If a mother is allergic to any food the chances are her child may also be allergic to those foods. Many mothers don't realise that they are allergic as they display little or no symptoms. However, the allergic reaction can be much more pronounced in their suckling child. What mother eats; baby eats.
There are eight types of food that account for all but 10 percent of food-allergy; these are eggs, wheat, dairy, soy and peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
One in every 17 children under the age of 3 -- that's 5.8 percent -- has a food allergy, according to The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about food allergies. But identifying that your baby is suffering from food-allergy can be difficult as the symptoms displayed are attributable to other factors.
A number of children eventually outgrow food allergies. Peanut allergies, however, tend to be lifelong. If you know that you suffered from food allergy as a child you should avoid those foods whilst you are breastfeeding. Even if you have never suffered from any food-allergy you can cut down the risks of your baby developing a food-allergy by avoiding the eight main allergy causing foods. Also, when you wean your child you should avoid feeding your child these foods until they are at least one year of age. Introduce these foods one-by-one and observe your child's reaction after feeding.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from food-allergy you should consult with your pediatrician. Unfortunately many pediatricians are reluctant to conclude that a child is allergic to food. Your may have to fight your corner. Also many are hesitant to tell a mother to drop things from her diet, because they're concerned about her nutrition. Stand your ground and if your pediatrician refuses to listen to your concerns, you can ask to be referred to an allergist.
The following are common symptoms of food allergy or intolerance:
Chronic eczema: Long periods of scaly and itchy skin rashes.
Hives: Often-itchy red welts on the surface of the skin.
Chronic unexplained digestive or respiratory problems.
Colic: chronic, unexplained, excessive crying.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. Call the emergency services immediately if you see signs of anaphylaxis. Symptoms include: Severe hives or hives in conjunction with another reaction, facial swelling, swelling of mouth and throat (the constriction of the throat is especially dangerous because as the throat swells shut, the child will stop breathing -- child turns blue with lack of oxygen), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, drop in blood pressure, fainting, death.
The following organizations provide help and support for food-allergy sufferers.
Kids with food allergies: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN): http://www.foodallergy.org/
