Food Allergies in Children

Dr.Meena , 3 mins read

Feeding nutritional meals to our children is always at the top of our minds. However, there are times when children develop reactions after eating certain types of food. It could be a food allergy.

What is it?

Food allergy refers to an abnormal response of the body’s immune system to certain foods. The immune system’s job is to protect us from several diseases and foreign invaders. 

But sometimes the immune system mistakenly considers a specific protein in food as an invader. As a result, the immune system triggers cells to release antibodies to fight against that protein. 

When the child eats that food again, the antibodies signal the immune system to release some chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergies and your child may experience:

• Skin problems, like itchy skin rashes, swelling and hives.
• Breathing problems, like wheezing, throat tightness and sneezing.
  
• Stomach problems, like diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
  
• Circulation symptoms, like pale skin, loss of consciousness and light-headedness.
  

In some cases, the reaction can affect several parts of the body that may be severe or life-threatening. In such cases, you need to immediately consult your doctor. 

There are several foods that can cause food allergies. Some of the common food allergy triggers are cow’s milk, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts and eggs. 

If you see above mentioned symptoms in your child after a few minutes of eating the food, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you about your child’s symptoms and may conduct a physical exam. If the doctor suspects that the symptoms are of food allergy, he may suggest a few tests, which may include a skin and blood test, to confirm the problem.

If your child is diagnosed with a food allergy, you need to work with your doctor for a treatment plan. Food allergy treatment mainly focuses on avoiding foods that trigger the symptoms. 

If you are breastfeeding your child, you may need to discuss with your doctor whether you should avoid those foods also. In addition, you need to timely give medicines prescribed by the doctor to your child. 

Since avoiding some food can cause a deficiency of some nutrients in your child, you need to look for a better alternative. This way, you can ensure that your child gets all the essential nutrients while saving him from allergies.

Also, Read: Understanding the Common Health Concerns in Children