How quickly will a baby's allergy go away? Treatment of food, contact and household allergies in infants. How to treat food allergies

What is this - it seems that the food was of quite good quality, and fed the child according to science, but here it is - a rash, an upset stomach, incessant crying... Yes, yes, this is a food allergy in a baby.

Treatment here is required urgently, because intolerance to certain types of foods is far from harmless.

Now let's look at this in more detail.

The path of an allergy sufferer: it all starts from the cradle

Cheeks glowing with a diathesis rash, indigestion, reactions from the respiratory organs - this is how allergies to foods unwisely included by mothers in children's diets manifest themselves.

The reason for the violent reaction is a congenital predisposition caused by the carriage of antigens HLA-A1, B8, Dw-3. There are several factors that have a direct impact on the initiation of the sensitization process:

• The nature of the allergen itself.
• Excess of harmful substances coming from the mother during the prenatal period: this includes antibiotics, artificial dyes and preservatives, industrial emissions.
• The age at which the body first became acquainted with a dangerous substance: the younger it is, the higher the likelihood of intolerance.
• Dosage and frequency of receiving allergenic products. Low-allergenic products for nursing mothers.
• The condition of the mucous membranes of the child’s gastrointestinal tract is pathological permeability of their membranes, weakening of local immunity.
• Severe disturbances of intestinal microflora.

Even very minor manifestations of food allergies in infants create the preconditions for the development of severe allergic diseases in the future - this is the main danger of a seemingly harmless intolerance to certain foods!

TOP 5 most powerful allergens

Cow's milk proteins

Allergies are most often caused by animal proteins. Research has revealed a high intolerance to cow's milk proteins - it is found in 90 percent of allergic children. The most favorite children's drink contains about 20 antigens that can cause sensitization.

Main sources of problems:

• casein,
• serum,
• lactose.

Egg white

Ovomucoid is the main allergenic component of egg white. It is difficult to digest and retains its antigenic properties in the intestines for a long time, supporting the smoldering “light” of an already developed allergy. That is why pediatricians advise giving babies only the yolk - it is less dangerous.

Fish

An old folk superstition says not to give any fish dishes to children under one year old - they say, the baby will be mute or will start speaking very late. Of course, these are just prejudices - the development of speech has nothing to do with fish balls.

However, it is really better not to offer fish to small children - the protein M-paralbumin, which is part of its pulp, can cause severe signs of food allergies in infants. It is believed that 99 percent of allergic children cannot tolerate fish days at all.

Plant proteins

It would seem that what could be dangerous in a piece of wheat or rye bread crumb? However, children's nutritionists say that some plant proteins - gluten, gorden and avenin - can trigger an attack of food allergies.

You need to be careful with fruits and vegetables - their proteins also sometimes behave very unfriendly to the child’s body.

Nutritional supplements

Baby food from boxes and jars is full of dyes and other chemical additives. Even if the baby is not allergic to meat, offal or vegetables, a jar of commercial complementary foods is quite capable of causing stomach upset and diarrhea due to the preservatives contained in the puree.

Manifestation and symptoms - favorite targets of food allergies in infants

The skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and central nervous system are what suffer most quickly and severely from food allergies in infants.

Skin: face and body

Food allergies in infants appear very clearly on the face. Visible on the skin:

• Itchy, weeping rashes - they affect the cheeks, chin, forehead;
• Slight swelling;
• Redness.

The red border of the lips is often involved in the process - it becomes inflamed, cracks and itches.

In addition to a rash on the face, infants may also experience local irritation of areas prone to sweating of the skin folds:

• on the limbs,
• in the hip area,
• in the perianal fold.

Stomach and intestines

Gastrointestinal form of food allergy in infants is what doctors call symptom complexes that develop as a response of the gastrointestinal tract to allergens received with food or drink.

It is difficult for a mother not to notice the problems that began in the baby after the food eaten the day before:

• Intestinal with tension, bloating and a characteristic posture - legs tucked in;
• within an hour after eating:
• A piercing scream;
• Diarrhea with glassy mucus.

Call a doctor immediately if you have repeated diarrhea (more than 5-6 times a day), and blood is visible in the stool and vomit! The child must be examined by a doctor: only he can figure out what is happening - an attack of food allergies or an attack. The diagnoses are different, so their treatment is different.

