The treatment of an allergic reaction in a baby depends on the type of reaction and the exact symptoms displayed. Hives and other skin irritations can often be treated using a topical cream if no other symptoms are apparent. Sneezing, coughing, or runny nose may be treated with saline solutions or other over the counter medications. Serious allergic reaction symptoms should not be treated at home as they may be life-threatening.
Most of the time, an allergic reaction in a baby will be mild and not cause for concern. Milk allergies are the most common since babies have stomach upset and skin irritation when drinking milk-based infant formulas if they are allergic to the proteins found in cows milk. Treatment of a milk allergy will usually involve avoidance of milk formulas through feeding a soy or amino acid-based formula if breastfeeding is not an option. Breastfeeding mothers of allergic infants should avoid eating and drinking dairy products since substances found in them are passed through breast milk.
Skin-related allergy symptoms such as hives or rashes can usually be treated using an over the counter topical ointment. A doctor should be notified to ensure that a particular treatment is appropriate. Parents should use lotions or creams recommended by a doctor or pharmacist as being suitable for young children.
Other signs of an allergic reaction in a baby can include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. An over the counter antihistamine may be given in these cases, although a doctor will still need to be contacted. Most medications are not labeled for young infants, so specific instructions for dosage will need to be given by a medical professional. A pharmacist may also provide information.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction in a baby, can include wheezing, swelling of the lips, throat, or mouth, and shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms occur, the child should be taken to see a medical professional immediately. If transportation is an issue or the baby's doctor is not available, an ambulance should be called. In very severe cases, the throat could close and lead to suffocation if immediate treatment is not given.
Before attempting to treat an allergic reaction in a baby, parents should ensure that symptoms are being caused by an allergy. Many signs of an allergic reaction can also be symptoms of another health condition. The common cold, for instance, can lead to watery eyes or sneezing.
