When it comes to foods like spinach and broccoli, almost every child is picky and refuses to eat. Yet selectivity has nothing to do with the refusal of some children to eat certain foods. This may be due to food allergies, which are common in children. However, most parents don't know about a food allergy until the child first consumes the food and develops a reaction. For this reason, it is important that everyone responsible for the care of the child, especially the parents, and teachers are aware of the symptoms of food allergies in children.
A food allergy is an immune reaction of the child's body to certain foods. This is completely different from food intolerance that does not affect the immune system. Although the severity of the food allergy experienced varies according to the child, it can be mild or life-threatening. The most common food allergies in children are:
A true food allergy can affect your child's breathing, intestinal tract, heart and skin. A child with a food allergy develops one or more of the following symptoms a few minutes to 1 hour after consuming the food. Here are the food allergy symptoms:
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It threatens patients life. Symptoms may include:
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you suspect your child has anaphylaxis, you should seek medical attention immediately.
When children and infants have food allergies, the immune system overreacts, producing allergic symptoms. Foods that trigger allergies in children are:
“How to recognize food allergy in babies?” The question is among the topics of interest. If your child has a food allergy, the doctor will perform a physical examination and extensive tests. He also takes a detailed history of foods eaten before allergic symptoms. After a physical examination and patient history, the doctor will order some tests to make a definitive diagnosis. These tests are:
Skin Test (Prick Test): The skin test measures IgE antibodies against allergens such as foods, pollen or pet dander. This test is performed by applying a small amount of diluted allergen to the skin. If the child has an allergy, after 15 minutes, small raised bumps appear on the skin.
Blood test: The most commonly used blood test is called RAST (radioallergosorbent test). Blood tests may be used when skin tests are not available or if there are still questions about a food allergy after the skin test. A positive test does not always indicate a specific allergy. Therefore, a positive result should be interpreted by a specialist who knows the medical history of the child.
“How does a food allergy go away?” The question can also be answered as follows:
The goal of treatment is to avoid foods that cause symptoms. It is very important that your child does not eat these foods or other similar foods in that food group. If you are breastfeeding your child, you should definitely talk to your child's doctor about whether you should avoid these foods as well. If your child is unable to eat certain foods during the treatment period, supplements may be provided by the doctor. Children at risk of severe reactions should always carry 2 epinephrine autoinjectors with them wherever they go. This helps stop the symptoms of severe reactions.
There are no drugs used in the treatment of food allergy in children and infants that prevent the occurrence of symptoms.
Allergy symptoms in 6-month-old babies and symptoms observed in older children should be followed up regularly by an allergologist. Food allergy such as cow's milk, wheat, soy and egg allergy disappears in early childhood or school age. Some food allergies, such as nuts, also disappear at older ages or may persist throughout a person's life. In this process, the family and the child should be conscious about the foods consumed. Children who have a severe allergic reaction to food should have an epinephrine (adrenaline) pre-filled syringe with them. In addition, it should be ensured that children wear wristbands or carry ID cards indicating allergies.
When food allergy symptoms in children and infants are not treated, the child's healthy eating routine is disrupted and developmental problems may be experienced. Untreated food allergy also causes poor feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and constipation. Allergies that have effects on the skin also cause the child to experience skin problems and therefore reduce the quality of life. Anaphylaxis may occur when food allergy is not noticed or its treatment is delayed. With anaphylaxis experienced by consuming suspicious food, the child may experience shortness of breath, shock, low blood pressure, skin problems and gastrointestinal problems within minutes.
“What to do with a child with a food allergy? Does this problem continue into adulthood? If you are wondering, here is the answer to this question:
In cases such as cow's milk allergy, the problem disappears by 50-60% when the child is 1 year old, 70-75% of the cases disappear by the age of 2, and 85% after the age of 3. Egg allergy disappears in 55% after the age of 5. However, even if walnut, peanut, hazelnut, shellfish and fish allergy are treated, if the IgE allergy tests are positive, the allergy may be persistant.