Allergies are most often caused by animal proteins.

Respiratory and hearing organs

The bronchi and nasopharynx can also suffer from an attack of food allergies in infants - the symptoms of their damage often resemble a cold:

• rhinitis (runny nose) with secretion of clear mucus,
• dry cough,
• in severe cases - bronchospasms.

In this case, you can suspect food intolerance by the absence of temperature - it is absolutely normal for allergy sufferers, although respiratory symptoms reach significant intensity.

central nervous system

When the central nervous system is affected by allergens, attention is drawn to the baby's excessive excitability or some depression, lethargy, and fatigue.

The most dangerous forms of food allergies

1. Anaphylactic shock- a rare, but most dangerous form of allergic reaction to food. It develops instantly and is characterized by very sharp pain in the abdomen, rapid swelling of the larynx and mouth, followed by asphyxia in a matter of minutes, blood pressure drops and death occurs if the injection is not given in time.
2. Quincke's edema is also an immediate reaction and in some cases is almost as dangerous as anaphylaxis. With this form of allergy, within a few minutes, significant swelling of the subcutaneous tissue appears on the face, mouth and genitals. In most cases, Quincke's edema disappears on its own after a few hours, but a tragic ending is also possible.
   If the swelling extends to the larynx, the child experiences difficulty breathing and swallowing. A barking cough begins, then the face turns red and pale, the pressure drops sharply and death from suffocation occurs.

If any of the above signs appear, immediately call an ambulance - only qualified assistance is needed here. You can't do it alone and you could lose precious time and your child.

To avoid missing the onset of a severe reaction, carefully monitor your baby’s condition after eating. To do this, you need to know how long it takes for food allergies to manifest in infants: its first symptoms are visible after just a few minutes - the body of a small child reacts so violently to allergens.

Gastrointestinal allergies in infants, what to do, how to cure: Enterosgel

So, what happened: the baby developed allergy symptoms after eating. Here is the algorithm for the very first actions of the mother or other relatives near the child:

1. Do a cleansing enema.
2. In case of severe diarrhea, give your baby a teaspoon of plain boiled water more often.
3. Give one of the sorbents to drink, the use of which is possible in children's practice.

The enema is done with lukewarm water until the rinsing water is completely clear. Pediatricians recommend it as a good sorbent - for food allergies in infants, it shows the best results, quickly binding and removing from the body substances that cause food intolerance. To do this, dissolve half a teaspoon of the product in boiled water or breast milk (the proportion is one to three) and give the baby up to six times a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Attention: the drug is given no earlier than an hour and a half after feeding or the same time before meals.

To treat allergies in infants, antihistamines are recommended - for example, in a dose of 5 drops once to relieve skin itching and swelling. However, it is better not to risk it yourself if your baby has had an allergy attack for the first time. Call an ambulance so that specialists can confirm the allergic nature of the rash and give the child the necessary medicine.

How long will it take for a baby's food allergy to go away? There is one rule: the milder the symptoms and the faster measures are taken, the sooner the child will return to his normal state. Mostly, unpleasant sensations, gastric and skin manifestations disappear within a week.

The main thing is not to aggravate the situation by continuing to give the baby food that has already caused him intolerance once. And one more thing: the fact that visible signs of allergies have disappeared does not mean complete recovery. Restoring the body after an allergen attack takes several months.

Severe allergies with swelling of the face and larynx are treated for a long time, only in a hospital and go away in about a month, provided that the allergen is accurately identified and all products containing it are completely excluded from the children's diet.

Treatment

If a mother notices that the baby does not tolerate certain foods well, the first thing she needs to do after providing emergency assistance and calling an ambulance is to show the child to the local pediatrician and specialized specialists - an allergist and an infectious disease specialist.

They will determine the causes of the illness, and, if necessary, refer you to a hospital or advise how to treat food allergies in infants at home.

The duration of the course is at least one and a half to two years: this is the period when food allergies in infants go away completely. Then the baby can be switched to regular food.

How to calculate a provoking product? Here are the simple rules:

1. Do not introduce more than one new product at a time - this way you will certainly be able to quickly understand what exactly the child cannot tolerate.
2. Monitor his condition for at least an hour after eating: usually this time is enough for the onset of an allergic attack.

