AN allergy is a special immune reaction to a substance in the environment and is common among babies and smaller children. When your baby comes into direct contact with certain products or allergens such as food, drugs, insects and pollen, then he/she might exhibit certain reactions such as runny nose, coughing or sneezing, skin rashes and itchy eyes.

Allergens are grouped into three different categories. They are either caused by foods, inhalants or something in the environment.

Some children inherit allergic tendencies from their parents or other relatives. In cases where both biological parents have allergies, the chances of the child doing so is even greater, although most times the child does not necessarily become allergic to the same thing as the parent.

It could take several months for allergic reactions to develop in your child and so you might not know if they are allergic to something right away. When your child's exposure to a particular allergen such as peanuts or dust becomes too much and surpasses his/her tolerance level, then his/her body will start to react to fight off these offensive substances.

Finding the allergen
Signs of allergies can be confusing even for adults when they suffer certain reactions. Imagine how hard it is for a child. As such a concerned parent or one who has a history of allergies, should try to consult a qualified physician who can give further advice on the warning signs and treatments.

How to spot a potential allergic reaction:
1. Sudden rashes on the skin and bottom which are usually similar to mosquito bites in look and appearance.

2. Breathing or other respiratory problems after being in an area for a long period of time or after consuming certain foods.

3. Swelling of the lips/ tongue or face.

4. Runny noise and weepy eyes.

5. Loose stools or diarrhoea.

6. The child may cough as he/she develops a sinus infection due to the allergies and their throat becomes inflamed from drainage problems during their nap time.

Most likely causes of food allergies in toddlers
Dairy products, gluten (protein found in wheat), shellfish, peanuts, soy, corn, citrus fruits, mustard, yeast, egg whites, chocolate and cinnamon.

Inhalants-pollens:
Animal furs and dust mites.

Environmentals:
Laundry soaps, paints and solvents, smoke.

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