Baby Center describes an allergy as an immune reaction to an allergen. Allergens include foods, drugs, bugs, animals, dust mites, pollen and mold. An allergic reaction can be the result of touching, breathing or eating the allergen. Some babies have seasonal allergies; others seem to suffer all the time. Baby Center says symptoms can range from very mild to life-threatening. Work with your baby's pediatrician for a treatment plan.
Skin Reactions
When a baby is having an allergic reaction, his skin reacts in the form of a rash. Baby Zone says this often occurs in the form of hives. Hives, which look like welts, can appear where the allergen touched the skin or on other parts of the body when the allergen is ingested. For a child who has eczema, allergies can worsen the condition, according to Baby Zone. Using an anti-itch cream can often relieve the itch associated with allergic skin reactions.
Respiratory Changes
When a baby is having an allergic reaction, his respiratory system often fights back in the form of a runny or stuffy nose. With a runny nose, the mucus is thin and watery and doesn't resemble what's produced when a baby merely has a cold. Baby Zone says that allergies in a baby can also result in congestion, leading to mouth breathing. Finally, an allergic reaction also causes a baby to wheeze. A pediatrician can prescribe medication to treat these symptoms.
Anaphylactic Shock
Severe allergies produce swelling, says Baby Zone, usually in the lips and eyes, but can also be present in the rest of the face. Watch your baby closely, because this swelling can progress quickly and lead to difficulty breathing, which can be fatal without immediate medical attention. This condition is called anaphylactic shock. Parents of a baby with severe allergies sometimes have to carry an epi-pen, which is an injectable medicine that counteracts the allergic reaction.
