Food allergies are infrequent in the Indian subcontinent. A recent report says that though the sensitisation rate of certain food items is relatively high in India (almost 26.5%), the probability of developing food allergies is very low(1.2%). However, there is still no positive explanation for these strange results. Therefore, food allergies are considered dangerous in India.

Contrary to that, a global report says that although the prevalence of food allergies among adults is very low(1-2%), nearly 6-8% of children are diagnosed with food allergies. Five everyday food items aid food allergies among children.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies up to 6 months. Introducing solids can be a great milestone for many parents but they must check their baby's body's reaction to new foods. As per Dr Ashish Sahdev, Head Marketing - Medico and PMT, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, many children develop food allergies, which are abnormal reactions to certain foods.

What is Allergy?

Allergy is a common medical condition when foreign particles or allergens attack your immune system and the body exhibits specific reactions to them. 

When foreign particles enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies to fight those foreign particles. These antibodies may identify the allergens as harmful even if they don't have any potential to harm your body. In such cases, your body cannot hold it in and starts showing severe reactions.  

Allergies can occur due to several factors like pollen grains, dust, certain food items, air pollutants, etc. Thankfully, allergy is not life-threatening but severe cases can prove fatal.

What is Food Allergy?

Food allergy is a type of allergy that develops in your body after you eat certain food items. When your baby eats a different food for the first time, they will not show any symptoms as they get sensitised by the food. But during the second time, the IgE antibodies in your baby's body will react to the allergens and produce histamines. As a result, your baby may suffer from hives, itching in the mouth, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance

It is equally crucial for you to know that food allergy and food intolerance are not similar conditions. Your baby's immune system gets triggered by food allergies which can be life-threatening in severe cases. But food intolerance is a more superficial condition where your baby cannot digest certain foods. Food intolerance is not life-threatening and does not attack your baby's immune system. 

Common Food Allergies in Babies

Doctors have spotted some of the most common food items that cause allergies in babies and children. They are as follows:

• Milk

Your baby can develop allergies to cow milk as soon as you introduce formula. 85% of babies are prone to a milk allergy at the initial stage. However, they may resolve in later years. 

• Eggs

Eggs are one of the most common foods that cause allergies in babies. Please do not feed an entire egg to your baby. Separate the egg yolk and then try. If your baby cannot withstand it, you should stop giving them eggs. They could be allergic to the protein in eggs. 

• Fish and shellfish

Babies often fall sick of fish, especially shellfish. Be careful while feeding fish to your baby.

• Peanuts

Nuts, including cashew, almond and pistachio, can cause allergies. Moreover, allergies to peanuts can be futile. Allergies from nuts do not usually go away. Take your baby to the nearest hospital as soon as possible if they show any symptoms or unusual behaviour. 

• Wheat

Babies may be allergic to glutens present in wheat. Don't add wheat to your baby's food once it is sure that wheat is the reason for the allergy. This gluten allergy may go away in the coming years. 

• Soy

Babies below 5 years sometimes exhibit allergies to soy. Be careful of what you are feeding your infant. 

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Rush to the nearest healthcare centre if your baby shows any of the following symptoms after eating any allergic food:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Cramps
• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Eczema
• Swelling
• Itchiness around the mouth, lips, tongue
• Tightness in the throat
• Wheezing

Treatment of Food Allergies

If your baby is diagnosed with food allergies, their treatment should be initiated immediately. Visit a paediatrician and tell them about your baby's food chart. They may advise you to get an allergy test done.

If it is not severe, your doctor will omit those food items the child is allergic to from the chart. They may suggest substitutes for those food items if necessary.

In severe cases, infants are injected with epinephrine to reverse anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure and opening airways to help to breathe.

Preventive Measures

If your baby is prone to food allergies, please follow the following instructions:

• Get a food allergy test done

It is highly recommended to get an allergy test done to find out what foods your baby is allergic to.

• Eliminate Foods That Trigger Your Baby's Allergy

Omit the foods that cause your baby to fall sick. These allergies may go away later but don't take any risk now. It is essential to check the ingredients present in packaged foods before feeding them to your baby.

• Carry Safe Foods

Always carry simple, easy-to-digest food with you. You can seek the guidance of a nutritionist to make a balanced food chart. 

• Check on Your Baby 24/7

Though it is not easy, it is advised to observe your child when introducing them to new foods.

Conclusion

Food allergies are not usually considered dangerous but a severe allergy could be fatal. Get your child tested to diagnose any allergies. Take care to keep those food items that they are allergic to, beyond their reach.

Watch out for any reactions after introducing any new food to them. Pay additional attention to the food mentioned above as such foods are known to cause allergies in young ones. Always consult your doctor if you notice any severe changes in your body after a new food introduction.