Home treatment: how long does it take for allergies to go away, debriefing

You called an ambulance or got by with simple home measures - an enema and then showed the baby to a doctor who made an accurate diagnosis - a food allergy in the baby. How can I cure it completely so that the attacks never happen again?
We would like to warn you against common mistakes.

1. Some mothers, having received a doctor’s recommendation to use this or that drug, independently discontinue it ahead of schedule, when the baby feels better and all obvious signs of allergies have disappeared.
   Treatment must be completed to fully cope with the unusual reaction of the body. You will have to take into account that it can last up to a year, so be patient!
2. Another mistake: on the advice of friends or from materials on the Internet, they try to fight diathesis rash on their own by applying hormonal ointments.
   Ointments and all medications in general are prescribed exclusively by a doctor - you cannot buy them yourself, cancel them ahead of time, or increase or decrease the prescribed dose.
3. The third mistake is an unjustified hope for folk remedies and a panicky fear of drug treatment. You need to understand that allergies are a very complex process, which involves not only the skin and internal organs.
   Allergies are a powerful blow to the immune system. To bring it back to normal, special measures are required. Folk remedies are ineffective here, and diet alone is not enough. Do not refuse hospitalization if it is offered!

In conclusion

Do everything to avoid new attacks:

1. Carefully study the labels on baby formulas and jars of food: they may contain allergenic components.
2. Do not give your baby forbidden food, no matter how capricious he may be when asking for a treat.
3. Try to feed an allergic child only yourself: other relatives or the nanny can sometimes be incredibly careless.
4. If you do place your baby in temporary care when you go to work or are forced to leave, convincingly and in detail instruct those who will look after the baby what they definitely should not give him.
5. Be sure to make a list of prohibited foods and place it in a visible place.
6. When the baby has already begun to crawl and walk, hide any food so that he does not accidentally eat too much or harmful food.

Additional information about preventive measures for childhood food allergies in this video:

Food allergies are a serious and dangerous condition: always be on guard!

Food allergies in infants are a fairly common occurrence that almost all parents periodically encounter. The body of a newborn, immediately after birth, just begins its long process of adaptation. He will have to face for the first time a large number of food products to which a negative reaction may occur. In the first month of a child's life, red spots on the face may appear and disappear. Most often, the situation is observed against the background of hormonal changes in a nursing mother. Some babies get the rash while still in the womb. Allergies in infants, as a rule, do not require treatment and go away on their own within a short time.

Food allergies in infants are characterized by a special rash. This type of negative reaction can only be eliminated through diet. Pediatricians suggest that mothers take medications only as a last resort, because they can negatively affect the overall health of the baby.

Self-medication is dangerous, so it is necessary to consult a doctor who is familiar with the young patient’s medical history.

Manifestations of food allergies

Parents should know the symptoms that will allow them to recognize the pathology at the first stage of development. These signs appear in almost all children in the same way:

• A rash and severe redness appear on the baby's skin. The baby feels uncomfortable due to itching and flaking. If treatment is not started on time, diaper rash, prickly heat and urticaria will appear. The most dangerous thing is Quincke's edema, because it can be fatal.
• As a result of food allergies, the gastrointestinal tract also suffers. The baby begins to spit up and vomit frequently. There is also deterioration in stool, which manifests itself in the form of diarrhea or constipation. Colic and excessive flatulence prevent the baby from getting a good night's sleep.
• Among the organs of the respiratory system, a negative situation most often manifests itself against the background of a stuffy nose and runny nose. The baby often coughs and sneezes. The situation may be aggravated by the development of bronchial asthma.

Parents are interested in the question of how food allergies manifest in newborns? Children suffer greatly from the flow of tears and irritation in the eye area. Additionally, it should be noted that disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory and digestive organs are symptoms of a large number of diseases. Diarrhea also occurs in cases of food poisoning. That is why only a specialist in this field should analyze the symptoms of a negative condition in infants.

In case of allergic manifestations, consultation is provided by an allergist or pediatrician. The first of them can identify the pathogen within a short time and choose the right course of treatment. When breastfeeding, it is not allowed to independently determine medications for the baby.

Almost every baby has experienced an individual intolerance to a certain product at least once in their life.

