A recent study in Australia watched 5000 infants to determine how many of them will develop a food allergy before the age of one.
The result startled researchers when it came in at double what was expected. Eight percent of infants developed food allergy reactions from hives to facial swelling to anaphylaxis. Egg allergy, followed by peanut, was most commonly found.
Hopefully, studies like this will lead to more research and information for pregnant and breast feeding mothers about what they may eat and when to start introducing foods to their babies. This has been a source of confusion for parents for too many years.
Have any young mom readers gotten helpful advice from their doctors when it comes to food allergies and babies? How about really bad advice? I remember my pediatrician telling me to "wait a few months" before taking my 10-month old to an allergist. When I reported hives and other skin problems after giving him yogurt, cheese and other dairy products, she said he was "too young to have allergies".
I followed my gut and took him to an allergist. He had multiple and severe food allergies to milk and a long list of other foods.
I found a new pediatrician too.
4 comments:
After MG's anaphylactic shock her pediatrician ran blood test and gave us an epi-pen. She did not recommend we see an allergist. I ignored her advice and am glad MG has an allergist as well.
I was walking around without an epi-pen for over a year even though we knew my daughter was seriously allergic to milk (hives and vomiting), and my pediatrician didn't think it was necessary for me to get an epi-pen or go to an allergist until we discovered she was also allergic to peanuts.
I don't blame him, though. I don't think pediatricians are trained in dealing with food allergies. I tell all of my friends whose kids exhibit any type of food-allergic reaction (or other serious allergic reaction) to see an allergist ASAP.
Food allergies is common in children. If symptoms such as, skin irritations, swelling, and difficulty with breathing occur, we should immediately report to right physician.
I would love to know if there is any information out there for pregnant mothers on how to prevent their unborn child from developing food allergies in the future. My husband and I do not have food allergies, and 2 of my 3 children have moderate to severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, corn, strawberries and bananas.
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