Baby Formula Allergies

The most common amongst baby formula allergies is actually cow’s milk protein allergy. The good thing about this type of allergy, though, is that babies outgrow this when they reach their 2^nd or 3^rd year. However, you would still have to deal with the symptoms of this allergy while the problem is still present.

It is actually the milk protein content that triggers the allergic reaction here. The symptoms include skin rashes or eczema, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea. Your baby can experience one or even all of these symptoms. Also, some children might experience an allergic reaction of a more serious kind, which is known as anaphylaxis. Although this is less common amongst the many symptoms that can occur, you should still pay attention to this reaction because it is indeed pretty serious. Your baby’s face can swell in just a matter of minutes, as well as his mouth and tongue, and this can lead to breathing problems. Flushing, itchy rashes, the hives, and vomiting are also symptoms that come with anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can become fatal very fast. Thus, there is an imminent need to pay attention to this allergic reaction here.

Should any of these symptoms occur, you should not hesitate to consult your physician right away. It is very important for your pediatrician to evaluate your baby as soon as possible so that other possible reasons for the occurrence of the symptoms can be weeded out. For instance, baby formula allergies are not the only reason why your baby experiences abdominal cramps or diarrhea. There are other reasons for such, and these would warrant other forms of treatment. However, if it is indeed determined that your baby is afflicted with cow’s milk allergy, then you pediatrician can then modify your baby’s diet accordingly, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Most of the time, your pediatrician would ask you to change formulas. There just might be trial and error done here, so your pediatrician might also refer you to an allergist. This way, the process of determining the causes of these symptoms can be determined through the implementation of a blood test or a skin test.

For the most part, your baby might be restricted to a dairy-free diet. But do not worry because as mentioned above, babies tend to outgrow the symptoms of baby formula allergies. As soon as this happens, then you baby can start consuming dairy products once again. Just make sure to consult your pediatrician regularly so that the proper time to reintroduce dairy in your baby’s diet can be determined.