In this case, spots on the skin appear within two hours after the food allergens penetrate inside. However, there have also been cases where a negative reaction appeared two days after consuming a certain food product. Most often it occurs on components that are absorbed exclusively in the intestines. Such consequences in infants, when the allergen is excluded, go away on their own within a maximum of three weeks.

The period during which an allergy to certain foods goes away depends on the following factors:

• What portion of the allergenic product did the baby receive?
• Is it possible to immediately eliminate this ingredient from the diet?
• Was the doctor able to choose the correct course of treatment?
• The state of the immune system is of no small importance. If protective reactions work well, then there will be no negative effect on the baby’s body.

Allergies in newborns appear up to two years of age. Dangerous foods include eggs, milk and red vegetables. In the period from two to four years, such a negative reaction is minimized. However, if an individual intolerance to fish or seafood has been identified, the person will have it for life. That is why such dishes can be introduced into the diet of babies no earlier than eight months. In some cases, this process should be delayed up to two years.

Features of treatment

If parents have already learned what a food allergy looks like, then it is necessary to select the correct course of treatment. At the first stage, the irritating product is completely excluded from the diet of the baby and the nursing mother. Allergies on the face appear to foods high in protein, eggs and vegetables. A hypoallergenic diet helps to quickly get rid of negative symptoms. Mommy must follow all her principles exactly.

A food allergy can be cured only if the product that caused the negative reaction is completely eliminated from the diet. After a certain period, it is allowed to reintroduce them into the diet. In this case, the body’s reaction is monitored for 48 hours.

Mothers are faced with the question of how to treat their baby’s individual intolerance.

Only a doctor can choose the right course of treatment. Enterosgel is often used to eliminate itching and red spots. The medication is available in the form of a paste and helps remove toxins and allergens themselves from the body.

If the baby is already one month old, then food allergies can be treated with Fenistil. It is advisable to use the drug in case of extensive skin damage. The active ingredients quickly and effectively relieve inflammation.

Drops of Zyrtec or Fenistil help eliminate lacrimation and swelling of the eyes. The latter option often causes side effects. If the allergy is accompanied by a gastrointestinal tract disorder, then it is advisable to take activated carbon.

Zirtex - drops for lacrimation due to allergies

If children develop a rash due to eating food, then they should not be given Suprastin and Tavegil. The drugs have pronounced antihistamine properties. Their effect can be noticed almost immediately, and the effect after discontinuation of the drug also becomes invisible. Most pills have a long list of side effects. Against this background, a disorder occurs in the functioning of nerve cells. The baby becomes sluggish and loses coordination of movements.

What to do if a negative reaction occurs in a child on artificial or mixed feeding? To eliminate it, it is enough to select a mixture that does not include cow's milk. That is why parents are advised to carefully study the composition of any product before purchasing it. Complementary foods should not be introduced early. Otherwise, an allergy will appear, which will negatively affect the development of the baby.

List of prohibited products

Parents need to know not only how long it takes for a child’s negative reaction to manifest itself. Additionally, foods high in protein should also be excluded from the mother's diet. In this group, milk and chocolate are particularly dangerous. Quite often, allergies occur due to the consumption of mushrooms and nuts by a nursing mother. A negative reaction is caused by certain types of fish, citrus fruits and red berries.

Preventing the development of allergies is simple - it is enough to follow the basic dietary requirements that a woman’s pediatrician puts forward. In this case, it will be possible to avoid negative consequences and deterioration in the baby’s general health.

During breastfeeding, a woman is allowed to eat the following foods:

• natural fermented milk products with a low fat content;
• hard cheese;
• Among porridges, your choice should be buckwheat, oatmeal and corn;
• It is allowed to eat only light-colored fruits and vegetables;
• fish with low fat content;
• vegetable oil in small quantities;
• chicken or turkey broths.

You can avoid allergies only if you exclude the following foods from your diet:

• mushrooms;
• all types of nuts;
• whole milk products;
• purchased sweets and honey;
• exotic seafood and caviar;
• bright fruits and vegetables;
• all types of citrus fruits;
• black coffee and tea;
• hot spices, onions, garlic;
• pickles and marinades;
• recipes with a high content of dyes, preservatives and synthetic substances;
• fast food;
• drinks with gas or alcohol.

