Introducing food allergens to your baby can feel like an unnerving experience. However, by learning when and how to introduce allergens, you can help ease a little of this worry.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your body overreacts to a normally harmless substance (allergen). More than 50 million people in the United States experience an allergy each year. Allergic reactions can range from mild (sneezing or itchy eyes) to severe (restricted breathing, also called anaphylaxis).
Common Food Allergens
Some of the most common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, shellfish, eggs, wheat and soy. Food allergies can vary in severity and lead to symptoms including but not limited to:
- Tingling or itching sensation in the mouth
- Hives
- Eczema
- Swelling of the tongue, throat, lips and face
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
For some people, food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis—a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction causing a constriction of the airways, a drop in blood pressure, a rapid pulse and a swollen throat.
How to Safely Introduce Allergens to Your Baby
Allergic reactions can be scary, and introducing allergens to your child may leave you feeling a little unsure. A 2015 study transformed the guidance around introducing peanuts to children at high risk for peanut allergies. The study found that for children with a high risk of peanut allergies, introducing peanut products starting at ages 4-10 months reduced the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy by more than 80%.
Based on these guidelines, researchers recommend early and regular exposure to allergenic foods to maintain tolerance. A few guidelines to follow when introducing allergens to your child include:
- Wait until your child is ready for solid foods, usually around six months.
- Start with less allergic, mashed foods.
- Only introduce new allergens when your baby is healthy.
- Introduce allergens with more than one adult present. Pay close attention to your child’s reaction and seek immediate medical help if your child develops food allergy symptoms. Watch your child for at least two hours after the allergen introduction.
- Discuss family allergy history with your allergy specialist before introducing allergens. If your family has a history of food allergies, your specialist may recommend you introduce foods in the office or follow a specific introduction plan.
For extra guidance on introducing allergens to your child, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.