What To Do If You Think Your Child Has A Food Allergy

If you think your child has a food allergy, it is important to take the situation seriously. However, sometimes people confuse true allergies and sensitivities or intolerances. It is crucial to get clarity on what exactly plagues your child in order to develop a treatment plan.

An allergy is a full-body response where the immune system overreacts to an offending food. A sensitivity or food intolerance is a much less severe reaction that does not typically create a strong response. Most commonly stomach discomfort may be experienced.

If you suspect a true food allergy, look over this list of the most common food allergy triggers in kids:

• peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and other tree nuts
• cow’s milk (children under a year should never consume cow’s milk)
• eggs
• fish and shellfish
• soy
• Wheat

Then, seek the advice of a physician. While most allergies are not life-threatening, some can be and it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the possibility of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that results in trouble breathing and swallowing. Without treatment, it is often fatal. Call 911 immediately if you see the following signs:

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• chest pain
• confusion
• fainting
• breathing issues
• wheezing
• swelling of the lips, tongue, throat
• problems swallowing
• blue skin
• weak pulse

If/when you do find out that your child has a food allergy, talk to the doctor about whether you need to get an epinephrine auto-injector (or epi-pen) in case of emergency situations.

If the allergy is not life-threatening, the child will likely develop one or more of the following less severe symptoms within an hour after consuming the offending food:

• Congestion
• runny nose
• cough
• diarrhea
• Dizziness
• lightheadedness
• itching around the mouth or
• Itching around the ears
• nausea
• hives
• red, itchy rash
• shortness of breath
• trouble breathing
• sneezing
• stomach pain
• strange taste in the mouth
• Vomiting

If there is ever any question about how severe the reaction is, do not wait around to see what happens. Seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. It could truly be a lifesaver.