When a child has an adverse immune response to a particular type of food, it means that they have a food allergy. The immune system is designed to protect the body from infections and other potential problems. However, as with other allergies, when the immune system perceives something that is not otherwise harmful as a danger, it will attack it, releasing histamines and other chemicals when certain foods are ingested. Let’s take a closer look at the signs, symptoms, and other important details about pediatric food allergies.
What Foods Most Commonly Cause an Allergic Reaction in Children?
There are many different types of food and specific ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. Typically, if someone experiences a food allergy it is caused by peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, milk, wheat, and eggs. It is also important to note that food allergies are different from food intolerances. Food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, do not affect the immune system but can show similar, yet less severe symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children?
Depending on the severity of the allergy, symptoms can begin anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after ingesting the allergen. Abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are common. Other symptoms include eczema, swelling of the face, itching, and swelling or tightness of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat. Difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure can also be directly associated with a food allergy. The severity of these symptoms depends on how strong the allergy is for a child.
What Are the Signs of a Severe Food Allergy in Children?
The most severe reaction to a food allergy is anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. The most severe symptoms of anaphylaxis due to a food allergy include:
- A fast or weak heartbeat
- The feeling that the throat is closing
- Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, and face
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Lightheadedness
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
How Can a Food Allergy Be Diagnosed in a Child?
If your child has experienced any of these symptoms after eating a certain type of food there are a variety of tests to determine a food allergy. The most commonly used test is a skin prick test that detects and measures the amount of IgE antibodies for specific allergens. These allergens include food, pet dander, and pollens. With a small, diluted amount of each allergen applied to the skin, it is then pricked to determine the body’s reaction. If there is an allergy, a small, raised bump should appear, similar to a mosquito bite.
Blood tests are another method that can determine if IgE antibodies are present for certain allergens. A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is most commonly used if a skin test can’t be done or is inconclusive. The severity of an allergy cannot be determined with either of these tests.
If you are concerned that your child could potentially have a food allergy, the expert staff at Lane Regional Medical Center’s pediatrics office is here to help.
