Detecting Food Allergies
These days, food allergies are a hot topic. Whether it's peanuts, milk, or soy, many parents are told that they cannot bring certain foods into day care because of a child with an allergy. According to the National Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 150 Americans, mostly adults and adolescents, die of food allergies each year.
In fact, most “allergies” are actually intolerances, which means the body can't digest a certain food, such as milk, and an upset stomach occurs. True food allergies are extremely rare and only affect 6 to 8 percent of children, and only 4 percent of those kids still have the allergies as adults.
A food allergy is an extreme reaction and happens quickly. If a child is allergic to strawberries, for example, you will very quickly see hives, or she may tell you that she has trouble breathing.
If this happens, immediately bring your child to a doctor or emergency room, as the allergic reaction can become more severe very quickly. You can try giving your child Benadryl or another over-the-counter anti-allergy remedy, but call the doctor first. Be sure to seek medical care if your child develops any swelling in her face or neck or has trouble breathing.
Fact
When a person is allergic to something, whether it's a food or a substance such as pollen or cat dander, the immune system goes into overdrive when that person is near the allergen or if she happens to eat it. As a result, the skin or respiratory system reacts with hives, skin irritation, or breathing problems.
Genetic Predisposition
Allergies tend to run in families, so if you, your partner, or people in your family suffer from allergies, you should be on the lookout for allergies in your children. The first allergic reaction is often mild, so take it seriously and discuss it with a pediatrician, because the next exposure, whether to a food or a substance, could cause a more severe reaction.
Common Allergens
The most common food allergens are:
- Strawberries
- Milk
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Eggs
Usually if a parent or close relative has an allergy to one of these foods, a child will be predisposed to having the allergy.
Some children are allergic to additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a flavor enhancer found in many canned and some restaurant foods, most notably Chinese food.
If you notice that your child undergoes a behavioral change after eating certain foods, try turning to whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, meat, and poultry — anything that is farmed or hunted and hasn't been highly processed — to take the additives out of your child's diet. This is a purer diet (especially if you choose organic foods) and one that is less likely to cause problems.
Many children grow out of their allergies, or their allergic reactions change as they get older. The most important thing is that you need to listen to your own experience of your child's eating and behavior interactions. At this age, it is easy to take a food out of his diet if it seems to cause a problem.
However, because an allergic reaction can be dangerous, it's important to tell anyone who cares for your child about the sensitivity. If your child has a severe reaction, including difficulty breathing, then everyone must be made aware of what your child is allergic to and be sure he isn't exposed to the irritant. The signs of a severe reaction include dizziness, difficulty breathing, sweating, and the possibility of passing out.
Hives, a skin reaction with raised red bumps, is a common allergic reaction to both foods and contact irritants, such as laundry detergents. To deal with them, use a hydrocortisone or anti-itch cream and try to determine what caused the reaction in order to cut the food or other irritant (such as fragranced soap) out of your child's daily routine.
