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Food allergies effect about 8% of children under the age of six. The seven most common foods causing allergic reactions are corn, eggs, milk, soy, sugar, wheat and yeast. Nuts and shellfish can cause volatile reactions also.

The key to recognizing allergic reactions is to understand what a food allergy is. A food allergy is your immune system's negative or misdirected reaction to a certain food, most often a protein. Children can also have food sensitivity or intolerance. For example, lactose intolerance is not a food allergy, it is a condition where a child is sensitive to milk because they lack the enzyme to digest the milk sugar properly.

Common symptoms of food allergy are rashes, hives and eczema, but can range from diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, constipation, nausea and indigestion. Other symptoms may include watery or red eyes, runny nose, or swelling of the mouth tongue and throat which can be fatal.

If you notice your child having an adverse reaction pay attention to what they may be eating. Another way to narrow down what they may be allergic to is to pay attention to their symptoms. Different food trigger different reactions in children. Where as wheat and chocolate may trigger migraines, foods such as strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, shellfish or nuts may make your child break out in hives.

If you notice your child a mild reaction to food, try and figure out what the cause is and remove that food from their diet. If you notice an extreme reaction seek medical attention immediately.

Learn more about this author, Molly Carter.
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