 Children and infants suffer from allergies as well as adults do. Allergies to milk or soy formula can happen in infants and young children. These premature allergies sometimes do not occupy the common hive or asthma, but somewhat can be reason of infantile colic and possibly blood in the stool or poor growth.
The clinical finding of infantile colic, which typically starts in the first month of birth, is made up from crying child who sleeps poorly at night. The reason of colic is in doubt. Allergy to milk or soy probably is responsible for up to 20% of colic in infants. The infants are particularly susceptible to this allergy because of the immaturity of both their immune system and digestive tract. In addition, sometimes the family has a history of allergies or other problems with feeding.
The doctor diagnoses food allergy usually by observing the effect of changing the infant's diet. If the baby is on cow's milk, the doctor will suggest a change to soy formula or breast milk only, if possible. If the soy causes an allergic reaction, the baby can be placed on an elemental formula. These formulas are processed proteins and carbohydrates, basically amino acids and sugars, and contain few, if any, allergens.
Sometimes, the doctor needs to prescribe corticosteroids to treat infants with severe allergy. Fortunately, time heals infantile colic, which usually resolves within the first six months of life.
Breast feeding is the best alternative to prevent all infant allergies and even allergies in adult life. Breast milk contains less protein that is foreign to the infant and, therefore, is less allergenic than cow's milk or soy formula.
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