Allergies or hypersensitivity is one of the body’s defense mechanisms by which the body reacts and fights the unwanted or foreign body and the rejection shows us in the form of allergy. Sometimes, our bodies react in such a drastic way that it becomes difficult for an individual to survive. For example, an asthmatic patient allergic to pollens may choke to a point where breathing seems impossible. Similarly, allergies to other organs and systems of the body manifest in their own way.
Types of Allergies/Hypersensitivity
Medical sciences have devised four types of allergies on the basis of the mechanism of action of the blood and its components. Hypersensitivity is divided from type one up to type four. However, when we use the term “allergy” it almost all the time means type I hypersensitivity.
General signs and symptoms of allergies
General signs and symptoms of allergies are skin rash and redness, hives with discolored skin, itching on the body, swelling of the face, tongue, or lip, coughing, sneezing, and even choking in severe cases, fever, palpitations, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and other system features depending upon the site of allergy.
All of these signs are not possible in every patient but a combination of these does occur. Moreover, the severity of the allergic reaction also determines the severity of signs and symptoms.
Food Allergies in Children
Food allergies are very common in children and it is definitely very hard for the parents of allergic children to keep their favorite food away from the children. Some food allergies even choke to death and are mostly advised to keep kids away from the allergens no matter how much they love that food item.
Children are very commonly allergic to peanuts and peanut butter, where respiratory symptoms are more lethal and obvious than digestive symptoms.
Similarly, some children are highly allergic to eggs. They cannot have eggs in any form. Gluten is one of the most common food constituents which causes food allergies in children and being a very common part of most of the food items of daily intake makes it almost impossible for poor parents to create a gluten-free diet for their children. It is caused by auto-antibodies and the gut reacts against any food item containing gluten. Diarrhea is the most common symptom of gluten allergy.
Food allergies log for babies
It happens very commonly that children do show signs of food allergies, but parents find it hard to figure out and point out the allergen which disturbs their child. So, a food allergy log can be created to help to figure out the culprit food item making lives difficult.
Babies’ food allergy log is very simple and can be maintained very easily. You simply add the date when you have to start your food allergy tracking. Mention the name of the food and quantity you fed to your child. If the child shows any reaction, do write what kind of reaction it was. Also, mention, the allergic reaction appeared after how many days of food intake.
