Some allergies are more than just touch and scent—there are diseases derived from allergies that may develop after years of intense allergic exposure. Asthma is a form of respiratory allergy². It begins subtly and mildly while the baby is still small, around 18 months old, and may worsen after the second year of life. The first symptom of asthma is wheezing in the chest and dark circles under the child's eyes. Another respiratory allergy is rhinitis and sinusitis, which can appear in babies just a few days old if they are extremely allergic³.

Food intolerance is another key factor when it comes to allergies in babies. Some foods may trigger unpleasant reactions in the baby's body, such as cow’s milk or derivatives, eggs, and seafood, like shrimp⁴. If foods with coloring agents are introduced too early, this can also lead to food allergies to colorings and preservatives in certain processed foods. The symptoms of this type of allergy differ from those triggered by contact with a product. The baby may experience abdominal swelling, pain, colic, diarrhea, and even swelling of the lips and tongue.

The most common allergy among newborns who are not breastfed is CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy), which often disappears within a few years but can be severe enough to lead to anaphylactic shock and death. The best recommended diet for these children is breast milk or, if that is not possible, plant-based formulas such as soy milk.

Photos: Mark Couvillion, Toshiyuki IMAI