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Ask An Expert: Infants and Allergies
Question:
Is it possible for a baby to have allergies? My grandson is 4 months old. He is fussy must of the time. For the past month and a half he has been rubbing his head and nose and tugging on his ears. He has had two ear infections, but I believe there is something else going on. He has had very bad cradle cap and the doctor says he has eczema.
Answer:
Yes, it is possible for a baby to have allergies. Children of any age can develop allergies, although babies tend to have allergies to foods, while older children commonly have allergies to other things as well, including pollen, animal dander, dust mites, insect stings and medicines. If your grandson is (or was) breastfeeding, this generally helps protect against allergies, although a baby can be exposed to an allergic food through breast milk.
We do not exactly understand why people get allergies. Experts know that allergies start with something called sensitization, a period of a few weeks to many years, when repeated exposure to something causes a person's immune (infection-fighting) system to try to fight it off as if it is harmful to the body. The immune system defends against the "invaders" by creating antibodies that stick to the invader. This connection causes the release of histamine and other chemicals that set off familiar allergy symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, or an itchy rash.
Once someone is "sensitized," an allergic reaction can happen anytime the body is exposed to that particular allergen. People are sensitized at different times during their lives, so some develop allergies during childhood while others don't develop them until adult life.
Different types of allergies cause different symptoms. For example, food allergies can cause upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, hives (itchy, raised red bumps), or in rare cases anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that requires immediate medical attention). Allergies to things in the air, such as pollens, dust or animal dander, may cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat and cough. All of these symptoms could cause fussiness in a baby or child.
You mention that your grandson has eczema, also known as atopic (allergic) dermatitis. This itchy red rash, which can involve the skin all over the body, but especially the face, is more common in children with allergies. On the other hand, cradle cap, a scaly or crusty yellowish rash on the scalp, does not seem to be related to allergies. This rash usually is harmless, does not seem to bother babies, and goes away within a few months.
While it is normal for all babies to have a fussy time, being fussy "most of the time" may be a sign that something is bothering your grandson. I would share your concerns with the baby's parents and suggest that they discuss them with your grandson's pediatrician.
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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| Last updated: | January 24, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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