
UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES IN BABIES
Apa Itu Alergi Pada Bayi ?
Alergi pada bayi dapat muncul dalam berbagai bentuk, seperti ruam kulit, gangguan pencernaan, atau masalah pernapasan, yang disebabkan oleh faktor makanan, lingkungan, atau bahan tertentu. Mengenali gejala dan penyebab alergi pada bayi sejak dini sangat penting untuk mencegah komplikasi dan memastikan si kecil tumbuh dengan nyaman. Artikel ini akan membahas jenis-jenis alergi, cara mengidentifikasi pemicu, serta langkah penanganan yang tepat. Simak informasinya untuk melindungi buah hati Anda dari risiko alergi!
Dokter spesialis anak RSAB Harapan Kita, dr. Tiara Nien Paramita, Sp.A menjelaskan Alergi adalah kondisi di mana tubuh seseorang bereaksi berlebihan terhadap zat-zat tertentu yang sebenarnya tidak berbahaya. Zat-zat pemicu alergi ini disebut dengan alergen. Alergen bisa berupa berbagai macam hal, mulai dari makanan (seperti kacang, telur, atau seafood), serbuk sari, bulu hewan, debu rumah, hingga obat-obatan. Alergi pada bayi hingga orang dewasa
Our bodies have an immune system that protects us from diseases. This system recognizes and fights off foreign substances like viruses or bacteria. However, in people with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies allergens as harmful. As a result, the body releases chemicals like histamine, which cause allergy symptoms.
“Basically, our bodies have an immune system that acts as a defense against germs, viruses, and bacteria. In children with allergies, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, treating them like enemies,” explains dr. Tiara.
Symptoms and Signs of Allergies Pada Bayi
As mentioned earlier, allergies are the body’s overreaction to foreign substances called allergens. This reaction can show up in various ways, affecting different parts of the body.
According to dr. Tiara, allergy symptoms can vary widely and appear in different areas. Some common symptoms include:
- Skin Allergies:
- Rashes: Red patches or hives on the skin that are often itchy.
- Hives: Red bumps that appear and disappear quickly.
- Swelling: Swelling in areas like the face, lips, or eyes.
- Digestive System Allergies:
- Diarrhea: Frequent, watery bowel movements.
- Vomiting: Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach pain: Cramps or pain in the abdomen.
- Blood in stool: In severe cases, food allergies can cause blood in the stool.
- Respiratory Allergies:
- Runny nose: Nasal congestion or a runny nose.
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing.
- Coughing: Dry or phlegmy cough.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing.
One key to managing allergies is identifying the triggers or allergens that cause the reaction. As dr. Tiara emphasizes, parents or caregivers can often spot these triggers. For example, if a child always gets diarrhea after drinking cow’s milk, cow’s milk is likely the allergen.
Protect Babies from Allergies with Breast Milk
Breast milk, or ASI, is the best and most complete food for babies. Besides providing the nutrients needed for growth and development, breast milk also plays a crucial role in protecting babies from various illnesses, including allergies.
The antibodies in breast milk help babies fight infections and build a strong immune system. Additionally, the balanced and easily digestible nutrients in breast milk, along with natural probiotics, promote a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life is highly recommended. This is because exclusive breastfeeding can prevent food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and help build a strong immune system in babies.
“ASI itu sendiri sebenarnya memiliki kandungan yang memberikan proteksi anak-anak dari alergi. Jadi justru, kalau bayi-bayi yang mendapatkan ASI eksklusif biasanya jarang alergi. Bahkan menjadi proteksi dimasa depannya juga menjadi lebih jarang alerginya” jelas dr. Tiara
RSAB Harapan Kita Siap Membantu
Tim dokter spesialis anak RSAB Harapan Kita siap membantu Anda dalam mengenali dan menangani alergi pada bayi. Penanganan tepat sejak dini akan membantu si kecil tumbuh lebih sehat dan bahagia.
🍼 Daftar online sekarang di:
https://daftar.rsabhk.co.id
Source: dr. Tiara Nien Paramita, Sp.A