Recognizing Children and Babies common allergies

Recognize a situation respond quickly for babies and small children!  They can’t tell you what is happening in an allergy situation.  It’s up to the parents, family, babysitters, or daycare to be able to recognize a situation and take immediate action.  If know your child has allergies to eggs, formula, lotions or other products or medications make sure everyone who will be in care of your child is aware of the extent of the allergy, the signs and have a list of contact numbers!

Discuss with the doctor any reaction even if it is mild.  The next time it could be more serious.  Your doctor will be able to help you decide the best plan, medications, or test to take to determine exactly what the cause is so your child and you can have a stress-free better life.

Notification of an Allergy condition

• A medical bracelet or necklace is a good way for medics to know of an issue.
• Have medical cards with allergy symptoms and contact numbers printed up.  Make sure everyone responsible for your child has them.
• Verbally remind people, family friends of anything they need to be aware of and medications that may be necessary.
• Always make sure you share doctor and emergency phone numbers with caregivers, schools, school nurses. church care givers, family, and friends, if your child has a play date scheduled make sure they are aware of any conditions or medications, food allergies and what symptoms your child usually exhibits.
• Some vaccinations contain egg proteins. Check with your doctor about them before allowing your child to be vaccinated.  

What if a child has a sudden Allergic indication

Remember, anaphylaxis is a life -threatening reaction and if you feel that your child needs medical assistance don’t hesitate to get it. If life-threatening call for an Ambulance.

Get advice by calling your doctor, pharmacist or even the hospital.

Did the child/baby just eat something that may cause the allergic reaction. Ingested allergens ~ eggs, wheat gluten, dairy, nuts, soy

Check for bug bites, bee stings

Exposure to an airborne allergen like chemicals, dust, pollen, or fragrance.

Lotions can have egg products or fragrances that pose as an allergic irritant

Lanolin is found in baby oil, diaper rash products, lotions and skin creams, medicated shampoos, and makeup like lipstick and powder, shaving cream and makeup removers. Lanolin is an oily substance taken from sheep’s wool. It’s considered a poisonous ingredient and may be harmful if it is swallowed.

Symptoms of lanolin poisoning include diarrhea, rash, swelling and redness of skin, vomiting.

I was watching a child once who needed to have allergy breathing treatments and there was a power outage.  I simply took him in the car to the nearest fire station.  They had power and they allowed me to plug in the machine so he could have a treatment.  The medic stayed with us until it was done just to make sure he was alright.  They didn’t charge me for anything.

Some children, as they age, and the digestive system matures, may find that allergic food reactions are less likely to occur less frequently. This is because Infants’ immune system is still developing for the first 6 months. Some infants may become less sensitive to allergens within the first year.

What are the signs to look for after eating

Breathing changes that take place immediately or soon after eating something.  This would include nasal congestion, runny nose, frequent sneezing.  If there is constricted airways or loss of consciousness take immediate action!

• Collapsing or fainting
• Hives (red raised bumps) are related to food allergies.
• Red itchy skin rashes are different from hives.  Eczema is a red itchy rash.  Eczema is a sign that is a precursor to food allergies.  Food allergy reactions can cause eczema flare-ups.  It is best to check with the doctor to determine.
• Breathing issues ~ noisy breathing, wheezing, struggling to vocalize, change in voice or cry, persistent coughing
• Swelling of the lips, nose, eyes, throat. Make sure you feel the throat to see if there is a lump or if there is swelling.  Skin inflammation and hives are the most common egg allergy reaction.
• Stomach cramps or other digestive problems like nausea or abdominal pain.
• Sudden tiredness, lethargy, seeming limp
• Pale appearance
• Pulse changes ~ Check to see if there is a rapid pulse
• If you are breast-feeding avoid eggs if your child has an egg allergy, a reaction to the proteins can pass through your milk.

If your child has signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek immediate emergency treatment, and do what your doctor has suggested if medication or an autoinjector has been prescribed.

Some other irritants that can trigger eczema or hive flare-ups in children or babies are

• Fabrics ~ nylon, polyester, or wool
• Fragrances ~ found in laundry detergents, lotions, shampoos, soaps

What Nursing Mothers should avoid

Egg proteins can pass through breast milk to your baby. Some moisturizers have egg byproducts. Consider using fragrance free and no lanolin moisturizers for yourself. 

• Marshmallows
• Mayonnaise
• Meatloaf and meatballs
• Meringues
• Marzipan
• Puddings and custards
• Salad dressings
• Baked goods
• Foam on coffees
• Some pastas
• Pretzels

Check food labels for words that start with “ova” or “ovo” for example ovoglobulin or ovalbumin.

Other items on the ingredients label would be

• Albumin is the white stuff that is cooked out of meat like salmon
• Lysozyme comes from milk
• Vitellin found in egg yolks
• Globulin found in eggs, soy, seafood, red meat, dried fruits
• Lecithin – found in egg yolks and soybeans and is a source of choline
• Livetin a protein found from egg yolk