Parents, here’s what you need to know about food allergies in children .
You can read in this article:
- Food allergy in children – what are the possible causes?
- Food allergies are common in children.
- What will the child say that could be due to a food allergy?
There are definitely children who are picky eaters, especially when it comes to vegetables.
But sometimes, being picky has nothing to do with a child’s food aversion. If you notice that your baby is averse to food and becomes anxious after eating it, it is possible that your child has a food allergy.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education , 1 in 13 children is allergic to a type of food. And 40 percent of these children have experienced severe reactions due to their food allergy.
The problem is, most parents have no idea that their child has a food allergy. Until the child tries it and has an allergic reaction to it. That’s why it’s important for us, as well as those who care for our child, to know if their child has a food allergy, and what the signs are.
Sometimes, symptoms of food allergies in children may not be immediately noticeable, so early recognition is important. If a child often has symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling after eating, this may be a sign of a food allergy.
In the next part of this article, we will discuss common types of food allergies in children and the steps that can be taken to avoid the potential dangers they pose.
Food allergies in children and their possible causes
When the body has an abnormal reaction to one or more types of food, the condition is called a food allergy.
Image source: iStock
Food allergies occur when a sensitive child is exposed to a particular food at least once before the allergic episode. Children can also be exposed to it through breast milk.
Symptoms appear the second time they eat or drink the particular food. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies react with the food to release histamines that cause breathing problems, diarrhea, mouth irritation, hives, asthma, and stomach pain.
Anyone can develop a food allergy, but the risk is higher for people who:
- There is a family history of food allergies. If a family member has asthma or allergic diseases such as food allergies, eczema and seasonal allergies, it is possible that the child will also have them. So if you or both of you have food allergies, the baby is more likely to have food allergies too.
- Other experiences. According to research, children born via cesarean delivery are at a higher risk of developing food allergies. Also, introducing common allergens to children early on is said to reduce the likelihood of developing food allergies.
- Gut bacteria. Other studies suggest that people who are allergic to peanuts or have seasonal allergies have high levels of bacteria in their gut. Scientists are still investigating whether treating gut bacteria can help eliminate allergies.
Many children outgrow food allergies on their own. Often, children outgrow the allergy before they reach the age of 5. However, allergies to some foods, such as fish, peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts, can be lifelong.
According to research conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, it has been proven that the amount of food eaten is irrelevant. Even 1/44,000 of a peanut can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people.
Symptoms of food allergy in children
Each child may experience and show different symptoms of food allergies . Some children only experience mild symptoms, while others may require immediate medical attention because of what they ate.
Food allergies can affect the following parts of the body:
- skin
- gastrointestinal tract
- respiratory system
- cardiovascular system
Symptoms can start minutes or hours after eating the food that triggers their allergy. Here are some common symptoms in children:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Scolding
- Inflammation
- Eczema
- Itching or swelling of the lips
- Itching or tightness of the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
Meanwhile, it is also possible for the body to have a severe and life-threatening reaction to an allergen, or what is called anaphylaxis.
The symptoms may be similar but develop rapidly. Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds, minutes, or hours after a child is exposed to the allergen.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Tightness or swelling of the throat, tongue, or palate
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Feeling anxious and restless
- Rash that spreads all over the body
- Severe skin irritation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty controlling urination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lowering blood pressure
If these symptoms are noticed in your child, don’t wait and take him to the emergency room immediately.
Another thing parents should know about food allergies in children is that often, they are not aware that they are having an allergic reaction or are unable to explain their symptoms. Therefore, it is your responsibility to interpret what your child is feeling.
A child may be experiencing an allergic reaction when they say:
- “It feels like there’s something stuck in my throat.”
- “The size/thickness of my tongue.”
- “My mouth is itchy.”
- “I feel like I’m spinning.”
Additionally, some symptoms of food allergies can be mistaken for other medical problems. It is best to consult a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis.
Some foods that cause common food allergies in children
Image source: iStock
Many foods can cause allergies. But here are some of the most common triggers of food allergies in children:
1. Milk
An estimated 2 to 3% of babies have a milk allergy, especially to cow’s milk, which is the main ingredient in baby food products.
