Baby Allergies

Baby Allergies can be triggered by a variety of factors ranging from things that are eaten, inhaled or touched.

This in turn can cause the immune system to release histamines which can result in very minor side effects, such as a runny nose or become life threatening with anaphylactic shock.

Finding the actual cause to your baby's symptoms is sometimes like looking for a needle in a hay stack, but once detected this could greatly reduce the symptoms.

If you suspect an allergy or intolerance make sure you see your Doctor, do not dismiss your thoughts, remember allergies can be potentially life threatening.

Food allergies can range from very mild to extreme severe reactions, the main culprits being eggs, fish, wheat, nuts, cow's milk, soya, shellfish and citrus fruit.

The reaction to these foods can appear within minutes, vital signs to look out for are swelling of the lips and tongue, rashes and wheezing.

Your child may also develop severe infantile eczema or skin rash and may suffer from itchy streaming eyes. Babies who are allergic to eggs, milk, wheat and soya will usually outgrow their baby allergies by the age of five.

If in doubt please visit your GP or raise any concerns you have with your health visitor.

For more information on baby food allergies go to baby allergies information , an excellent free resource that gives great advice on all your baby allergy needs and concerns.

Pet allergies can last all year round and include symptoms such as rashes, runny, blocked, itchy nose, and sneezing.

People who already suffer from asthma may feel worse when they are in contact with animals, especially if you have a pet yourself.

Animals shed there skin, fur and saliva which in turn collects around the home on carpets, furniture, bedding and clothes.

The best way to avoid or reduce this type of allergen reaction is to keep pets out of children's rooms, groom outside and often, shampoo fur at least once a week and keep pets off furniture.

If you already have allergies, think very seriously before you introduce a pet into the home. Try to consider pets that do not shed allergen.

For further information on Pet Allergies please see pet allergy information and causes , this site is packed full of great information and preventative measures.

Eczema is a reaction by the immune system that causes sore, irritated and inflamed skin that can become itchy and very uncomfortable for your child.

Lots of babies/children develop some type of eczema before the age of two and is usually treated with emollients.

However this depends on the severity of the condition and you must always seek medical advice for the best cause of treatment.

Emollients keep the skin moisturized by adding to bath water and will help keep the condition in check.

Even if your babies/children's skin appears a lot better it is advisable to still continue with the treatment to prevent the eczema from returning.

Please see the baby eczema advice center for in-depth information and expert advice on eczema conditions.

This is when the immune system is triggered by things such as dust mites or smoke in the lungs, causing the airways lining to swell and the muscles to tighten, making it hard to breath.

If you smoke during your pregnancy or around your child then this could increase the change of your baby developing asthma.

Asthma sufferers are usually prescribed asthma medication from there doctor, this is usually breathed in through an inhaler.

To gain more information and a better understanding of this condition please see the asthma conditions and information center , this site is very informative and well worth taking the time to look.