HEALTH MATTERS
Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis in infants and toddlers. Foods that may cause a reaction include cow's milk, infant formula, eggs or peanut products. Infants may also develop symptoms when a mother consumes a food allergen and it passes into her breast milk. Certain medications such as penicillin-based antibiotics may cause allergic reactions. Insect venom from a sting and latex are other potential allergic triggers. Latex can be found in bottle nipples, pacifiers and other rubbery products.
Experts now recommended introducing common food allergens to babies at 4-6 months of age. Research shows that when babies eat these foods early and often, their immune systems can learn to accept them instead of reacting to them. This can reduce the risk of food allergies later in life.
If your baby has eczema or already has a food allergy, speak with a pediatrician or pediatric allergist before introducing common food allergens into your child's diet.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis in infants and toddlers?
Anaphylaxis can look different in infants and toddlers than it does in older children and adults. Recognizing the early signs is critical. Symptoms can change quickly and may become life-threatening if not treated right away.
It's important for parents and caregivers to watch closely for physical or behavioral changes. Here are some common signs of anaphylaxis in each body system, with additional signs to watch for in infants and toddlers:
Breathing
* Common signs in all ages: shortness of breath, cough, tight or hoarse throat,
swelling of lips or tongue that impacts
breathing
* Additional signs in infants and toddlers: belly breathing, rapid breathing, nasal flaring, tugging the chest or neck, hoarse cry
Heart
* Common signs in all ages: skin color is pale or has a bluish tint, weak pulse, dizziness or fainting
* Additional signs in infants and toddlers: blotchy discoloration of the skin, fast heartbeat, appearing limp or wobbly with poor head control
Skin
* Common signs in all ages: many hives across the body
* Additional signs in infants and toddlers: obvious swelling on the face
Stomach
* Common signs in all ages: severe vomiting or diarrhea (may be combined with other symptoms)
* Additional signs in infants and toddlers: vomiting more than once, vomiting or diarrhea combined with other symptoms
Behavior
* Common signs in all ages: feeling of "doom," confusion, agitation, altered consciousness
* Additional signs in infants and toddlers: very tired, difficult to wake up, withdrawn, crankiness, inconsolable crying
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may vary among babies and can be different each time a baby has an allergic reaction.