Food Allergies in Children - How Safe is the Food You Give to Your Child?

As their immune system is not much developed at a very young age, children are more susceptible to allergies, as compared to adults. Some of the most common allergies in kids include that of the skin, pets, dust and dust mites, pollen, and mold spores. Meanwhile, myriad reasons would also contribute to children developing an allergy to fresh paint, perfumes, and scented products. These days, food allergy has become one of the fastest emerging allergies among children. Let’s know more about food allergies in children.

Is it a food allergy or food intolerance?

Food allergy is when the immune system becomes hypersensitive and reacts in a certain way against harmless proteins found in food items. The counteractive reaction usually takes place shortly after the concerned food item is consumed. In children, reactions or symptoms of food allergy can vary from mild to severe.

Many people often consider food allergy and food intolerance to be one and the same, as they both share similar symptoms. However, that is not the case.

The main difference between food allergies in children and food intolerance is that while food allergy affects the immune system, food intolerance does not even get close. Although food intolerance can be unpleasant, it is not as dangerous as a food allergy.

Food intolerance (non-IgE mediated food hypersensitivity or non-allergic food hypersensitivity) is when there is a difficulty in digesting particular food items. Sugar, lactose, and gluten are some of the examples of substances that may cause food intolerance. A child experiencing burping, gas, loose stools, indigestion, headache, nervousness, is said to have a food intolerance.

What are the most common allergies causing food items?

A child can be allergic to any food item that he or she may consume. Some of the most common food items that are sure to cause food allergy include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.) fish, and shellfish.

As the aforementioned food items are very easily available and good for the child’s growth and development, any parent would prefer them for their child. However, it is also very important to understand if the food item is causing any food allergies in children.

Is your child showing these food allergy symptoms?

Most parents may not be completely aware about food allergy and its symptoms. Hence they might confuse certain symptoms and allergies with food allergy symptoms in children.

Typical food allergy symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, breathing problems, coughing, hoarseness, stomach problems (diarrhea), and vomiting.

Some children may also experience itchy, watery, or swollen eyes, hives, red spots, and unusual swelling in the body. In rare cases, a food allergy may also cause a drop in blood pressure, followed by the lightness in the head and/or loss of consciousness.

What is the treatment?

If your child is showing any signs of food allergy, consult with your doctor or a leading allergist without any further delay. Although there is no particular treatment for food allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines to treat symptoms like hives, runny nose, nasal congestion, or belly pain due to food allergy.

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