Allergies in newborns: do they need to be treated? Find out how to react if your baby is allergic to a new complementary food product

anonymously

Good afternoon! My daughter is 4.4 months old. Two and a half weeks ago she developed an allergy on her cheeks, then on her neck. (I tried a piece of marmalade). Naturally, she stopped eating everything, sat on buckwheat and boiled beef. The allergy did not go away but got worse, my neck was terrible, scabs and watery sores. They called a doctor and prescribed Suprastin 1.4 twice a day, Advantan ointment, and emulsion for bathing Emolium. We did a course for 6 days, the neck went away, my face became much clearer, but my whole body broke out (I continue to sit on a strict diet, there is no strength at all from such a diet and the child also does not have enough milk (and before that there was not enough, the doctor said to feed him buckwheat porridge, but they never started because the allergy had started), he eats after 1.5 hours. Yesterday he ate a small one a piece of bread and draining the butter - well, very little, in the morning the whole body is covered in red spots (((((((please tell me what should I do????????? is it possible to switch the child to a hypoallergenic formula, can it cure allergies? using a medicinal mixture???????thanks in advance

Hello! You need to see an allergist or dermatologist. The treatment your pediatrician prescribed was correct. Another question is that it is not so easy to cope with the allergic mood of the baby’s body; get ready for a long process. Given the complexity of the case, it is better for it to be supervised by a specialist. Allergies are often inherited or occur after treatment with antibiotics. A tendency to allergic reactions in very young children can manifest itself as persistent “crusts” on the head (they are combed out, but they appear again), frequent diaper rash, dryness and redness of the skin on the cheeks or butt. The idea of stopping breastfeeding and switching to a formula (even a hypoallergenic one) does not seem right to me: believe me, with the introduction of IV, problems will only increase. I would like to clarify: did you try the marmalade - or did the girl herself put it in her mouth? I have never encountered this option before... Very strict diet nursing mothers are usually kept for no more than a week; then it is gradually expanded, monitoring the reaction to the introduced products. They introduced potatoes - no reaction; Great. We introduce oatmeal into the diet, etc. You said that the last time a rash appeared after consuming butter. This sometimes happens with intolerance to cow's milk protein (such a cross-mediated one, in which you have to exclude butter, cottage cheese, and beef. The most hypoallergenic meat options are considered to be rabbit or nutria meat). Understanding the nature of the allergen can help. IN difficult cases advise to lead food diary, where all new products and reactions to them are recorded. If you are prone to allergic reactions, complementary foods are recommended to be introduced as late as possible, as close to 6 months as possible. Until this time, it is advised to try to make do with only breast milk. The first complementary food can be not only porridge with water, but also zucchini puree - of all vegetables, zucchini is considered the least allergenic... Grow big and healthy!

anonymously

Thanks for the answer. As for the marmalade, I ate it myself. Yesterday we went to the pediatrician for a weigh-in, since I turned four months old on the 23rd. My daughter gained only 350 grams. My head is boiling! I continue to sit on buckwheat with minced pork, the baby doesn’t eat enough and doesn’t gain weight in weight - it turns out she has no weight nutrients It doesn’t get it from my milk. What should I do? They prescribed Fenistil drops again, and Advantan ointment (although we’ve already been applying it for the second week, it’s a hormonal solution, is it possible to apply it for so long) and besides, the neck turned red again, although it’s new I didn’t put anything in my mouth. I also wanted to ask about the healing mixture Frisopep, a friend said that they prescribed it for the baby (he already had abscesses all over his body) and after three days the allergy went away. I bought hypoallergenic Nutrilon yesterday and gave it 60 grams today as the day progresses, I watch the reaction (and the neck was already red before this). I’m just already thinking about switching the baby completely to artificial feeding, since she is exhausted from dieting, the kilos are melting before our eyes.....I’m really looking forward to your advice...thanks in advance

My answer will not change - switching to the mixture will not remove the allergic mood. This action can help in the only case - with intolerance to mother's milk. This is unlikely to be your situation. The baby’s weight gain and her health in general largely depend on your mood and health. You are in a unique time right now. Never again will you be so close to your daughter, never again will she need you as much as she does now... Many mothers simply get a kick out of feeding. I would do everything to stimulate lactation and maintain breastfeeding. To do this, you need to want to feed the child (this is the main condition!), and also not to twitch, not to worry, but to rest enough and gradually expand the diet. It is advised to stay close to the baby for as long as possible and as close as possible and to put him to the breast upon request. It is possible to supplement with a hypoallergenic formula - but I would give it only after the baby has completely emptied BOTH mammary glands in one feeding (if even after that she is not full, then supplement from a bottle with a tight nipple). The course of treatment with Advantan is usually limited to 5 days. For classic childhood eczema, instead of topically, it is also recommended to lubricate the cheeks with 0.1% hydrocortisone ointment once a day (then the course can be 7 days) + several times a day with moisturizing, wound-healing emollient creams. If your cheeks are just red, you can try applying fenistil gel to the skin. If there are no changes, you will have to look for a dermatologist. Health to you both!

Allergy is a defensive reaction to various irritants. These can be food products, cosmetics, dust and much more. For some people they are familiar things, for others they are allergens. Diseases are often transmitted genetically. Therefore, children whose parents suffer from an allergic reaction are more prone to developing an allergic reaction. Moreover, a newborn may be allergic to a completely different pathogen, different from the parent.

Moms and dads should be attentive to their infants. It is important to identify the disease in time, distinguish the allergen and begin treatment. Today, an allergic reaction occurs in 30% of young children worldwide.

Factors that cause allergies

The factor that can cause a negative reaction in a child varies. The most common option is food allergies. Moreover, the products can be consumed by both the baby and the mother. Do not forget that along with milk, every element of food that the nursing mother ate enters the baby’s body. Therefore, it is important to monitor your diet when breastfeeding.

