Recognizing Allergies in Children: What Parents Should Know

Recently Sunita noticed that her 2-year-old son's skin seemed very red and bumpy. Her husband's guess was an allergic reaction to the snack he ate and Sunita seemed to agree. But she was still unsure so decided to go see her son's paediatrician Dr. Verma. Here's what they discussed.

Sunita: Dr. Verma, thank you for seeing us. I’ve noticed some unusual reactions whenever my son eats certain foods. Could it be allergies? I'm not sure.

Dr. Verma: It's good you brought this up, Sunita. Understanding the causes and symptoms of allergies is the first step to managing them.

Dr. Verma: When the body’s immune system mistakenly sees a harmless food protein as an enemy and flares an immune response, we call it a food allergy. This triggers a defensive response that can appear as various symptoms. These symptoms often surface in babies shortly after eating the triggering food.

Sunita: I’ve seen some skin rashes after mealtimes. Could that be an allergy?

Dr. Verma: It’s possible. Allergic reactions often manifest on the skin. Look for signs of hives such as red, itchy patches that appear suddenly. Skin symptoms are fairly common and are your baby’s immediate response to an allergen.

Sunita: Sometimes he also seems uncomfortable or fussy after eating something.

Dr. Verma: Digestive discomfort can have two possible reasons actually; allergic or food intolerance. After exposure to allergens, however, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive gas. Sometimes they appear alongside skin symptoms, creating a clearer picture that something isn’t right.

Common Food Allergens for Babies

Sunita: Oh I didn't know these were different things. What could my son be allergic to?

Dr. Verma: Common food allergens for infants include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Introducing these foods gradually and individually can help identify potential allergies.

Sunita: My son did have a few of these things. What should I do now?

Dr. Verma: Keep a food diary. Note what your child eats and any reactions they have. This can be a valuable tool for determining what might be causing discomfort.

Sunita: Understood doctor. I'll start doing that. I was curious how do we confirm what kind of allergy it is from these notes?

Dr. Verma: Diagnosis starts with your observations in the food diary and from there, we can perform tests to confirm allergies. The most common way to test is with a skin prick test, in which tiny amounts of the allergen are placed in the skin. Don't worry, it's a safe practice. Blood tests can also test specific foods to see how the immune system responds.

Sunita: How can I tell if it’s an intolerance and not an allergy?

Dr. Verma: A food intolerance is usually related to the digestive system and happens when a baby has trouble digesting something.

Sunita: What should I watch out for?

Dr. Verma: You might notice bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhoea after consuming specific foods. They aren't life-threatening but can still cause significant discomfort.

Lactose Intolerance

Dr. Verma: Lactose intolerance is a common one. If your baby is cranky after having milk or dairy products, it could be because they aren’t making enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. There are ways to lessen the symptoms while making sure your baby continues to receive enough nutrition, such as exploring lactose-free formula options or gradual dietary changes.

Sunita: Got it. I'll keep an eye on these signs of allergy and intolerances. What should I do once we know which foods to avoid?

Dr. Verma: Start by eliminating the confirmed allergens from your baby’s diet. Educate family members and others about these restrictions too. Always read food labels to avoid accidental exposure. With intolerances, look for alternatives that provide similar nutritional benefits without triggering symptoms.

Sunita: Should I completely avoid these foods or is there room for trying?

Dr. Verma: For confirmed allergies, it’s best to avoid those foods entirely to prevent reactions. You might find some flexibility over time with intolerances, but it's important to proceed cautiously.

Sunita: Doctor I had one final question. I've seen mild reactions a few times and it goes away in some time. But when should I seek medical help?

Dr. Verma: If the baby is experiencing any breathing difficulty or swelling of lips or tongue, or when you see a sudden drop in activity levels, you must rush to the hospital. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur and should be seen immediately. If you're unsure, consult a doctor. It’s better to be safe, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Sunita: This information is really helpful, doctor.

Dr. Verma: I’m glad it helps. Preventing triggers early on can ease future worries.

As Sunita left Dr. Verma’s office, she took away valuable insights and confidence in managing her son's allergies. Understanding what to look for and taking deliberate steps to avoid allergens helped her feel more capable of ensuring his health.