Food Allergies In Children

Food Allergies in Children

A food allergy is when your child’s body has a bad immune reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present.

Your child's immune system fights off infections and other dangers to keep him or her healthy. When your child's immune system senses that a food or something in a food is  a "danger" to your child's health, your child has a food allergy reaction. Your child's immune system sends out immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. These react to the food or substance in the food. Histamines are released. This can cause hives, asthma, itching in the mouth, trouble breathing, stomach pains, vomiting, or diarrhea. It does not take much of the food to cause a severe reaction in highly allergic children.

Most food allergies are caused by these foods:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Wheat

• Soy

• Tree nuts

• Peanuts

• Fish

• Shellfish

Eggs, milk, and peanuts are the most common causes of food allergies in children. Although most children “outgrow” their allergies, some food allergies may be life long.

Discuss your child's food allergies with his or her allergy healthcare provider.

What are the symptoms of food allergy in a child?

Allergic symptoms may begin within minutes to an hour after eating the food. Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

• Severe nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramps or stomach pain

• Red, itchy rash (hives)

• Swelling of the face

• Eczema

• Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth

• Itching or tightness in the throat

• Dizziness, with lowered blood pressure

• Asthma symptoms, such as coughing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Allergies to milk and soy are usually seen in infants and young children. These symptoms often are not like the symptoms of other allergies. Instead they may include:

• Colic or fussy behavior

• Blood in your child’s stool

• Poor growth

It does not take much of the food to cause a very bad reaction in highly allergic children. In fact, a tiny piece of a peanut can cause a reaction in a child that is highly allergic.

The symptoms of a food, milk, or soy allergy may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Severe symptoms of a food allergy

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It is life-threatening. Symptoms can include:

• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing

• Feeling as if the throat is closing

• Hoarseness or difficulty talking

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat

• Cool, moist, or pale blue skin

• Feeling faint, lightheaded, or confused

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Fast and weak heartbeat

• Feeling dizzy, with a sudden drop in blood pressure

• Loss of consciousness

• Seizure