Allergies occur in babies when the immune system responds inappropriately to innocent substances, such as infant formula or pollen, and treats these as harmful invaders. The immune system overproduces chemicals and proteins that result in a variety of allergic reactions. The common symptoms of allergies in babies are scaly, itchy rashes, runny nose, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea. Babies with a parent or sibling with allergies have a higher risk of developing allergies earlier than those who don't have a family history, according to a study on prevention of allergic disease in childhood, published in the June 2004 issue of "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology."
Hen's Egg Allergy
Egg allergy affects about 2.5 percent of babies, making it one of the most common allergies in young children, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or AAAAI. Most babies with egg sensitivities get their first exposure through the mother's milk, so by the time they can eat an egg, their immune system is already primed to react to egg allergens. Most children will outgrow egg allergy by age 5.
Cow's Milk Allergy
Allergy to cow's milk, found in infant formulas, is one of the most common food allergies in young children, affecting about 2.5 percent of infants, according to AAAAI. Most babies with cow's milk allergy may also react to goat or sheep's milk, and some will react to soy milk. Babies may tolerate hydrolyzed formulas based on cow's milk, such as Nutramigen, as substitute for cow's milk infant formula.
Mold Allergy
Mold allergy is a common airborne allergy in both children and adults. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, babies who grew up in homes with persistent mold problems have a high risk for developing allergic asthma within the first 3 years of life. Molds thrive in damp places such as bathrooms, basements, clothes hamper and under kitchen sinks. Babies are especially susceptible to mold exposure because they spend most of their first year indoors.
House Dust Mite Allergy
House dust mites or HDM are microscopic creatures that reside in mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstered furniture. The fecal matter and decaying parts of dust mites can cause year-long allergies and asthma in people sensitive to them. According to the "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology," HDM may cause persistent eczema and asthma in babies who have a family history of allergies or those who have early signs of allergies.
Tobacco Smoke Allergy
Environmental tobacco smoke or ETS contains many chemicals that can irritate the developing lungs of babies. Babies who are exposed to ETS have a high risk for developing allergic rhinitis or hay fever, according to the University of Cincinnati. ETS is also known to cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses in young children. The most prominent risk factors for developing ETS allergy include the mother's smoking habits and the infant being exposed to someone who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day.
References
- "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology"; Prevention of allergic disease in childhood: clinical and epidemiological aspects of primary and secondary allergy prevention; Halken; June 2004.
- AAAAI: Food Allergy Practice Parameter
- ACAAI: Visible Mold Puts Infants at Risk for Asthma Development
- University of Cincinnati: Tobacco Smoke Linked to Allergic Rhinitis in Infants
- Nemours Foundation: All About Allergies