You can avoid an allergic reaction in the first months of your baby’s life only if you eat exclusively stewed or boiled food. Fatty and fried foods should be excluded from the diet for this period. Mommy should drink enough liquid. If she has any questions, she should immediately contact her pediatrician.

Cow's milk should not be given to a child under one year of age.

Preventing food allergies

A hypoallergenic diet must be followed in the first month after the baby is born. New dishes are introduced gradually, starting from the third month. Allergies tend to be inherited. However, the negative product may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the baby’s body.

New foods are introduced into the diet only after the adaptation process is completed. You are allowed to try no more than one food product at a time. An allergic reaction in a baby can appear within two days. During this period, parents should be extremely attentive to the health of the baby.

When introducing a product into the diet, it should be tasted in small quantities. If there is a negative reaction, it should not be introduced into the diet for at least another month. After this period ends, the attempt can be repeated.

A woman should try to prolong the lactation period as much as possible. This product contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the baby. Thanks to milk, the immune system is properly formed, which is necessary in the fight against viruses and bacteria. The lactation product contains the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals. Milk is quickly and efficiently absorbed in the baby’s digestive system.

If the baby is on a mixed diet, then it is necessary to choose the right mixture. It must exactly correspond to the age and other needs of the baby’s body. If you have an allergy, you will need to change the product in the future.

It is best to introduce complementary foods starting at six months of age. At the first stage, mommy prepares vegetable puree. Zucchini or broccoli are ideal for this. Today, these vegetables are considered the safest for the baby’s digestive system. It is allowed to use cottage cheese and kefir during this period. Such dishes have many similarities with mother's milk. We should not forget that each child has his own individual characteristics. Mommy should carefully monitor the reaction of his body and, if necessary, change the specification of complementary foods.

Quite often, an allergy occurs in a baby if his mother feeds him porridge with milk. You can try this dish for the first time no earlier than three months. The first complementary foods must be prepared with water. If a negative reaction does not occur, then it is allowed to increase the portion. Cow's milk can be used from the age of six months. If you plan to cook semolina, then it should not contain gluten that is harmful to the body. Some experts, on the contrary, are convinced that animal milk can be used in dishes only from one year of age.

The family should lead an exclusively healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to spend more time outdoors and do gymnastics regularly. Swimming and hardening have a positive effect on the baby's body. They strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of serious diseases.

During breastfeeding, a woman is advised to follow a special diet. She will have to prepare delicious and healthy dishes from limited products. We recommend that you find out in advance the dietary requirements during this period. Only in this case will it be possible to avoid serious consequences in the future.

The first complementary foods should consist only of hypoallergenic products

An infant may be allergic to more than just food. There are frequent cases of negative reactions to dust, cosmetics and medications. Parents must organize conditions for the baby in which there will be no place for allergens. It is recommended to remove flowers and animals from the apartment immediately after discharge from the maternity hospital. Soap and other household chemicals should only be used for children. Bed linen should not be made from natural materials (down and feather), because they often provoke an allergic reaction.

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, the body synthesizes immunoglobulins E, which activate a cascade of reactions leading to the development of 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 of the 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 (with bronchospasm, air does not enter the airways or enters 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 do infants get allergies? The fact is that in breastfed children, food allergies can be caused by foods consumed by the nursing mother; if the baby is bottle-fed - 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. An increased risk of food allergies exists in children whose families have a history of allergies. If one of the parents suffers from allergies, the risk of developing such a disease in the child is 37%, and if both parents suffer from allergic diseases, the risk level reaches 62%.

In addition to hereditary factors, allergic reactions in a newborn can be caused by the fetus (oxygen deficiency) during pregnancy and childbirth, acute respiratory viral and intestinal infections suffered by the baby 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: still low enzyme activity, 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 disturbances in food intake, with excessive consumption of highly allergenic foods.

Diagnosis of allergies

If a child develops symptoms similar to those described above, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, pediatric allergist or 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: allergies are indicated by high levels of total immunoglobulin E, an increased number of eosinophils in,
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, which allows us to exclude the non-allergic nature of symptoms from the stomach and intestines.