Highlight following reasons allergies:

Abuse of allergenic foods by a nursing mother (citrus fruits, chocolate and other sweets, baked goods, eggs, etc.). Recommended menu for breastfeeding in the section;
Cow protein and early transfer of an infant to artificial feeding with cow's milk, infant formula or kefir. When and how to introduce complementary foods, read the article “”;
Heredity;
Medicines used by mother or baby;
Adverse environmental influences;
Viruses, vaccines and vaccinations;
Products introduced into complementary foods. What can and cannot be given to an infant, read;
Cosmetics and household chemicals (creams and powders for children, soap and washing powder);
Household allergens (animal hair and plant pollen, house dust and feather pillows).

Many children suffer from an allergic reaction in the first weeks of life. So, in the first 20 days after birth, the child develops a skin rash. The reason for this phenomenon may be the mother’s hormones, which the baby receives in the womb. The body adapts to new conditions, resulting in the formation of small red spots on the face and neck. This rash goes away on its own within three to four weeks.

Typical allergy symptoms, in addition to rashes, include redness, roughness and dryness of some areas of the skin. Also distinguished additional symptoms, among which green chair, cough and sneezing, runny nose and severe itching. Let's take a closer look at what allergies look like in infants.

How does an allergy manifest?

Allergies manifest themselves in different ways. This depends on the type of allergen and the individual developmental characteristics of the child. Depending on the type of reaction, the symptoms of the disease are distinguished. The following types of allergies are distinguished:

Atopic types affect the skin, eyes and nasal cavity, sometimes light. This category includes dermatitis, urticaria, various edema and allergic lung diseases (asthma, pneumonitis, etc.). Children with such problems may have uneven weight gain and increased persistent diaper rash;
Infectious species appear due to bacteria and fungi. Typical symptoms include skin manifestations, runny and congested nose, cough and watery eyes, swelling and malaise, and in arthritis, joint pain and fever in the affected areas.

There are other options for what allergies look like in infants. After all, each child has an individual reaction. In a baby, negative manifestations can occur not only in the respiratory system and on the skin. The reaction can also manifest itself in the intestines. These are bloating and abdominal pain, diarrhea and other problems with stool, regurgitation and vomiting. In this case, problems arise in weight gain.

Please note that red cheeks do not always indicate an allergy. Red cheeks - typical symptoms diathesis, which is a borderline state between an allergic disease and healthy state. As a rule, diathesis occurs due to the consumption of certain foods.

When does the allergy go away?

Rashes and redness of the skin begin 1-1.5 hours after interaction with the allergen. Food allergies from the intestines appear within two days. That is why, when introducing a new product into the diet, nursing mothers are advised to monitor the newborn’s reaction for two days.

How long a baby’s allergy lasts depends on several factors. First of all, this is contact with the allergen and the types of reaction. If you eliminate the pathogen immediately, the reaction will go away within a few hours. But it is not possible to quickly eliminate a reaction to food, since it takes time for digestion, complete elimination of the product from the body and subsequent rehabilitation. Allergy symptoms after eliminating the pathogen from the menu during breastfeeding will last for another two to three weeks. The time depends on the amount of food taken.

The duration is also influenced by the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment, the state of immunity. How stronger immunity in children, the faster body cope with the illness.

How to help your baby

When a child experiences an allergic reaction, parents immediately wonder what to do and how to treat it. The skin rash that appears in the first weeks due to the mother's hormones will go away on its own. In this case, treatment is not necessary. Do not remove or treat red spots with cotton swabs! This will cause the spots to spread throughout the skin throughout the body.

If the allergy is not caused by hormones, then treatment should begin with a diet. Eliminate allergenic foods from your diet. Cannot be accepted various means and medications for children, since self-medication can only worsen the child’s condition! To determine the type of allergy, consult your doctor. Only a specialist can prescribe the correct treatment!

How to help your child with allergies:

A hypoallergenic diet, which doctors advise every mother to use in the first 1-1.5 months of lactation. Such nutrition will reduce the risk of an allergic reaction and help cope with an already existing illness. Read about the principles of nutrition for a hypoallergenic diet at the link /;
Often the reason food allergies becomes cow protein. Eliminate from food similar products, especially cow's milk. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky does not recommend drinking until 4-6 months after the birth of the child;
Keep your house perfectly clean. Remember that dust is a strong allergen that can cause various diseases and complications. If you have an allergy, you may have to remove it from the room. Stuffed Toys, carpets and fur bedspreads, which collect dust in huge quantities;
Wash things when high temperature hypoallergenic soap or powder and rinse thoroughly. Linen is washed at least twice a week. Choose blankets and pillows with hypoallergenic synthetic filling. Often, allergies in a newborn appear due to feather bedding;
With artificial or mixed feeding, an allergy in a newborn may be due to an incorrectly selected milk formula. If you have a negative reaction, use hypoallergenic products no content cow protein. How to choose the right mixture, read the article “”.

If you have allergies and your baby, do not stop breastfeeding under any circumstances! After all, it is breast milk that forms and strengthens the immune system, which can quickly fight allergic reactions. Only mother's milk nourishes children's bodies essential vitamins And useful elements fully.

Remember that allergies are a disease. Therefore, if you notice symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. He will prescribe tests that will help identify the allergen. After excluding the pathogen, the symptoms of the disease decrease and gradually disappear.

It is strictly forbidden to start self-treatment and use medications! Only a specialist will correctly select medications that will quickly cope with the disease and will not harm the infant. There are various products for children.

