It is possible for a 6-month-old infant to have allergies. An infant’s developing immune system is learning to distinguish between harmless substances and potential threats, making them susceptible to various allergic reactions. Early recognition and management are important for parents, significantly impacting a child’s well-being.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms in Infants
Allergic reactions in infants often affect the skin, digestive system, or respiratory system. Observing these symptoms closely can help parents identify a potential allergy. Symptoms can appear within minutes or up to several hours after allergen exposure.
Skin reactions are often among the first signs of an allergy in infants. These include hives, which are itchy, raised red bumps or patches that can appear anywhere on the body and often in clusters. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is another common skin condition linked to allergies, presenting as dry, itchy, red rashes, particularly on the face, scalp, and forehead. Swelling, especially around the mouth or eyes, can also indicate an allergic response.
Digestive symptoms also include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or excessive gas. Parents might also notice blood or mucus in the infant’s stool. These signs suggest the body is reacting to an ingested allergen.
Respiratory symptoms, though sometimes mistaken for a common cold, can also signal an allergy. These include wheezing, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and coughing. Persistent or recurring respiratory issues, especially without other cold symptoms like fever, warrant investigation for allergies.
Common Allergens and Safe Introduction
Common food allergens associated with infant reactions include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Sesame is also recognized as an emerging allergen. These nine allergens account for approximately 90% of all food allergies.
Current guidelines suggest early and sustained introduction of certain allergenic foods, particularly peanuts and eggs, may help prevent allergies. This approach recommends introducing these foods around 6 months of age, but not before 4 months, once the infant is developmentally ready for solids. Delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods beyond this window may increase allergy risk.
When introducing new foods, it is advised to introduce one new food at a time. Parents should wait a few days between introducing different new foods to monitor for reactions. Starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the quantity can also be a helpful strategy. For foods like peanut butter, it should be thinned and mixed into other foods, as whole peanuts pose a choking hazard for infants.
What to Do When an Allergy is Suspected
If you suspect your 6-month-old is having an allergic reaction, taking immediate action is important. Stop feeding the suspected food and contact your pediatrician for guidance. Keep a diary of symptoms, noting what they are and when they occur, to assist the doctor in diagnosis.
Certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. If your infant exhibits severe breathing difficulties, widespread hives with swelling, sudden paleness, or lethargy, seek emergency care. These symptoms can indicate anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is available and prescribed, administer it immediately and call for emergency medical help.
Diagnosis of allergies involves a medical history, a physical examination, and potentially specific tests. A healthcare professional, such as an allergist, may recommend skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens. In some cases, a supervised oral food challenge might be conducted under strict medical supervision. If an allergy is confirmed, management involves strict avoidance of the identified allergen and developing an emergency action plan with your doctor. This plan outlines steps to take in case of accidental exposure, including when and how to administer emergency medication like epinephrine.