Indirect evidence that painful symptoms are a consequence of food allergies can be the facts of the disappearance of allergies after the mother stops taking allergenic foods and the positive effect of using 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 is determined. For older children and adults, the skin test method is used: reference allergens are applied to the surface of the skin (a certain standard set of allergens, which includes eggs , citrus fruits, chocolate, fish, etc.), 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 the appearance of unwanted 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, the treatment tactics should be determined by a pediatrician, allergist or nutritionist.

If the baby is breastfed, then first all potential allergens are excluded from the mother’s diet for 1-2 weeks, including industrial products containing crystalline sugar, preservatives, fat emulsifiers and artificial colors (these substances are listed on the label as and are designated - 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 fish varieties: 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, still mineral water

If the baby is on artificial or mixed feeding, most likely the cause of the food allergy was the cow's milk proteins (a special examination will make it possible to establish this for sure) found in the 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 of baby food that are most likely not to 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 an early age, can 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;
• It is better not to use pharmacological agents in the form of syrups containing various additives (dyes, flavors) that can cause or intensify allergies;
• the water temperature during water procedures should be moderately warm, and the duration of the procedure should not exceed 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; You should avoid swimming in pools with chlorinated water or take a moderately warm shower after the session 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 clothes should be made from natural materials; in case of severe allergic skin reactions, they 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;
• it is better to limit the use of synthetic detergents (toilet soaps with additives, bath foams, shower gels, etc.) or they should be marked “hypoallergenic”;
• It is not recommended to keep pets or 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.

The spread of allergic reactions affects not only adults, but also infants - we are talking, first of all, about allergies to food products. Since allergies in children are much more severe than in adults, this issue should be taken care of immediately. Many, for example, try to breastfeed their babies only, but it should be remembered that food allergies in infants can also be triggered by breast milk.

Reasons for a child's predisposition to allergies:

• If one of the child's parents is susceptible to allergic reactions, the child's chance of being allergic increases. Typically, the predisposition of one of the parents with a probability of 37% leads to an allergy in the child, and the predisposition of each parent increases to 62%.
• The next important factor is the consumption of the following foods by the expectant mother during pregnancy: vegetables and fruits of bright colors, milk, chicken eggs, chocolate, tonic drinks, nuts, honey and mushrooms. The consumption of these products by a pregnant mother increases the chances of the child developing an allergenic background. Smoking, as well as the use of antibiotics by the mother during pregnancy, negatively affects the unborn child’s tendency to allergies.
• Diseases suffered by the child in infancy or hypoxia during pregnancy affect the formation of allergies. Such diseases include, first of all, intestinal infections and ARVI.
• Failure to comply with the feeding schedule of a nursing mother and infant greatly increases the risk of allergies.
• Unreasonable transfer of a child from breastfeeding to infant formula negatively affects susceptibility to allergies. Regularly changing formulas and consuming cheap formulas significantly increases the risk of allergies, as it disrupts the functioning of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

Infants have poor production of the enzyme responsible for digesting food, so any new food is either not digested by the child or is digested with great difficulty. Most often, regularly changing food products leads to their rejection by the child’s body, which leads to rejection of the food in the future.

What symptoms will allow a mother to recognize the presence of an allergic reaction in her baby if it could not be prevented?

Allergies can manifest themselves in different ways: skin diseases, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases:

1. Signs of allergic skin diseases are skin redness, rash, itching, peeling, profuse sweating, Quincke's edema, urticaria.
2. Respiratory diseases usually manifest themselves in severe allergic rhinitis.
3. Gastrointestinal diseases are expressed in constipation, diarrhea, frequent regurgitation, gag reflexes, and flatulence.

The most serious and life-threatening of the above diseases is Quincke's edema. With this disease, some parts of the body swell, an attack of suffocation occurs, a lack of oxygen occurs, and the child’s voice quickly becomes weak. If such symptoms occur You need to see a doctor quickly!

• In 85% of cases, infants develop an allergy when consuming cow's milk (protein).
• The next product (62% of allergies) is chicken egg.
• Dangerous foods are gluten-containing foods, bananas, buckwheat, potatoes, soybeans, less often corn, and even less often various types of meat.

If any allergy symptoms occur, the mother needs to show her child to a specialist to identify the product to which he is allergic and exclude it from the child’s diet. To do this, you need to keep a food journal in which your child's consumption of various foods and his reaction to them will be recorded.