Allergy remedies for infants

(20 pieces) Fenistil drops Relieves itching and burning, eliminates lacrimation, eliminates allergy symptoms, but causes drowsiness From 1 month, course - up to three weeks 360-400 rubles

(20 ml) Zyrtec drops (Cetirizine) Has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects, but has a number of side effects, including nausea, insomnia and excitability, From 6 months 200 rubles

(7 pieces of 10 mg each) Fenistil-gel Applied to the skin, but not suitable for large, inflamed or affected areas of the skin From 1 month 380 rubles (100 g) Enterosgel Paste for oral administration. Removes toxins from the body, relieves allergy symptoms and strengthens intestinal walls. Any age category 350 rubles (100 g)

Prohibited drugs for newborns

There are a number strong drugs, which are quickly removed negative symptoms and are quickly eliminated from the body. However, they pose a serious risk for infants and young children. Such drugs include:

These drugs are addictive and have serious side effects for children. They disrupt the work nerve cells and coordination in movements, cause lethargy and dizziness, lethargy and apathy. May lead to poisoning.

Seven ways to avoid allergies

Everyone knows that prevention is better than cure. Start preventing allergies from the very birth of your child. The following steps will help you avoid getting sick:

Hypoallergenic diet during the first month of breastfeeding;
In the second month after the baby is born, gradually begin to introduce new foods and carefully monitor the baby’s well-being for two days. If a negative reaction occurs, delay administration for at least four weeks;
Follow the nutritional guidelines of a nursing mother. Drink more fluids, do not eat foods with preservatives and other chemicals. Avoid fruits and vegetables in the first months bright colors. Introduce raw fruits no earlier than 4-5 months. Eat boiled and baked foods. Avoid too fatty and sweet, salty and fried foods.
Continue breastfeeding for as long as possible. Remember that breast milk is the best prevention of diseases in young children;
Maintain a hypoallergenic lifestyle, which includes daily wet cleaning, the absence of animals and flowers, the use of hypoallergenic hygiene products, household items (powders, etc.) and natural materials (clothing, bedding, etc.);
Do not take medications or give medications to your baby unless absolutely necessary and without consulting a doctor;
Lead healthy image life with the baby. Do gymnastics for children and go for walks more often. fresh air. It will strengthen the body, strengthen the immune system, and help avoid diseases and infections.

A nursing mother should not forget about her own health. Proper nutrition, playing sports, and a healthy lifestyle will have a positive impact on the baby’s well-being.

Often, uncharacteristic rashes, skin irritations, etc. appear on the face or body of a newborn baby. And very often, allergies are to blame. Young children are especially susceptible to such reactions. the immune system which is still imperfect.

In this regard, allergies in newborn infants can be especially severe and have a lot of negative consequences. Therefore, it is so important for parents to identify the problem in time and begin its treatment.

What is an allergy

Allergies are called defensive reaction the body to any irritants (cosmetics, food, dust, etc.), as a result of which immunoglobulin E begins to be produced. By combining with an allergen, this protein causes the appearance of various allergic reactions, which can manifest as a rash, indigestion and others unpleasant symptoms.

Irritation can appear not only on the face, but also on the scalp and other places. Externally, it may appear as a small rash, red and scaly areas on the skin that appear immediately after eating or occur after certain time after contact with an allergen substance. In this case, the baby may experience itching, his skin becomes dry and tight, and the baby himself becomes restless.

Why do babies develop allergies?

An allergy on the face of a newborn, the photo of which you see, may be food or non-food in nature. Moreover, the hereditary factor plays an important role in its appearance. And if someone in the family suffers chronic runny nose, bronchial asthma or other allergic manifestations, it is not surprising if the baby’s cheeks turn red one day.

In addition, the appearance of an allergic reaction is influenced by the state of the newborn’s immune system and the time when breastfeeding was started.

Food allergies

Very often, the protein contained in breast milk or ready-made formulas becomes an allergen for infants. The reaction to it is manifested by skin rashes, pain in the abdomen, nasal congestion, spasm of the respiratory tract, abnormal bowel movements and frequent regurgitation. In such cases, the reason becomes:

The diet of a nursing mother, which contains allergenic foods (what can you eat while breastfeeding your baby? Read the article: Nutrition while breastfeeding >>>);
Infant formulas that contain protein, grains or lactulose. Before giving your baby a new formula, do an allergen test;
Incorrect diet of the mother during pregnancy. Also, food allergies in newborns can be a consequence of the mother’s smoking or certain diseases she suffered while expecting the baby.

Contact allergy

Organism small child may react negatively to contact with household chemicals, cosmetics, plant pollen or animal hair. Among the main reasons contact allergy highlight:

Dust, household mites or bedbugs;
Some indoor plants;
Pets, even if they lack fur or feathers;
Household chemicals (products that mom uses to wash dishes, washing powder, etc.);
Cosmetics, including those used by parents of infants.

Other causes of allergies

Allergies in a newborn while breastfeeding can also occur due to:

Hereditary predisposition;
Vaccines that may contain substances that can cause such a reaction;
Late start of breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that dysbacteriosis serves as a provoking factor for the occurrence of allergic reactions. The intestines of a newborn are sterile, and they are colonized by beneficial microorganisms during feeding. In children who receive artificial formula instead of mother's milk, this process may be disrupted;

Know! Approximately 75% of children are very sensitive to the protein contained in cow's milk Therefore, they may also have a negative reaction to the mixture.

Taking medications, in particular antibiotics. Many babies suffer from colic in the first months of life, so mothers, trying to help them, give their babies various medications (find out what you can and shouldn’t give to babies in the article Medicine for colic in newborns >>>). But it turns out that even an allergy to dill water in newborns.

Colic is a major concern for a baby. He cries for hours, his stomach is hard, his face is red from the constant stress of crying. Pharmacy products They help little in the fight against colic.

The best and safest “treatment” for a baby with abdominal pain is maternal care. How to safely help a child without using medicines, see the online course Soft Tummy >>>

How to recognize allergies

To recognize allergies and begin to treat them in time, you need to know how allergies manifest themselves in newborns. Its main features include:

Skin damage. It could be various rashes, dryness, peeling, swelling. They usually appear in the face, neck, buttocks, groin and popliteal folds. In this case, the degree of severity can be very different: from slight dryness of the skin to the appearance of weeping wounds;
Indigestion. Children with allergies may experience excessive regurgitation, colic, constipation or, conversely, diarrhea after feeding. As a rule, this is how food allergies manifest themselves;
Respiratory manifestations are the result of a reaction to an allergen that is in the air (dust, animal fur, pollen). At the same time, the baby's larynx and nasopharynx swell, it is difficult for him to breathe through his nose, lacrimation and coughing occur. Very often, mothers confuse such symptoms with a common cold, but in case of allergies, the newborn’s body temperature will not increase;
Anxiety. A newborn baby cannot yet complain to you that something is bothering him. But, you may notice that he began to sleep poorly, is constantly capricious and shows restlessness.

