Patient Education
What are food allergies?
Food allergy occurs when the immune system of the body perceives a specific food as harmful and reacts by causing one or more symptoms. This is referred to as an allergic reaction.
Allergens are foods that cause allergic reactions.
The main problem is that most parents are unaware that their children have food allergies until they try something new and have a reaction. As a result, parents, teachers and anyone else who spends time with the child should be alert for signs of a food allergy.
What are the most common food allergens?
In Indian children, the most common food allergens are -
- Wheat (gluten)
- Soy
- Milk
- Eggs
- Nuts - peanut allergies are very common. Tree nut allergies like almonds, walnuts , and cashews can also happen
- Fresh green chilies
- Sesame
- Fish
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Food Allergy?
An allergic reaction is an immune system response that causes the body to release chemicals like histamine.
Symptoms can vary in type and severity from one reaction to the next. Occasionally, mild allergy symptoms occur. Sometimes the symptoms are severe and cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- Skin rashes, itches
- Hives, urticaria
- Red spots
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and cough
- Throat tightness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Itchy, watery swollen eyes
- Symptoms of passing out
Anaphylaxis may start with some of the same symptoms as a less severe reaction, but it can rapidly worsen. The individual may have difficulty breathing or pass out. It is possible that more than one part of the body is involved. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if it is not treated with injectable epinephrine.
How can parents spot which food allergies the child has?
a) With gluten allergy, Symptoms are - Watery stools, Nausea, headache, excessive burping, Stomach aches
b) With Soy allergy symptoms are - Hand and foot swelling, as well as tongue and lip swelling, Puffed eyes, Bloating, and flatulence
c) With Milk allergy symptoms are - Bloating, stomach heaviness, flatulence, Diarrhoea, Vomiting
d) With Egg allergy symptoms are - Red patches or rashes all over the body, Stomach aches, Shortness of breath, or wheezing
e) With nut allergy symptoms are - Swelling of the tongue, lips, and eyes, Nausea
f) With green chilly allergy symptoms are - avoiding food, even ice cream, because of tongue itches, watery eyes, runny nose
What is food intolerance? how is it different from food allergy?
Food allergies affect the child's immune system, whereas food intolerance affects the digestive system. Food intolerance is far more common than food allergy reactions.
Burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed" are all symptoms of food intolerance.
Food allergies are more extremely dangerous than other types of allergies. In most cases, the child will have to avoid the problematic food entirely. Food intolerance isn't always as bad as it seems. Small amounts of the chemical may be consumed by the child.
How is food allergy diagnosed?
The diagnosis will be made by your child's doctor based on a physical exam and a thorough health history. This history should include a list of foods consumed prior to the onset of allergic symptoms.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the healthcare provider will perform some tests. These tests may include the ones listed below -
- Skin prick test - This test involves applying liquid food allergen extracts to your child's back or forearm, pricking the skin, and watching to see if reddish raised spots (known as wheals) develop. A positive test result for a food indicates that the child may be allergic to it.
- Blood tests for IgE antibodies
- Food challenge test -An allergist performs this test. He or she administers a very small amount of an allergen to the child orally. In addition, the allergen can be inhaled. Then the child is closely monitored for any reaction. Food challenges are typically performed if the allergist believes the child will be able to eat the food again without reaction.
How Are Food Allergies Treated?
Currently, there is no medication available to prevent food allergies in children. The goal of treatment is to avoid foods that cause the symptoms. It is critical that the child does not consume these or similar food.
Children with food allergies who are at risk of having a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) should always have two epinephrine autoinjectors on hand. This reduces the severity of the symptoms of severe reactions.
Some children's allergies may outgrow them. Follow-up testing or food challenges will be discussed by the child's healthcare provider. Many allergies in children may be transient. After the age of three or four, the child may be able to eat the food. Only reintroduce food after consulting with the child's doctor. This is due to the possibility of a severe reaction.
How can parents help their child live with food allergy?
Living with food allergies entails avoiding foods to which your child is allergic. Simply touching the allergen can cause an allergic reaction in some children. Although families can avoid the allergen at home, eating out can be difficult.
Read food labels carefully to identify any allergens.
Carrying a food allergy card is a good tip when dining out. Before placing a food order for your child, you can tell the manager or your server. The specific things your child is allergic to are listed on a food allergy card. A reminder to make sure all utensils and other equipment used to prepare the meal are thoroughly cleaned before use is among the additional information it contains. These cards are simple to print on your own using a computer and printer.