August 22, 2011

Infant Environmental Allergies

A big debate that has been brewing between practitioners and parents is the existence of infant environmental allergies.  Theoretically, from what we understand about how the immune system works, infants shouldn’t be able to develop environmental allergies.  Their immune systems are too immature, and they haven’t really been around long enough to achieve the exposure needed to develop such allergies.

Theory aside, there’s an increasing number of Yummy Mummies who would disagree with the medical professionals and many practitioners are starting to support their assumption.  Infants as young as 4 months old are showing symptoms including skin rashes, red watery eyes, coughing and sneezing that just can’t be attributed to a summer cold.

If you’re having a hard time finding a practitioner who is willing to do allergy testing on an infant, there are a few things you can do to help limit the presence of common allergens around your infant.

Pollen: Well-known for its allergenic tendencies in adults, many parents report infants experiencing watery eyes and sneezing.  Monitor the pollen forecast with your local weather network and try keeping your infant indoors with the windows closed when pollen levels are high.  Bathe yourself and your baby midday and before bed in an attempt to get rid of any excess pollen sticking to the skin.

Dust Mite: These tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust can cause allergy symptoms from sneezing and asthma to skin problems such as eczema or rashes.  It is pretty much impossible to avoid dust altogether, but covering mattresses and pillows with impermeable covers can reduce exposure dramatically and improve symptoms.  Vacuuming on a weekly basis, even hardwood floors and washing the pillows in hot water once a week can also reduce allergy symptoms.  Leather furniture carries less dust than upholstered furniture and removing plush toys can be beneficial as well.

Polyester: A big culprit for eczema and skin rashes.  Try clothing your infants in 100% cotton (organic) and see whether their skin improves.

Pet Allergies: Rare in infants and young children, fur dander and feathers can cause allergic reactions and asthma in those susceptible. If you have pets at home, try bathing them a few days a week and see whether you see an improvement.

As mentioned before, there are many individuals in the medical profession that don’t fully support the idea of infant environmental allergies, but there are many moms out there who disagree.  Follow your instincts, Mammas!

Tanya Manikkam is a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus in men and women’s health.  She uses clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and lifestyle counselling in order to help her patients achieve an optimal state of health.  She currently practices at Pollack College Rehab and The Madison Clinic in Toronto.

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