What does an allergy look like in a newborn baby?

First of all, the cheeks become red, the skin on the chin or forehead begins to peel. This can be observed as an independent symptom or occur against the background of gastrointestinal dysfunction. In such cases, it is important to identify the factor that provoked the allergic reaction and eliminate it. Usually, this is enough to relieve the baby from unpleasant sensations.

Attention! Antihistamines should be used only in the most difficult cases.

Another important point should be noted here - a rash in a child can occur not only as a result of allergies. Miliaria or normal flowering in a baby can manifest itself in the same way.

How to distinguish allergies from flowering in newborns? During flowering, the baby's skin turns bright red. The pimples that appear may have watery fluid inside. This occurs due to incorrect operation sebaceous glands. All manifestations of flowering are described in the article posted on our website: Flowering in a newborn >>>;
Miliaria appears in places where the baby’s body comes into contact with clothing or in the area of folds in the skin. In this case, pimples are small in size and do not contain liquid inside. Read more about this phenomenon in the article Heat rash in a newborn >>>.

A rash, in the case of an allergy, can appear absolutely anywhere, and in those places where it comes into contact with clothing, even suppuration is possible. Such pimples are very itchy, which causes discomfort to the baby.

If it’s difficult for you to figure it out on your own, then watch a seminar on nutrition for a nursing mother, where we go through it step by step. various rashes on the baby's skin. You can correctly determine the cause of the rash and quickly eliminate your baby’s anxiety. The course is available at the link: Nutrition for a nursing mother without harm to the baby >>>

What should mom do?

Faced with such a problem, any mother will ask the question: “What to do if a newborn has allergies”? It is important to know that treatment must be comprehensive and include several factors at once.

Eliminating the allergen

This part of the therapy is called the most difficult, and here you will have to try hard. Where to look for what triggered the baby’s allergic reaction? First of all, check:

Baby food. In most cases, infants suffer from food allergies, regardless of what feeding they are on;

If a breastfed baby has an allergy, the mother should completely reconsider her diet;
For an artificial baby, you need to pay attention to the composition of the formula that he eats. If it contains components of cow's milk, lactulose or soy, then most likely the reason lies precisely in them. Try giving your baby a different mixture that does not contain these components.

Mom's nutrition;

If you suspect that your baby cannot digest lactose, avoid whole milk;
If an allergic reaction to gluten occurs, the mother should not eat pasta, semolina or wheat porridge, oatmeal, baked goods;
In addition, if a newborn has an allergy on the face, you should avoid fish, eggs, honey, cocoa, brightly colored vegetables and fruits;
At the same time, a nursing mother is allowed to eat low-fat broths and dietary meat.

Early complementary feeding. For children who are susceptible to allergic reactions, you can start introducing complementary foods no earlier than 7 months. At the same time, you can start doing this with hypoallergenic vegetables and gluten-free cereals;
Overfeeding the baby. In artificial dieters, who are more prone to overeating, allergies are observed much more often, since the mixture is higher in calories and takes a long time to process, loading the digestive tract;
Compliance with drinking regime. If the baby develops a deficiency of fluid in the body, then any toxins that enter the body will not be able to be excreted along with the urine and will begin to poison it. Therefore, it is important to breastfeed your baby correctly, following all the rules of breastfeeding. I explain in detail how to do this in the course Secrets of Breastfeeding >>>;
Water. Surely, you were told back in the maternity hospital that you can only bathe your baby in boiled water. This is due to the fact that untreated tap water can cause contact dermatitis. Read the article: What kind of water should I bathe a newborn baby in?>>>;
Toys. It is important to buy your child only high-quality toys that have all the necessary certificates confirming their safety;
Hygiene products. Bath your newborn with soap or use other hygiene products no more than once a week. Moreover, all of them must be certified;
Household chemicals. You cannot wash children's clothes with adult powder. There are special baby detergents for this;
Cloth. When choosing a wardrobe for your baby, it is important to give preference to clothes made from natural fabrics for which bright dyes have not been used. This is especially true for those things that have direct contact with children's skin.

Timely bowel movements

It is very important to monitor your newborn's stool. If you notice your baby's tendency toward constipation, you should definitely start analyzing your breastfeeding process. It is possible that the child receives little nutrition, or that some product in your diet has such a strengthening effect on the baby;

The same applies to the mother, since if bowel movements are untimely, toxins can pass into breast milk.

Creating comfortable conditions

In the room where the newborn is located, there must be created comfortable conditions(air temperature within 18-20 degrees and humidity 50-70%). If the room is hot, the baby begins to sweat actively. This releases substances that can irritate delicate baby skin;
Also the room should be clean. To prevent dust from leading to an allergic reaction, it is important to carry out wet cleaning daily and remove various carpets and curtains that can collect dust.

Use of medications

In most cases, it is enough to eliminate the factors that provoke allergies in order to rid the baby of its manifestations. The use of medications is usually relegated to the background. This is due to the fact that they can only eliminate the main symptoms without eliminating the main reason. In addition, a child may also be allergic to the medications themselves.

Knowing how allergies manifest in infants, the pediatrician may recommend using the following medications:

Sorbents are drugs that are absolutely safe for the child’s body. Their main function is to cleanse the baby’s body of toxins and eliminate constipation;
Antihistamines are necessary for symptomatic treatment main manifestations of the disease. For children, only those drugs that do not have a sedative effect are suitable;
Allergy cream for newborns is used for local treatment. Usually non-hormonal drugs are prescribed that have wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, eliminate itching and relieve swelling;
If no other drugs have given the desired effect, the baby may be prescribed hormonal ointments. They give quick effect, but can only be used as prescribed by the attending physician.

