneezing
- Itchy or runny nose
- Itchy eyes, ears and/or palate
- Postnasal drip
- Congestion
- Headache 
- Tiredness

Treatment 

If you suspect your child has an inhalant allergy, Dr Urquhart recommends consulting with a medical practitioner for examination and possible testing. 

Safe treatments for little ones include: 

- Avoidance of the allergen where possible (For example, a mattress protector may be useful for dust mites)
- Second-generation antihistamines
- Corticosteroid and/or saline nasal sprays.  

“In children where the allergen can’t be avoided, such as those allergic to pollen, desensitisation could be an option,” she adds. 

This is a type of treatment which stimulates the immune system by gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a child is allergic, with the aim of improving or stopping the allergic response.

5. Skin allergies 

Because babies and toddlers have more sensitive skin than adults, they’re more likely to develop a rash, even with the slightest irritation to certain soaps, body washes, washing powders or detergents. 

Symptoms 

- Red, swollen skin 
- Rashes of varying degrees 
- Hives 

Treatment 

Medical News Today advises: 

- Avoiding triggers such as soaps, detergents and scented lotions. Choose hypoallergenic products instead.
- Washing your baby with a fragrance-free cleanser. After using a mild, scent-free soap, pat your baby’s skin dry and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
- Applying a hypoallergenic moisturiser that can help to prevent dry skin. Moisturisers also provide a barrier to protect the skin from irritants.
- Considering scratch mitts. These prevent babies from scratching a rash with their fingernails, which can injure the skin and lead to an infection.
- Using hydrocortisone cream. In more extreme cases, your child’s doctor may recommend a hydrocortisone cream to treat the rash. 

Insect bites or stings can also cause mild or more severe allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, papular urticaria (which is an allergy to mosquito bites) or in more serious cases, anaphylaxis and breathing difficulties. It’s important to seek medical care immediately if you suspect your child is allergic to bees. 

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