Expert opinion: Coping with allergies in kids

You’ve been looking forward to the day your baby hits the 6-month mark. Aside from hoping that her sleep pattern will start to improve (well, let’s see about that!), you are also ecstatic about introducing her to the world of solids!

Be careful – some common foods may be the cause of allergies in kids!

But before you start fantasising about the yummiest puree combinations that you can whip up for her, you should also be aware that there are certain types of food that may cause your tot to have an allergic reaction.

In fact, there are some parents who struggle with reflux issues in their babies even before their little ones start taking solids.

However, this is nothing to be overly alarmed about. According to SingHealth, allergies are quite common in children — and it has been reported that millions of people around the world are affected by various allergy-related conditions.

Is your baby hungry, tired…or simply having reflux issues after a milk feed?

Allergies in kids

To better understand about the issue of allergies in kids and the remedies to soothe the symptoms, we sat down for a chat with Dr Low Kah Tzay, Paediatric Doctor at Anson International Paediatric & Child Development Clinic, Paragon Medical Centre.

Check out Dr Low’s replies below to some of the questions that our readers have sent in.

Q: What is the recommended age to send kids for a food allergy test?

Ask your doctor whether a food allergy test is necessary for your little one…

A: There is no specific age for kids to undergo an allergy test. Studies have reported that about 4-6% of children may have food allergies. At about 5 to 6 months old, parents should try introducing new foods to their baby every few days.

It is also advisable to keep track of symptoms associated to the foods and keep a food diary.

For mums who have concerns about a particular food, do take note of the food item and the relevant symptoms, and talk to your doctor about conducting a food allergy test.

More tips from Dr Low on allergies in kids on the next page…

If your baby is having reflux issues, your doctor might suggest a change in formula milk.

Q: For babies who tend to regurgitate their milk and have been prescribed medication for gastric and vomiting, could this be a case of cow’s milk allergy, soy allergy, or purely a reflux issue?

A: The symptoms sound like gastroesophageal reflux.

If the medications work, do keep up with it together with the current formula milk.But if the medications do not help to ease the symptoms, doctors may recommend to change to a formula with a thickener or a soy formula.

If the symptoms still persist and/or your child is not gaining weight well, your doctor may recommend a pH probe study.

Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to soothe your baby’s sensitive skin.

Q: What would you advise a mum to do if her baby has sensitive skin with rashes that don’t seem to completely heal — even if she applies mild steroid cream and gives baby oral medication?

A: This condition sounds like atopic dermatitis. To ease the symptoms, it is recommended to use a soap-free bath cleanser and moisturise frequently. Be sure to choose a moisturiser that works well for your baby.

Atopic dermatitis is a recurring condition, so when there is a flare up, do use steroid creams prescribed by the doctor sparingly.

We hope that Dr Low’s tips and advice have helped to ease your doubts when it comes to dealing with allergies in kids.

Be sure to watch the video below, and look out for the next series of questions in the weeks ahead on theAsianparent!

Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy™ helps mothers nurture happy, healthy babies, one baby at a time.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or sponsor. Any liability of obligation for loss or damage howsoever arising is hereby disclaimed.

Reference:

http://www.singhealth.com.sg/PatientCare/ConditionsAndTreatments/Pages/Allergies-child-SGH.aspx