Prevention

To avoid the development of allergies in a baby, it is important to start taking preventive measures from the first days of his life. To do this you need:

For some time, carefully monitor your diet while breastfeeding;
Starting from the second month, it is allowed to introduce new products into the mother’s diet, but in small portions, with constant monitoring of the baby’s condition;
It is important for a nursing mother, at any stage of feeding, to avoid eating foods that can cause an allergic reaction;
Maintain breastfeeding for as long as possible;
Carry out wet cleaning in the apartment every day, minimize the baby’s contact with animals and flowering plants;
Do not take any medications unless absolutely necessary.

The spread of allergic reactions, primarily to food, has not spared newborn children, whose allergies, unfortunately, often occur in a more severe form than in adults. Often mothers who breastfeed their baby mistakenly believe that in this case the child is insured against allergies. This is not true, because allergens can also be contained in breast milk. How to recognize allergy symptoms in a child, and what measures should parents take in this case?

Substances that trigger allergic reactions are called allergens. Food allergies are caused by proteins found in foods. Food allergens can change their properties during cooking, with some losing their allergenicity, while others, on the contrary, becoming more allergenic.

What is the mechanism of the allergic reaction? In response to an allergen, immunoglobulins E are synthesized in the body, which activate a cascade of reactions leading to the development allergic symptoms. Typically, allergic reactions occur soon after eating a product to which you are hypersensitive, but sometimes the allergy is delayed, appearing only a few hours after eating the product.

Symptoms of food allergies

So, food allergy is a state of hypersensitivity to food. It can manifest itself in different ways:

In the form of allergic skin lesions:

various rashes on the body,
redness,
itching and peeling of the skin of the cheeks (sometimes such phenomena are called “diathesis”),
persistent diaper rash, despite careful hygiene measures,
profuse prickly heat with mild overheating,
gneiss (formation of scales, peeling) on the scalp and eyebrows, urticaria,
Quincke's edema (a type of allergic reaction characterized by the sudden appearance of swelling of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes).

In the form of lesions gastrointestinal tract (with swelling of the mucous membrane):

regurgitation,
vomit,
frequent and loose stools with foam or mixed with greens,
constipation,
colic,
flatulence.

Less often - in the form of respiratory disorders(with swelling of the respiratory mucosa):

allergic rhinitis,
bronchospasm (during bronchospasm, air does not enter the Airways or comes with great difficulty - this is the most dangerous outcome of allergic edema).

Quincke's edema is especially dangerous for a newborn. In the area of the larynx, suffocation occurs, similar to an attack of bronchial asthma. With swelling of the larynx, hoarseness first appears, then shortness of breath with noisy breathing. The complexion acquires a bluish tint, then suddenly turns pale.

There are also combined lesions of the skin and intestines, skin and bronchi. Food allergies may be the precursor to other allergic diseases: asthma, bronchial asthma, etc.

Causes of food allergies

The question quite naturally arises: where did infants allergy? The fact is that in breastfed children, food allergies can be caused by foods consumed by the nursing mother; if the baby is artificial feeding- foods consumed by the baby.

What is the likelihood of a child developing a food allergy? Heredity primarily predisposes people to the development of allergic reactions. Increased risk The occurrence of food allergies occurs in children in whose families cases of allergies have already been recorded. If one parent suffers from allergies, the risk of developing similar disease in a child is 37%, and if allergic diseases both parents are affected, the risk level reaches 62%.

In addition to hereditary factors, the fetus can lead to allergic reactions in a newborn ( oxygen deficiency) during pregnancy and childbirth, acute respiratory viral infections suffered by the baby and intestinal infections with subsequent disruption of the composition of the intestinal microflora. The occurrence of food allergies in infants is associated with the functional characteristics of their digestive tract: not yet low activity enzymes, low level of production of IgA - protective antibodies located on the surface of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. They provide local protection of the intestinal mucosa from foreign agents. And since a newborn is characterized by increased permeability of mucous membranes, allergens easily penetrate into the blood. And of course, allergic reactions are associated with disorders in, with excessive consumption it highly allergenic products.

Diagnosis of allergies

If your child develops symptoms similar to those described above, you should consult your pediatrician. pediatric allergist or a nutritionist. In case of severe symptoms of food allergy, especially with combined lesions, when there is, for example, a skin rash and manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract, hospitalization in a specialized hospital may be necessary.

The diagnosis is established using:

parent survey data,
establishing a connection between the occurrence of allergies and the intake of certain foods,
examination of the child,
blood tests: evidence of allergies high levels total immunoglobulin E, increased amount eosinophils in a blood test,
ultrasound examination of organs abdominal cavity, which allows you to exclude the non-allergic nature of symptoms from the stomach and intestines.

Indirect evidence that painful symptoms are a consequence of food allergies, evidence of the disappearance of allergies after the mother stops taking allergenic foods and positive effect from the use of anti-allergy medications.

Another fundamental question: what exactly is the child allergic to? To identify causally significant allergens in children of the first year of life, blood is taken from a vein and the presence of specific immunoglobulins E. Older children and adults use the method skin tests: reference allergens (a certain standard set of allergens, which includes eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate, fish, etc.) are applied to the surface of the skin, and after a certain time the results are evaluated. Such studies should be carried out before or after antiallergic treatment.

The so-called food diary helps to identify the causative allergen, in which the mother regularly (at least 3-7 days) notes all types of food and drink received by her or the baby during the day, indicates the composition of the dishes, the features of their culinary processing, the time of feeding and appearance adverse reactions(loose stools, regurgitation, skin rashes etc.).