“What is good for a child with allergies? What can I do?” The question can also be answered as follows:
Living with food allergies means not giving your child the food your child is allergic to. Eating out can be difficult, although families can exclude the allergen from their homemade meals. Here are some tips for dealing with your child's food allergies when dining out:
Know what ingredients are in the food at the restaurant you plan to eat at. Tell the waiter about your child's food allergy from the very beginning. Before ordering, ask how the food is prepared and what's in it. Do not let your child eat fried foods. The same oil can be used to fry several different foods. Another trick to dining out is to carry a food allergy card with you. Before ordering food for your child, you can give it to the waiter. A food allergy card contains information about specific ingredients your child is allergic to. There is also additional information, such as a reminder to ensure that all tools and utensils used to prepare the meal are thoroughly cleaned before use. You can easily print these cards yourself using a computer and printer. Make sure to report your child's food allergy to the school. Your child should always have epinephrine auto-injectors with them. Do your best to avoid foods that cause allergies, but always be prepared for accidental exposure or reaction. Ask your healthcare provider for an anaphylaxis action plan outlining the symptoms to look for and the steps to take in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
What are the differences between food allergy and food intolerance in children? You can get the answer to this question from the table below:
SIGNS |
FOOD INTOLERANCE |
FOOD ALLERGY |
Swelling, flatulence |
X |
|
Chest pain |
|
X |
Diarrhea |
X |
X |
Itching |
|
X |
Nausea |
X |
X |
Rash, Hives |
|
X |
Shortness of breath |
|
X |
Swelling of the lips, tongue and respiratory tract |
|
X |
Abdominal pain |
X |
X |
Vomiting |
X |
X |
“When does food allergy in babies go away?” The question can be answered as follows:
Many children can recover from food allergies in early childhood. It is estimated that 80% to 90% of egg, milk, wheat, and soy allergies will disappear by the time the child is 5 years old. “When does multiple food allergy in babies go away?” The same answer can be given for the question.
If you observe symptoms such as recurrent cough, runny nose, wheezing, frequent colds, recurrent sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, skin rash or itching in your child, you can determine what he or she is allergic to by having a skin test or blood test.
If the child's food allergy is mild, allergy medication is prescribed by the doctor and the treatment is initiated. However, if the food allergy is severe, intervention with cortisone may be required. This process is planned by the doctor.
Symptoms include itching around the mouth and ears, taste change in the mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness, red and itchy bumps on the skin (hives), swelling of the lips, tongue and/or face, sneezing, wheezing, diarrhea, abdominal pain, eczema, vomiting, nausea , shortness of breath, cough, congestion and runny nose.
Food allergy symptoms may appear within 2 hours after consuming the allergen. However, these symptoms can be seen 2-3 days or 1 week later in some cases.
Food allergy occurs when the child's body experiences an adverse immune reaction to certain foods.
In cases such as cow's milk allergy, the problem disappears in 50-60% of cases when the child is 1 year old, in 70-75% by the age of 2, and in 85% after the age of 3. Egg allergy disappears in 55% of cases after the age of 5. However, even if walnut, peanut, hazelnut, shellfish and fish allergy are treated, if the IgE allergy tests are still positive, the allergy may be persistent.
A blood sample is used in the vast majority of home allergy test kits. These test kits, which are extremely easy to use, also contain detailed instructions for application. In accordance with these instructions, it is sufficient to pierce your finger with the needle from the kit, drop 1-2 drops of blood into the tube, and then send this sample to the laboratory.
In cases such as cow's milk allergy, the problem disappears in 50-60% of cases when the child is 1 year old, in 70-75% by the age of 2, and in 85% after the age of 3. Egg allergy disappears in 55% after the age of 5. However, even if walnut, peanut, hazelnut, shellfish and fish allergy are treated, if the IgE allergy tests are still positive, the allergy may be a life long issue.
Feeling faint, light-headed or confused, loss of consciousness, feeling like the throat is closing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, fast and weak heartbeat, sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing, seizure, hoarseness or if symptoms such as difficulty speaking, cold, clammy or blue skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat are observed.
Some allergy symptoms may ease with age.
When food allergy symptoms in children and infants are not treated, the child's healthy eating routine is disrupted and developmental problems may be experienced. Untreated food allergy also causes poor feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and constipation. Allergies that have effects on the skin also cause the child to experience skin problems and therefore reduce the quality of life. Anaphylaxis may occur when food allergy is not noticed or its treatment is delayed. With anaphylaxis experienced by consuming suspicious food, the child may experience shortness of breath, shock, low blood pressure, skin problems and gastrointestinal problems within minutes.
When food allergy symptoms are observed, the patient should be taken to a pediatric allergist, that is, a pediatric immunology and allergy specialist.
In order for the redness on the skin to go away, it is important to find the allergen that causes the allergy. Then the child's contact with this allergen should be avoided.
Legumes, fish, wheat, cow's milk, shellfish, nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, etc.), soy, sesame, peanuts, eggs.