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Recognition of a food allergy in a child is not difficult to surmise. Food allergies will appear as an abnormal response of the body to a certain food or foods.

A food allergy in a child will produce a reaction the second time a child is exposed to it. Children can be over sensitized to food through breast milk. When IgE antibodies react with the food a child has consumed, histamine's are then released and allergic reactions make themselves known by producing, sometimes very dangerous symptoms.

There are several foods that are prevalent among children that can produce food allergies. They are: Milk. Eggs. Wheat. Soy. Tree Nuts. Peanuts. These sources account for around 90 per cent of food allergies in children.

Symptoms. Allergic symptoms can develop within minutes to roughly about one hour after consumption of a particular food. Children may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms.

Vomiting. Diarrhea. Cramps. Hives. Swelling. Eczema. Itching of the tongue, mouth and lips with swelling present. Tightness of the throat. Lowered blood pressure. Wheezing. Difficulty Breathing.

Often it will not take very much consumption of a particular food for an allergic reaction to occur.

If your child has a serious reaction, especially tightness in their throat or difficulty breathing, with swelling or wheezing present. Do not hesitate. Head directly for your nearest emergency department. Your child may need a good dose of epinephrine, which combats symptoms. When severe reactions have been diagnosed you will need to have at the ready, for your child an emergency kit which will contain an epi pen.

Some allergies are short term in children, many are not. There are currently no medications to prevent food allergies. Treatment goal is to avoid foods that cause symptoms, so always check food labels.

ref: uov

Learn more about this author, Deirdre Field.
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