Is there an allergy to cauliflower in babies?

Each mother takes care of her child's nutrition. Parents often have a question about the usefulness of some products, including hypoallergenic ones. These vegetables include cauliflower. We will talk about its beneficial properties and contraindications for use. Let's find out whether cauliflower can cause an allergic reaction in babies, consider its symptoms and treatment.

Is there an allergy to cauliflower in infants?

Cauliflower is one of the first to be introduced into complementary foods. It is considered hypoallergenic as it rarely causes a negative reaction. It is a nutritious product that is easily mashed, has a mild taste, and goes well with other vegetables.

Causes of allergies

Cauliflower is a hypoallergenic product, but it can still cause an allergic reaction.

Reference. Cauliflower contains active enzymes - chitinases. Their lytic properties aid in the degradation of chitin, which is found in the stem and root system of the plant. This enzyme can cause allergic reactions.

Several factors can contribute to a cauliflower allergy:

Is it suitable for the first feeding

Cauliflower is one of the healthiest foods for babies. Since after cooking cabbage becomes soft and tender, it is well suited for making mashed potatoes for a child.

Specialists in the field of nutrition, gastroenterology, allergists and pediatricians find cauliflower ideal for a first meal:

• it is a hypoallergenic product with a low risk of allergic reactions in children under 1 year of age;
• contains little fiber, which can cause bloating and flatulence in the intestines that are not yet ready for such food;
• when cooked, it has a pleasant taste and soft texture;
• contains trace elements necessary for a child: magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, sodium, potassium, iron, cobalt, calcium;
• contains vitamins important for development: A, C, PP, E, H;
• suitable for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia;
• benefits in the development of the nervous system of the baby;
• contributes to the formation of a healthy intestinal microflora.

However, cauliflower is not suitable for all children. Before introducing this vegetable into complementary foods, read the list of contraindications:

• cauliflower should not be given to children prone to allergic reactions;
• if there are symptoms of an intestinal disorder, then it is better to postpone complementary feeding with this vegetable until 8 months,
• kidney problems.

If there is pain in the child's abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, the product is canceled, and an individual intolerance to this vegetable is possible.

How to make cauliflower puree for your child:

1. The head of cabbage should have dense white inflorescences, without blackheads. If you choose frozen cabbage, then it must be of a proven brand.
2. Before cooking, fresh cabbage is sorted into inflorescences, washed well. Pour salted water for 30 minutes. This will get rid of insects and fertilizer residues.
3. The cooking time is no more than 10 minutes, otherwise the cabbage will turn into porridge.
4. The vegetable is chopped with a blender, adding a little broth or water.
5. The puree should be smooth, without lumps, like sour cream.

It is better to cook mashed potatoes for a child on your own from fresh vegetables. Purchased jars may contain additives and preservatives undesirable for the baby.

Symptoms and reactions to cauliflower in a child

A food allergy to cauliflower manifests itself as one or more symptoms:

1. Rashes appear on the face, lips and tongue. Swelling and tingling appear.
2. A rash and red spots may appear on the body, which are accompanied by severe itching.
3. Lachrymation and clear nasal discharge
4. Disorders in the digestive tract: gas, diarrhea, bloating, green stools.
5. The mucous membranes of the eyes and nose become inflamed.
6. Bronchial spasms, cough, respiratory disorders, wheezing during breathing.
7. The nasolabial triangle may turn blue.
8. Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock and angioedema of the intestine develop in the most severe cases.

In infants, rashes often appear in folds on the body where sweating is increased.

Rarely, limbs can swell and body temperature rise. The child may refuse to eat, sleep poorly, and be capricious due to the severe discomfort that occurs with food allergies.

After the child has received the first serving of this product, it is worth waiting 24 hours. During this time, do not give cabbage or any other new foods. Monitor the child's reaction - during this time, the first symptoms of an allergic reaction may appear.

Important. Take your child to the pediatrician for even the slightest sign of allergy. Self-medication is dangerous to his life and health.

Treatment and prevention of allergies

If the baby develops an acute food allergy, complex treatment with special drugs is carried out. They neutralize allergens and have a sedative effect on the immune system.

Together with medications, the child and mother are assigned a special diet that takes into account the individual characteristics of the baby. The diet is necessarily hypoallergenic.

If an allergy is caused by a congenital or chronic disease, then additional treatment is prescribed to eliminate it.

With mild symptoms that do not pose a threat to the health and life of the baby, the doctor does not prescribe potent drugs.

Important. Treatment with antihistamines is not always safe. Such drugs often have side effects that are bad for the child's condition. He may become lethargic, sleepy and lethargic.

With severe allergic reactions, the doctor prescribes treatment that includes the following drugs:

1. External use: ointments and creams that have anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. They will relieve swelling and irritation of the skin, relieve rashes and itching.Such drugs as "Advantan" (hormonal), "Fenistil" (non-hormonal) gel, etc.
2. Antihistamines: the child must buy only those drugs that are designed specifically for children. Children's "Suprastin", "Fenistil", "Zirtek" and others.
3. Enzymatic enterosorbents: "Polyphepan" and activated carbon. They are taken to stop nutrients from entering the bloodstream that have a negative effect on the immune system, as well as to cleanse the body of toxic compounds. They are often prescribed for severe edema to reduce the risk of anaphylactic shock.

To provide emergency medical care, doctors have the right to use hormone-based drugs - "Prednisolone", "Hydrocortisone".

To relieve itching and other allergy symptoms, doctors advise bathing the child in a bathtub with the addition of herbs such as chamomile, string, oak bark, wormwood.

Important! Any medications may only be prescribed by the attending physician.

How to prevent an allergic reaction in babies:

1. Do not give him more than two foods at once during the first feeding.
2. When breastfeeding follow a hypoallergenic diet. With milk, the child gets substances that are contained in the mother's food, they can cause allergies.
3. Buy only fresh food. Feed your baby self-prepared meals.
4. If the child has a hereditary predisposition to allergies, it is worth protecting him from any allergens.

The immune system reacts negatively to cauliflower due to the fact that it contains chitinase. These enzymes are highly active, so the child's body perceives them as a threat and directs antibodies to eliminate it.

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Conclusion

A food allergic reaction is a common condition. To reduce their risks, it is recommended to continuously improve the child's immunity. If he is prone to allergies, a special hypoallergenic diet is required. In addition to the internal effect of allergens on the body, there may also be an external effect - sometimes even the smell of a vegetable triggers the reaction.