Frequent cases of food allergies in a child can lead to the fact that he will develop other types of allergic diseases (not only food ones).

Note to moms!

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Treatment of allergies in a child under one year old

Treatment for allergies usually consists of a strict diet that eliminates the suspected allergen from the diet. You can give some advice on what foods a nursing mother should exclude from her own diet in order to protect her child from allergies:

• Products containing artificial colors.
• Preservatives.
• Fried foods.

Important article: what can a nursing mother eat?

Food allergies are a danger for all ages, and infants are no exception.

Allergic reactions at an early age manifest themselves especially strongly, the body actively reacts to the substances entering it and the symptoms do not take long to appear.

Therefore, every parent should know what to do if a child develops a rash or hives after meals. And what foods are best avoided if you are prone to allergies.

Causes

Since small children under the age of one year are, as a rule, breastfed, then main reason the occurrence of allergic reactions is the mother.

Irritant substances, called allergens, are present in a huge number of food products. These allergens are transmitted through milk from mother to child and can trigger the activation of the infant’s immune system.

Some time after feeding, the baby’s body begins to react to the stimulus production of large amounts of immunoglobulins E, which leads to allergic rashes, swelling, and so on.

Worth noting that the mother of the child may not be intolerant to foods that cause allergies in the baby. Therefore, it is not immediately possible to identify the provocateur of the reaction.

Other reasons include:

• complications during pregnancy, for example, hypoxia;
• infectious diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy, or by the child in the first months of life, and treatment with antibiotics;
• heredity - allergies are transmitted at the genetic level, so if parents suffer from one or another type of allergic reactions, then the baby can receive them as a “gift”.

According to statistics, if only one parent has an allergy, then the risk of passing it on is 37%. And if both parents - then the figure is already impressive - 60%;

• transferring a child from breast milk to store-bought formula or cow's milk can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially when using low-quality products.

Read also why food allergies occur in adults.

Allergenic foods to avoid

First of all, before starting treatment and as a preventive measure, it should be excluded from the diet of mother and child. highly allergenic foods.

Here is a list of the most allergenic treats:

• nuts- any type, very active allergen;
• Fish and seafood, shrimp, caviar, etc.;
• sweet fruits, especially red or bright orange, pineapples and kiwis, grapes;
• avocado also contains active substances that cause allergic reactions;
• chicken eggs;
• products containing caffeine and cocoa;
• chocolate, besides cocoa, it contains many more components to which intolerance occurs;
• cow's milk and dairy products containing cow's milk protein;
• mushrooms.

You should refrain from consuming any food groups containing dyes, preservatives, and artificial additives. You cannot buy semi-finished products, and it is better to avoid canned goods.

Various sauces, spices, fermentation products (kvass, beer), some types of cheese, smoked sausages contain many additives that not only cause allergies, but are also difficult for the body to digest.

Cross allergic reaction table:

Low allergenic products, such as bread and baked goods, noodles and pasta, confectionery products can be eaten in limited quantities, controlling the occurrence of allergy symptoms.

If the child’s diet includes feeding with various formulas, or he is completely transferred to artificial feeding, then milk proteins may be the cause of the reactions. Such infant formulas should be replaced with special hypoallergenic, which are recommended by the attending physician.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to know exactly which foods are safe for your child until this is established experimentally during feeding or through diagnostics during treatment.

Absolutely any food can cause allergies, especially at an early age, so you need to monitor your diet very carefully.

Symptoms and signs

Hypersensitivity to food in a child can manifest itself in quite a variety of ways. It may not limit itself to just one sign, but may produce a whole bunch of troubles.

To the main allergic symptoms that can be observed in children include:

When the latter appear, you need to immediately call an ambulance, because development occurs rapidly and, if urgent medical assistance is not provided, death is possible.

Also suffers digestive system and gastrointestinal tract:

• regurgitation and gagging may occur;
• constipation, or vice versa - loose stools, diarrhea;
• the child may be bothered by colic and bloating;
• diarrhea.

Diagnostics

If you notice any of the symptoms described above in your child, you should immediately make an appointment with a pediatrician. After the examination, he will prescribe the necessary tests for allergens and procedures to identify the diagnosis and causes of reactions.

In severe and particularly severe cases of food allergies, hospitalization and treatment in a hospital are possible.