Allergy treatment

Treatment of food allergies begins with diet, exclusion of the causative food allergen from the diet. But you shouldn’t “fight” allergies on your own; otherwise it can be aggravated, in each specific case therapeutic tactics should be determined by a pediatrician, allergist or nutritionist.

If the baby is breastfed, then first all potential allergens, including foods, are excluded from the mother’s diet for 1-2 weeks. industrial production containing crystalline sugar, preservatives, fat emulsifiers and artificial colors(on the label these substances are designated as emulsifiers, dyes). Salt, sugar, strong broths, fried foods are completely excluded. The amount of dairy products is also limited. Note that for a child with food allergies it is important to maintain natural feeding.

Excluded: Highly allergenic products: fish, seafood, caviar, chicken eggs, mushrooms, nuts, honey, chocolate, coffee, cocoa, bright red and orange fruits and berries, radishes, radishes, kiwi, pineapples, avocados, grapes, broths, marinades, sauerkraut, salty and spicy foods, canned food, spices, onions, garlic. Products containing dyes, preservatives (canned food, semi-finished products): mayonnaise, sauces, adjika, tkemali, ketchup, chips, soft cheeses, smoked meats, ham, sausages, sausages, glazed drinks, kvass, beer. Limited to: Whole milk (porridge only), sour cream - in dishes. Bakery products and pasta made from premium flour, semolina. Confectionery, sugar, salt. Allowed: Dairy products: cottage cheese, kefir, biokefir, bifidoc, acidophilus, yoghurts without fruit additives, hard cheeses, etc. Cereals: buckwheat, corn, rice, oatmeal, etc. Vegetables and fruits: green and white color. Soups: vegetarian and cereal. Meat: lean varieties of beef, pork, turkey fillet, boiled, dried chicken, and also in the form of steamed cutlets. Low-fat varieties fish: cod, hake, pike perch, etc. Vegetable oil. Bakery products: 2nd grade wheat bread, rye bread, unleavened cookies, baked goods without custard. Beverages: tea, compotes, fruit drinks, mineral water without gas

If the baby is bottle-fed or mixed-fed, the cause of the food allergy is most likely cow's milk proteins ( special examination will allow us to establish this for sure) present in infant formula; therefore, it is necessary to partially or completely replace the milk formula with specialized hypoallergenic formulas (prescribed by a doctor) based on soy protein or special mixtures in which the protein is broken down to the level of individual amino acids (hydrolyzed mixtures) - in this case, the development of allergies is impossible. But this diet also has disadvantages: a child may become intolerant to soy protein, and hydrolyzed mixtures have an unpleasant taste and are expensive.

Further, if it is possible to identify the main source of the allergy, clarifications can be made to the previously carried out hypoallergenic diet - the product that caused the allergic reaction can be excluded. This diet should be followed for 1-3 months.

As a result of eliminating the allergen, the signs of food allergy should disappear or decrease, then the mother’s diet can be gradually expanded (however, highly allergenic foods are excluded).

When treating food allergies, a doctor may prescribe antihistamines, adsorbents, various creams and ointments for local skin treatment, including hormonal ones; in severe cases, hormones are administered intravenously. Correction of intestinal microflora is also carried out with preparations containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

If your baby is allergic, then:

Complementary feeding should be avoided until the baby is 6 months old; in addition, you should start with those types baby food, which most likely will not cause an allergic reaction and consist of one component; Cow's milk, chicken eggs, citrus fruits, wheat products, fish, seafood, nuts are best introduced into a child's diet after 1-2 years;

remember that any product used in a child’s diet, especially early age, may cause allergic reactions;
it is necessary to monitor regular bowel movements, if the child has constipation, which increases the manifestations of the disease or is its main cause (allergens do not have time to leave the intestines in a timely manner, are absorbed into the blood and cause allergies), solve the problem with the help of a doctor;
better not to use pharmacological agents in the form of syrups containing various additives (dyes, flavors) that can cause or intensify allergies;
water temperature at water treatments should be moderately warm, and the procedure should last no more than 20 minutes;
You can use only specialized children's hypoallergenic cosmetics (pH-neutral);
It is better to filter bathing water or let it sit for 1-2 hours for the purpose of dechlorination, followed by adding boiling water; Swimming in pools with chlorinated water should be avoided or taken in moderation after the session warm shower using mild cleansers;
Do not rub your child’s skin with washcloths; after bathing, the skin should be carefully blotted with a soft towel and a moisturizing, skin-softening agent should be applied;
The child’s clothing should be made from natural materials, in case of severe allergies skin reactions it can be ironed; pillows and blankets must have synthetic fillers; The baby should be dressed rationally, avoiding overheating, which provokes allergic dermatitis;
the materials from which toys are made must meet all safety requirements;
use of synthetic detergents(toilet soaps with additives, bath foams, shower gels, etc.) it is better to limit them or they should be marked “hypoallergenic”;
It is not recommended to keep pets and even aquarium fish, dry food for which can aggravate allergies;
the air in the home should be clean, cool, moderately humid; It is advisable to take more walks with your child.

Many parents wonder whether their child's food allergies will stop as they get older. As they grow, the functions of the liver and intestines and the immune system improve, which allows us to hope for the cessation of allergies to milk, eggs, vegetables, etc., especially if parents take anti-allergic measures. Only 1-2% of children continue to have food allergies into adulthood.

Irina Kiryanova
pediatrician, candidate of medical sciences

Allergies are called the disease of the 21st century. Twenty percent of children born today will have a pathology by the time they graduate from school. How to help a newborn and infant? Is it always necessary to treat a disease?

The need for allergy treatment

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances called allergens. Over the last century, this diagnosis has been made to children ten times more often. The reasons for this include an increase in surrounding the child environment of the number of allergens, and the fact that medicine has stepped forward in the diagnosis of this disease, and now it is becoming easier to identify and cure it.

The human body, especially in children of the first year of life, can often cope with the effects of allergic substances on its own thanks to the protection of the immune system.