If you think your baby is becoming sensitive to milk, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor right away. He may be allergic to the protein in cow’s milk.
Also, children who are allergic to cow’s milk may also be allergic to goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and soy milk. Ask your doctor about possible alternatives.
It’s important to remember that a milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and is not related to milk allergies.
2. Egg
When a child has an egg allergy, it means that their immune system reacts to a protein found in egg whites. The body interprets this protein as an invader and releases histamine as a defense, causing an allergic reaction.
Symptoms include swelling or discharge from the eyes, coughing, wheezing, and low blood pressure.
This allergy is seen in young children who are expected to outgrow it by the age of five. However, some children remain allergic to eggs throughout their lives. It is recommended to start feeding the child egg yolk first, and then give egg whites after one year.
Notify your child’s pediatrician immediately if you notice an allergic reaction in your child after eating egg whites.
3. Peanut
Peanut allergy can cause severe anaphylaxis in children after starting with itching and hives. The most common type of nut that children are allergic to is peanuts.
Avoiding foods containing peanuts is the most effective way to prevent this. Make it a habit to read the ingredients listed on food packaging.
4. Wheat
If you notice food allergy symptoms like hives or stomach pain after your child eats cereal, bread, or pasta, he or she may have a wheat allergy.
Wheat allergy is common in many children, but two out of three children who develop it outgrow this food allergy before the age of 12.
5. Seafood
If your child suddenly feels an itchy mouth, develops a rash, or has a stomach ache after eating shrimp or crab, he may be allergic to seafood or shellfish.
When it comes to shellfish, it is possible for symptoms to appear immediately from simply handling shellfish or breathing in vapors caused by cooking shellfish.
6. Soy
In young children, soy is one of the most common food allergens. Most often, allergic reactions are observed in infants and young children under 3 years of age. However, they will quickly outgrow it.
It is good for parents to know if their child has a soy allergy because it is often an ingredient in infant formula or baby milk.
Medication for food allergies in children
Image source: iStock
It is not possible to prevent food allergies. Pediatricians advise avoiding foods that contain allergens or cause symptoms.
If your child has a severe allergic reaction, your doctor may prescribe a medication that contains the chemical epinephrine. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any questions about your child’s food allergy.
Breastfeeding and food allergies in children
If you are breastfeeding, should you avoid foods that your child is allergic to?
According to Jay Lieberman, MD, an allergist and chair of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Food Allergy Committee, there is not enough evidence that if a mom eats a food that her baby is allergic to, it will be passed on to the milk and the child will have an allergic reaction.
“There is little evidence that if a mother eats a food that the child is allergic to, that this will lead to a reaction in the child,” he said.
However, there are still some studies that say that a baby may have an allergic reaction to what mommy eats if she has an allergy to it.
So to be safe, it’s best to avoid foods that may trigger allergies in your child while you’re breastfeeding or until his or her first birthday.
How to know if a baby has a food allergy?
According to the latest nutrition guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, allergy-causing foods can be introduced when a baby is ready to eat solids. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology also agrees.
There is no evidence that says you should wait until your baby is older to give it to prevent allergies.
It’s better if you find out early if your baby has a food allergy so you can avoid giving it again and causing an allergic reaction.
Apart from monitoring the symptoms mentioned above, introducing solid foods to your baby one at a time can help.
Because if you don’t give your baby different foods one by one, it’s harder to determine which one caused the allergic reaction. For example, if you give your baby three different foods in one day, you won’t immediately know which one your baby is allergic to.
The type of food or when it is introduced to your baby is not important, as long as it is nutritious for him. Whenever you offer a new food to your baby, give it to him for 3 to 5 days. Wait that long before introducing a new type of food.
You can repeat giving a food if he didn’t have an allergy to it before.
Is there a way to prevent food allergies in children?
Currently, the best way to prevent food allergies in children is to breastfeed them for at least 4 to 6 months. Also, avoid giving solid foods to babies before they are 6 months old.
Also, if you have a food allergy, be extra careful about giving these foods to your child, and watch for an allergic reaction to them as well.
Also make it a habit to read food labels to find out if they contain ingredients that could trigger your child’s food allergy.
If you think your child may have a food allergy, don’t hesitate to consult his pediatrician to find out what you can do to protect him.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
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