Food Allergies in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

An immunological response that occurs shortly after consuming a particular food is known as a food allergy. Although it may appear at any age, food allergy symptoms are most prevalent in infants and young children. Up to 4% of adults and 8% of children under the age of five are affected by food allergies. Additionally, children who have other allergies or who have close companions with allergies are more likely to experience them.

While some allergy reactions are moderate, others can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to follow allergy treatment guidelines and have a food allergy verified by an allergist. But before that, learn more about food allergy, its causes, symptoms, and complications in detail here!

What Causes Food Allergy In A Child?

The immune system of children protects them from illnesses and other threats. When your child's immune system determines that a food poses a "risk" to their health, a food allergy develops. Actually, the child's immune system negatively reacts when they have a food allergy and makes antibodies to the food as though it were a virus or some other harmful foreign object. This immunological response causes symptoms of allergies.

Although the exact cause of food allergies in children is unknown, family history may be a contributing factor. Besides that, specific proteins cause the majority of food allergies in milk, fish, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, and sesame. Many kids "outgrow" their allergies, and some food sensitivities might last a lifetime. Food allergies have no proven treatment. The only method to avoid an allergic response is to avoid the food that induces it!

What Are The Symptoms Of Food Allergy In A Child?

Symptoms of a food allergy typically appear one to two hours after consuming that particular meal. In rare cases, symptoms can not appear for several hours. The following are the most common signs of a food allergy:

• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain
• Eczema, hives or skin rash, itchy skin
• Itchy mouth and throat, strange taste in the mouth
• Shortness of breath, coughing
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that includes the following symptoms:

• Hoarse voice
• Wheezing
• Feeling that the throat is closing
• Face, lips, mouth or tongue swelling
• Cool, damp, or light blue Skin
• Fast and weak heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure

Use whatever epinephrine medication your child has on hand, such as a nasal spray or autoinjector, as soon as possible to help prevent the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

How Is Food Allergy Diagnosed In A Child?

The doctor will try to find out which food or foods are causing the symptoms if a food allergy is diagnosed. If the allergic reaction happened after a dinner that included a variety of foods, this could be challenging. Numerous things in the diet need to be considered as potential causes if your child has a chronic issue, like indigestion or skin rashes. Some tests can assist in identifying potential causes. These are:

• Skin Prick Test: The most commonly used allergy test is the skin prick test. IgE antibodies to particular allergens, including foods, pollens, or animal dander, are detected by skin tests. By applying small amounts of the food to your child's arm and carefully puncturing the skin, you can check for allergies. If, within 20 minutes, a little irritating spot forms on the arm, the test is positive.
• Blood Tests: IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies to particular allergens in the blood are measured in allergy blood tests. RAST (radioallergosorbent test) is the most common blood test. When skin testing is not possible or if there are still issues regarding a food allergy following a skin test, blood tests can be the best way to diagnose. Results from these tests take longer to get in, and they could be more expensive compared to other allergy tests.
• Food Challenge Test: An allergist gives this test. They provide a very tiny dose of an allergy orally to your child. Inhaling the allergen is another option. After that, your child is attentively observed to see if they react. If there is no response, the amount of food will usually be raised slowly until your child consumes a meal. The child will be monitored for reactions at all times. The most common reason for food challenges is when the allergist believes your child will be able to consume food again without experiencing a reaction.

How Is Food Allergy Treated In A Child?

Children's food allergies still have no proven solution. Your child must avoid eating the foods to which they are allergic, as well as other foods that are comparable in that category of food. Besides that, there are a few treatments that could lower your chance of experiencing an allergic reaction. Some of these are:

• Omalizumab Injections: Omalizumab injections are given by your doctor once or twice a month, or they can teach you how to use them on your own. They can lower your chance of experiencing a reaction if you are unintentionally exposed to a food allergy.
• Oral Immunotherapy: A treatment called oral immunotherapy (OIT) can help you develop a tolerance to a food allergen. Over a few months, your physician will give you progressively larger quantities of your allergen. The objective is to become "bite-proof," meaning that you won't respond even if you are unintentionally subjected to a tiny portion of the food you are allergic to. After OIT, some people are allowed to eat foods they were previously allergic to.

Along with these treatments, medicines help to overcome this issue. For example:

• Epinephrine Autoinjector: Your doctor will advise you and your kids to keep this injection on hand in case you experience a severe allergic response.
• Corticosteroids: Inflammation is decreased by steroids.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can prevent or reduce allergic responses. However, doctors don't recommend them to stop food allergy reactions.

Conclusion:

Food allergy is an immunological response, which means that your body reacts to certain foods differently. Many foods, including milk, peanuts and eggs, are the main causes. Sometimes, people overcome this problem, but others suffer for a long time. If you notice any reaction in your kid after eating certain foods, you need to consult with your doctor so that he can examine your kid and treat it accordingly. Antihistamines and other medications may be necessary for your child to treat the signs of allergy.