Allergies in infants are one of the most common health problems. Therefore, it is important for parents to know the causes and how to deal with allergies experienced by babies so that the symptoms that appear can be resolved immediately.
Not only adults, babies can also have allergies to the food they eat, the objects they touch, and the fine particles they breathe indoors or outdoors.
However, parents often find it difficult to determine what causes allergies in babies, because they cannot explain the symptoms they are experiencing. Therefore parents should be more careful to pay attention to allergy symptoms that can be experienced by babies.
Causes and Risk Factors of Allergies in Babies
Allergies in babies occur when the baby's immune system reacts to substances that are usually harmless, causing an allergic reaction. Until now, it is not known why this happened. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of allergies in babies, including:
1. Genetics
Allergies in infants are generally influenced by genetic factors. This means that the baby is at risk of having allergies if one or both parents also have an allergy to something, even though the type of allergy may be different from the type of allergy of the parents.
2. The environment is too clean
This one factor is unexpected. However, an environment that is too clean and germ-free can actually prevent the baby's immune system from getting a chance to recognize and fight germs.
This makes the baby's body overreact to substances that are usually harmless.
3. Certain health problems
Babies who have health problems, such as eczema, are thought to be at risk of having allergies to certain foods or asthma when they grow up.
4. Not breastfed
The risk of food allergies may also increase if babies are not breastfed regularly or have been fed solid foods or formula before they are 3 or 4 months old. This is because breast milk contains a variety of nutrients that can form and improve the baby's immune system.
In addition to some of the factors above, there are also substances or objects that can trigger allergies in babies, including:
- Foods, such as nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, and fish
- Mites or dust
- Animal fur
- Mold
- tree pollen
- Insect bites
- Certain drugs
- Chemicals, such as detergents or household cleaners
Various GSymptoms of Allergies in Babies
Babies who have allergies due to one of the factors or triggers above will show the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the face, lips and tongue
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Itchy or blistered skin
- Coughing or sneezing
- Reddish skin or rash
- Difficult to breathe
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
How to Overcome Allergies in Babies
If your little one shows symptoms as mentioned above, immediately take him to the nearest doctor or hospital for an examination. If the results of the examination state that your child suffers from allergies, the doctor can provide advice and treatment, such as:
1. Avoid baby from allergy triggers
The doctor will identify substances that trigger allergies in your child. By knowing the trigger, you can prevent your little one from being exposed to these substances.
2. Keeping the house clean
If your little one suffers from allergies to dust, mites, or mold, it is advisable to always keep the house clean. Some of the ways you can do to keep your home clean are:
- Change and wash baby's bed linen at least once a week.
- Wash children's toys regularly with hot water.
- Do not allow pets into the nursery.
- Open the windows of the house so that air circulation goes well.
- Avoid using carpets because they can become nests of dust or mites.
3. Give the baby nutritious food
If possible, give your little one exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of his life to reduce the risk of allergies. It would be better if breast milk is still given after the baby is 6 months old.
4. Prescribing medicine
Antihistamines and hydrocortisone can also be used to relieve allergies in babies. The use of these drugs must of course be under the supervision of a doctor or pediatrician.
Don't forget, take your baby to the doctor for regular checkups at least 6 times before his first birthday. This examination is carried out to monitor the baby's health condition, ensure normal growth and development, and detect any problems early on, including allergies in babies.