Understanding food allergies in children
Managing your child’s food allergy is something you may be constantly thinking about—that isn’t always easy for you or your family. And even if you’ve been at this for a while, knowing which questions to ask and when to ask them can make all the difference.
That’s why, no matter where your child is with their food allergy, it may be helpful to consult a doctor. It may also be useful to:
Get ahead of common misconceptions with facts and guidance
Research strategies for living with childhood allergies
Understand how and when to consult an allergist and what to expect
Most common childhood food allergies
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the 9 most common food allergens that cause 90% of all reactions in kids are:
MILK
EGGS
SOY
PEANUTS
TREE NUTS
WHEAT
FISH
CRUSTACEAN
SHELLFISH
SESAME
MILK
EGGS
SOY
PEANUTS
TREE NUTS
WHEAT
FISH
CRUSTACEAN
SHELLFISH
SESAME
Food sensitivities and other conditions can be mistaken for food allergies
Children can feel ill after eating specific foods due to a food intolerance, which is often confused with a food allergy.
A common example is an intolerance to lactose—a sugar found in many milk products—which can lead to an uncomfortable buildup of gas. Another example is an abnormal immune system response to gluten (a component of barley, wheat, and rye).
Don’t miss out
Get tips and strategies on food allergies in children.
Don’t miss out
Get tips and strategies on food allergies in children.
Childhood food allergies can look different in each child
Each child may experience food allergies differently. Symptoms generally begin to appear within minutes or up to several hours after eating. These symptoms could indicate a medical emergency and may include but are not limited to:
- Coughing, wheezing, runny nose, or trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps or stomach pain
- Red, itchy rash (hives)
- Swelling of the face
- Eczema
- Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
- Itching or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, with lowered blood pressure
- Feeling something bad is about to happen, anxiety, confusion
- Anaphylaxis
What is anaphylaxis?
Parents of a child with a food allergy should be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction. Symptoms can include shortness of breath or inability to breathe; a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting.
If your child is diagnosed with a severe food allergy, it’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure you’re prepared to take proper action in an emergency. Patients may be prescribed epinephrine for use in emergency situations, and a visit to the emergency room may also be needed. Epinephrine opens the airways to improve breathing and increases the flow of blood. If you don’t have epinephrine, your doctor will likely direct you to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can be fatal.
It’s important to talk to a doctor about any symptoms your child may be experiencing to get an accurate diagnosis.
Did you know?
Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary food avoidance, which can impact quality of life and nutrition. It’s often a good idea to see your doctor.
When to get your child evaluated for food allergies
If you suspect your child has developed a food allergy or sensitivity, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary doctor.
It often helps to start a food diary beforehand. Keep track of which foods have been eaten and at what times as well as symptoms, so you can reference what may have been the cause.
If you feel your child may benefit from seeing an allergist, keep in mind a referral from your child’s primary doctor may be required.
Food allergy testing options
There are many tests an allergist may give your child to diagnose food allergies. Learning more about some of these testing options may help prepare you for a conversation with your child’s doctor.
SKIN PRICK TEST (SPT)
In the SPT, a small amount of a suspected allergen is pricked into the skin. This is done in an allergist’s office, and the reaction is graded based on the response
SPECIFIC IgE (sIgE) TEST
The sIgE test measures how much the IgE in a person’s blood reacts to a single allergen. Repeating this with different allergens may help to identify the cause of the food allergy
ORAL FOOD CHALLENGE (OFC)
An OFC is when food containing the suspected allergen is eaten slowly, under medical supervision, to diagnose or rule out a food allergy
Your child's allergist will look at their medical history and determine which test(s) are appropriate.
The directory of allergists has been developed by The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) based on their independent evaluation. Neither Genentech nor Novartis provided any input in the development of the directory and make no endorsement of any of the physicians named.
After a food allergy diagnosis, what’s next?
Once diagnosed, it’s important to take things one step at a time and to ask your child’s allergist for guidance. The allergist may advise you to:
- Strictly avoid the foods your child is allergic to
- Learn how to read food labels to identify your child’s allergen
- Ask about ingredients at restaurants
- Understand circumstances for cross-contamination
- Carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed
Stay informed on childhood food allergies
Get tips, strategies, tools, and inspiration, plus helpful information on food allergies in children.
Stay informed on childhood food allergies
Get tips, strategies, tools, and inspiration, plus helpful information on food allergies in children.