Baby Food and Food Allergies

If you understand how allergies work, you may be able to recognize the early signs of allergy. It is important to know how to spot these symptoms, and also what to do about the symptoms should they arise. A food allergy is basically a case of the human body treating food as if it were an invader or threatening parasite. It launches an all out attack by the immune system. Sometimes the body will manufacture an antibody that can detect the food. If the baby eats the food again, his or her immune system will release substances, like histamine, to fight the "invader." These substances are the cause of allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms can be mild, or they can be severe.

Allergy symptoms can manifest in several different ways. Fore example, allergies can cause hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. Usually these symptoms show up within two hours of eating a specific food. If your baby has a severe allergic reaction, it may even be life threatening. In many cases, however, the symptoms, such as eczema, gastrointestinal problems, or diarrhea are ongoing or even chronic.

Bear in mind that your baby can develop a food allergy even if he or she has eaten the food before and not had any problem. If he or she has inherited the tendency to be allergic to, for example, fish, he or she may have no reaction the first few times he or she has fish to eat. Eventually though, your baby will show symptoms. Early exposures to the ingredient may have come when the ingredient was combined with something else. For example, nuts can be barely detectable in a cookie.

Although it is possible to be allergic to just about anything, there are eight food groups that are responsible for ninety percent of food allergies. These are eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, brazil nuts and cashews) fish, and shellfish.

If your baby seems to be having trouble breathing, has a swollen face or lips, or develops intense vomiting or diarrhea after eating, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Severe allergic reactions must be dealt with right away, as your baby's airways may close if you don't do something immediately.

If your baby consistently shows symptoms after consuming a certain food, usually within the first two hours, talk to his or her doctor. You know your child best and will be the best gauge of normal behavior for your baby.