After interviewing parents and examining the child, appointments are made blood tests to determine the number of immunoglobulins E and eosinophils.

To exclude diseases of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract, ultrasound examination (ultrasound), stool tests may be ordered.

To identify specific allergens that cause violent reactions in children after one year, they may be prescribed prick tests and skin tests. This will allow you to accurately determine which allergens you are intolerant to.

Posts about a week is enough, while simultaneously monitoring the child’s condition and consulting with a doctor about noticed changes.

All these diagnostic tools, together with the symptoms detected during an in-person examination, make it possible to identify the exact cause of food allergies and create an individual treatment program for the child.

Treatment

After the diagnostic measures have been carried out, the pediatrician will tell you how to properly treat your baby in your particular case.

But, despite the individual nature of treatment, there are general recommendations, which are used for all patients with food allergies.

First of all, it is necessary avoid any contact with allergic substances and products identified at the diagnostic stage.

A nursing mother should reconsider her diet, stop consuming the highly allergenic foods discussed above and be wary of ready-made store-bought foods and semi-finished products.

If eliminating the allergen does not help, you should not self-medicate- this can aggravate the situation and provoke severe allergic reactions, swelling and suffocation.

If anaphylaxis, severe bronchospasm or angioedema occurs, it is necessary to give the child an antihistamine (for example, Suprastin) and call an ambulance.

You should definitely consult a doctor who will prescribe the correct treatment for you, based on the symptoms and nature of the allergic processes.

Drugs prescribed:

1. antihistamine tablets (can be administered intravenously in a hospital);
2. ointments for the treatment of dermatitis, eliminating itching and flaking. The use of hormonal drugs is contraindicated for children under one year of age;
3. means for regulating intestinal function, correcting microflora with the help of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria present in the preparations.

To cure allergies faster, you need to adhere to and general preventive measures. The main thing here is hygiene and the absence of allergens in the child’s environment.

To prevent diathesis due to food allergies from developing into more dangerous types of dermatitis, it is necessary to care for your baby’s skin:

• refuse synthetic clothing;
• carry out daily water procedures in warm water, but no more than 10-15 minutes;
• if there is a rash and peeling on the skin, do not use washcloths or rub the affected areas;
• after bathing, you should dry your baby very carefully with a towel;
• use hypoallergenic shampoos and soaps, without dyes;
• maintain a constant of more than 60%.

Diet and hypoallergenic products

Proper nutrition of mother and newborn baby is the key to success. It's not only has a healing effect, but also completely prevents the risk of allergic reactions.

A person who leads a healthy lifestyle and eats natural foods is not at risk of food allergies, even if there is a predisposition to it.

A properly formed menu allows you to avoid contact with potentially dangerous treats and allergens.

As mentioned above, it is necessary to avoid semi-finished products and products, emulsifiers and dyes, and various artificial additives. But also homemade food is unsafe, if the menu is dominated by fried foods, rich soups, and other recipes containing large amounts of salt, sugar and spices.

Important for the child so that breastfeeding is maintained with a minimum amount of artificial formula (or better without it at all).

For nursing mother, the following hypoallergenic products are allowed:

• curd, kefir and other fermented milk products;
• Of vegetables and fruits, only those that are white or green are permissible;
• cereals and porridges (preferably with water): oatmeal, rice, pearl barley, etc.;
• you can eat lean varieties of meat and poultry: beef, turkey, pork, less often - boiled chicken, rabbit;
• wheat or rye bread, baked goods without yeast, additives, creams and glazes;
• vegetable oils are acceptable;
• Fruit drinks, mineral water (preferably without gas), tea and compotes are acceptable to drink;
• puree soups and simple vegetarian broths.

From this list, it is necessary to exclude those products to which an allergy will be detected during diagnosis and testing. You can consult a nutritionist to determine a detailed menu for the week and the timing of its observance.

As a rule, you need stick to the diet for 1-2 months until the symptoms of the disease disappear and the baby’s body gets stronger.

Food allergies can be cured, the main thing is to follow your doctor’s recommendations and follow a proper diet. Try to monitor your child’s diet and hygiene, following general preventive recommendations that will protect you from unpleasant allergic manifestations.

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Tips for treating food allergies in young children:

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