If we compare newborn babies receiving artificial and natural feeding, then the former are more likely to develop pathology. Breastfed babies have minimal exposure to food allergens through their mother's milk and, even after breastfeeding, have a lower risk of developing food allergies. However, breastfeeding is not a panacea; there are exceptions, for example, when a child inherits a disease from its parents, and medical care is simply necessary. There are also cases when children are born prone to allergies due to a difficult pregnancy of the mother or due to the presence of disorders of the digestive or nervous systems.

With age, pathology in a child can develop from living conditions, after an infectious disease, when taking medications (for example, during antibiotic therapy), from vaccinations and other factors.

Manifestation of allergies in young children

A particular danger to the life of newborns is allergies that cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and neck (Quincke's edema), and anaphylactic shock. In these cases, you should urgently call for medical help.

The most common symptoms of allergies in children are a runny nose and sneezing, redness, itching and dryness of the skin, rashes and watery eyes. Manifestations of the disease also include constipation or diarrhea, colic, excessive regurgitation and eczema.

Allergy symptoms in infants - photo gallery

Diathesis is a child’s body’s reaction to environment Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease skin of an allergic nature Eczema is an acute or chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin disease Lacrimation in infants often occurs due to allergies

Treatment methods for different types of allergies in newborns and infants

Treatment of the pathology depends on its type and manifestation. The main way to help a child is to identify and isolate the allergen.

Food allergies

Food allergies are the most common among other types. Signs of it appear soon after consuming the irritant (from immediate onset to four hours). There are a lot of food products that can cause a reaction in a child, but there are several groups of the most common food allergens:

milk and dairy products (allergen - milk protein);
chicken eggs (allergen - egg white);
Fish and seafood;
wheat;
meat;
berries, vegetables and fruits (especially red and orange colors, as well as exotic origins);
nuts;
sweets (in particular, those containing caffeine - chocolate, candies).

Food allergies in infants manifest themselves mainly in the form of diathesis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, urticaria or itching.

The best option would be to exclude provoking foods from a nursing mother’s diet, and also not to use formulas with cow’s milk for up to six months (optimally, hypoallergenic formulas with goat’s milk).

When feeding infants for the first time, a woman should keep a food diary, recording new foods introduced into the diet and the baby’s reaction. If allergies occur in the form of rash, itching, redness, peeling of the skin, diathesis, hives or vomiting best help The baby will need to exclude the allergen from the menu and follow a diet.

Breathing (respiratory) allergies

Allergens in everyday life respiratory form pathologies will be:

pets (cats, dogs, parrots);
dust, pillows and blankets;
household chemicals;
fungus.

Outside the home, allergens include pollen from plants (wormwood, dandelions, wheat) and trees ( Poplar fluff, acacia), chemical reagents.

Manifestations respiratory allergies changes in the lungs (cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, suffocation), as well as allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane, conjunctivitis.

If infant If there are signs of respiratory allergies, then it is necessary to identify and isolate the provocateur. If it is impossible to remove it (for example, poplar fluff) or if it was not possible to determine the source of the reaction, it becomes necessary to clean the air using technical means: put mosquito nets on the windows, buy an air cleaner. In addition, an allergy sufferer needs to carry out daily wet cleaning of the room, minimizing the use of household chemicals and getting rid of dust accumulations (carpets, plush toys, pillows, curtains, bedspreads, etc.). If the cause of the pathology is pets, you need to give them to relatives or friends.

Allergic rhinitis: the school of Dr. Komarovsky - video

Contact allergy

In newborns and infants, contact allergies manifest themselves in the form of atopic dermatitis, redness and peeling of the skin, rashes, itching and eczema.

The causes of allergies are:

chlorine in water;
household chemicals;
synthetic fabrics and dyes;
wool, fluff, feather;
low-quality toys, sippy cups, dishes - all household items with which the child comes into contact. The plastic from which things necessary for the baby’s everyday life are made must be food-grade.

If an allergy occurs in a baby, it is necessary to identify and remove the allergen:

filter and boil water;
replace washing powders with children's ones;
dress the baby in clothes made of linen and cotton, covering all parts of the body (put on the child long-sleeve sweaters, bodysuits, pants, cotton caps under hats);
avoid overheating, which increases sweating;
Bathe your baby daily, using baby products once a week.

Dermatitis in a child - video

Drug allergy

A drug allergy is a form of pathology in which the body's immune system produces antibodies in response to taking a drug. The most allergenic are insulin, aspirin and even entire groups of drugs: antibiotics, vitamins, some vaccines. About 15% of people taking medications experience a negative reaction.

There are several factors that contribute to the development of drug allergies in young children:

Treatment without medical supervision.
Interaction of drugs with harmful substances from food (dyes, flavors, preservatives).
Cross-allergy (reaction to a drug with a similar formula, which is also an allergen, for example, penicillin and cephalosporin).
Simultaneous intake of a large number of medications.
Method of drug administration: inhalation and injection increase the risk of allergies.

A drug allergy can appear in a child either immediately after taking the drug (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema) or within 24 hours (fever, rash, itching, runny nose). Sometimes symptoms can occur even after a few days in the form of a rash and itching. An allergic reaction also includes the appearance of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).

If the above signs of allergy occur in a child, immediately stop taking the drug. In case of anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema, urgent medical attention is required in the form of an injection hormonal agent. In other cases, a diet, the prescription of antihistamines and sorbents, for example, Enterosgel, are recommended.

Drug therapy

Among the medications for allergies in children of the first year of life, there are two: large groups drugs: systemic and local agents. Each group is further divided into subgroups depending on dosage form drug.

Medicines with systemic effects on the body

This group includes drugs for the treatment of allergies, which are taken orally or by injection and have a complex effect on the body. There are two categories: antihistamines and hormonal (steroid) drugs.

For infants, drugs of the first category are primarily recommended, as they are safer and have fewer side effects. Steroids are prescribed by a doctor if necessary in an emergency medical care(occurrence in a child anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema), as well as in severe forms of allergies (for example, bronchial asthma).

