| One major step in your baby's development is the | | | | such as eczema, gastroentestinal problems and |
| transition from nursing or bottle feeding to solid | | | | diarrhea can be chronic. |
| foods. It is during this time that food allergies can | | | | Bear in mind that your baby can develop a food |
| really change your baby's world. It is possible for | | | | allergy even if he or she has eaten the food before |
| children to have food allergy symptoms but not really | | | | and not had any problem. If he or she has inherited |
| a food allergy, but keep in mind six percent of young | | | | the tendency to be allergic to, for example, fish, he |
| children and up to four percent of adults in the USA | | | | or she may have no reaction the first few times he |
| have at least one food allergy. | | | | or she has fish to eat. Your baby will show |
| If you understand how allergies work, you may be | | | | symptoms eventually. Early exposures to the |
| able to recognize the early signs of allergy. It is | | | | ingredient may have come when the ingredient was |
| important to know how to spot these symptoms, | | | | combined with something else. For example, nuts can |
| and also what to do about the symptoms should | | | | be barely detectable in a cookie. |
| they arise. A food allergy is basically a case of the | | | | There are eight food groups which are responsible |
| human body treating food as if it were an invader or | | | | for ninety percent of all food allergies, and it is |
| threatening parasite. It launches an all out attack by | | | | possible to be allergic to just about anything. These |
| the immune system. Sometimes the body will | | | | are eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts |
| manufacture an antibody that can detect the food. If | | | | (walnuts, pine nuts, brazil nuts and cashews) fish, and |
| the baby eats the food again, his or her immune | | | | shellfish. |
| system will release substances, like histamine, to fight | | | | You should call 911 or your local emergency number |
| the "invader." These substances are the cause of | | | | immediately if your baby seems to be having |
| allergy symptoms. Symptoms of allergies can be mild | | | | breathing trouble or experiencing swollen face or lips. |
| or severe. | | | | Severe allergic reactions must be dealt with right |
| Allergy symptoms can manifest in several different | | | | away, as your baby's airways may close if you don't |
| ways. Examples of allergy symptoms are hives, | | | | do something immediately. |
| swelling and trouble breathing. Usually these | | | | If your baby consistently shows symptoms after |
| symptoms show up within two hours of eating a | | | | consuming a certain food, usually within the first two |
| specific food. If your baby has a severe allergic | | | | hours, talk to his or her doctor. You are the best and |
| reaction, it may even be life threatening. Symptoms | | | | final authority on your child and his or her behaviour. |