Anti-allergy medications for one-month-old babies and older children: Suprastin, Fenistil and others - table

Systemic (general) action drugs

Antihistamines

Steroid (hormonal)

Preparation in the form of syrup: Eden.
Drops:
- Fenistil (Dimetinden) is used in children from one month;
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is approved for children from six months of age.
Injections: Suprastin (Chloropyramine) is allowed from one month, used in extreme cases and no more than ten days.
Tablets: Suprastin (Chloropyramine) in tablet form is administered orally. It is recommended to crush it to a powder before use.

Prednisolone.
Dexamethasone.

Dosage form for newborns - injection ampoules.

Preparations for complex therapy of allergies in children under one year of age - photo gallery

Sweet syrup is easier for babies to take. Suprastin is the most effective drug against allergies Prednisolone is used in severe cases Fenistil drops are convenient for children

Complex therapy: use of sorbents, calcium gluconate

In addition to these drugs, when complex treatment newborns use adsorbents that remove allergens from digestive system baby, thereby preventing their entry from the intestines into the blood (allowed from birth: Smecta, Neosmectin, Eterosgel). Also, during therapy, it is necessary to prevent constipation, and if it occurs, use products with lactulose that are safe for children in the first year of life: Portalac, Duphalac.

It is worth noting that if there is a lack of calcium in the child’s body allergic manifestations are intensifying. This explains the appearance of negative reactions during teething and growth spurts in children. The use of calcium supplements (for example, Calcium gluconate) is optimal for babies under one year of age to avoid the appearance of a deficiency of this element. The drug should be given during meals, adding it to dairy foods.

Tools for a comprehensive approach to allergies in infants - photo gallery

Normaze contains lactulose
Smecta is an adsorbent approved for use by newborns
Lactulose syrup, approved for long-term use Duphalac - a safe and non-toxic drug with lactulose
Neosmectin is an analogue of Smecta. When added to food, a calcium gluconate tablet must be ground into powder.

Topical medications

Local action agents are safer for newborns and are applied locally, depending on the location of the affected area.

If symptoms of contact allergies occur in infants, drug therapy is possible, despite the early age.

All products are publicly available and available in every pharmacy. Preparations with dexpanthenol and lanolin, in addition to their antiallergic effect, have a soothing and wound-healing effect on children's skin, relieve diaper rash and are suitable for daily use.

Ointments, creams and gels for the treatment of skin manifestations of allergies: D-Panthenol, Tsindol, Advantan and others - table

Name of the drug and active substance	Dosage form	Age from which it is approved for use	For what manifestations of allergies is it effective?
Fenistil (dimetindene)	gel; emulsion.	from birth	itchy dermatoses; eczema; hives.
Psilo-balm (diphenhydramine)	gel		itchy dermatoses; eczema; hives.
Bepanten, D-Panthenol (dexpanthenol)	cream; ointment.		dermatitis; allergic skin irritations.
Sudocrem (zinc oxide, lanolin)	cream		eczema; dermatitis.
Zindole (zinc oxide)	suspension		skin inflammation; eczema.
Advantan (methylprednisolone aceponate - synthetic steroid)	cream; ointment; emulsion.	from 4 months	atopic dermatitis; contact dermatitis; eczema.

Products for the treatment of skin manifestations in infants - photo gallery

Psilo-balm - antiallergic drug Cream with panthenol is intended for baby skin care Sudocrem - antiseptic for infants Advantan - effective for dermatoses
Tsindol - talker for the treatment of dermatitis
Fenistil is an antihistamine

Drugs for respiratory allergies

Allergic rhinitis - quite a rare event in young years. If identifying or removing the provocateur is impossible, drops based on sea water or an isotonic solution are often used to help the baby. These drugs have local action: moisturize the mucous membrane, remove allergens and are suitable for daily hygiene child. Allergic rhinitis usually accompanies young children viral diseases, then the treatment regimen includes antiviral drugs and interferons.

Vasoconstrictor drugs are not recommended for use for more than 5 days to avoid the development of addiction to active substance. The action of such drugs is aimed at relieving nasal congestion, which is especially important for the possibility of good nutrition and sleep.

Drops for infants for allergic rhinitis - table

Aquamaris drops - the best remedy For infants for rhinitis, Nazivin is recommended to be used for no more than 5 days Nazol baby - vasoconstrictors with phenylephrine is preferable for infants

Otrivin baby - saline-based drops are ideal for hygiene of the nasal mucosa

Therapy for allergic conjunctivitis

For allergic conjunctivitis in children under one year of age, many antiallergic drugs are prohibited. Help is possible in the form of cool and wet compresses on the eyes, rinsing with chamomile infusion. Among local drugs Ketotifen is approved for use (from the age of 6 months) and only when prescribed by a doctor. At severe forms allergic conjunctivitis The doctor will prescribe hormonal medications.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion on antiallergic drugs - video

Folk remedies for allergies

When treating allergies, folk remedies are aimed only at relieving symptoms, and not at treating the disease itself. Such methods are especially relevant for infants due to the safety and benefits of the herbs and plants used, as well as the possibility long-term use without harm to the child's health.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the prescription of herbal medicines, like conventional medicines, must be agreed with a doctor. Many collections contain asteraceous plants, which are strong allergens.

If a child has a reaction to flowering (or a genetic predisposition to hay fever), only an allergist should select the appropriate therapy.

Baths from string, bay leaves for itching and acne

Aloe and chamomile compresses

The peculiarity of the treatment of allergies in infants and newborns is the limited range of drugs acceptable for therapy. The best prevention diseases in breastfed babies is the diet of the nursing mother, and in bottle-fed babies - the correct selection hypoallergenic mixture. Daily hygiene procedures, wet cleaning, use of children's detergents and high-quality toys are also useful. By following these rules, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of allergies or reduce their symptoms.