Food Allergies (1)

-->

     About 12% of children are reported to have food allergies. If you test the children who are reported to be allergic, that number drops to about 3%. Food allergy is a specific immunologic reaction rather than just an inability to tolerate some foods (for example, lactose intolerance is not food allergy).

     The most common foods for children to be allergic to are: cow’s milk, soy, egg, wheat, nuts (particularly peanuts) and fish (particularly shellfish). It is rare for children to be allergic to fruits or vegetables, but it can happen.

     Food allergy occurs most often in families with a strong history of asthma, seasonal allergies, eczema or other allergic diseases. Not surprisingly, children with food allergies are 2 to 4 times more likely to have asthma, eczema or respiratory allergies. Children who have true food allergy and asthma are at the greatest risk for a severe, life-threatening reaction when exposed to that food. This is especially true with peanut allergy.

     Any child who has allergic symptoms (hives/rash, vomiting, coughing/wheezing, swelling) after eating a certain food or who has chronic eczema should be evaluated for food allergy. However, there are many phony tests for allergy such as placing substances under the tongue or testing muscle weakness after exposure. Even tests that are accepted as accurate have common false-positive results, so any allergy testing has to be carefully evaluated.

     It is common for children with allergy to milk, eggs, wheat and soy to “grow out” of these allergies and be able to tolerate these foods later in life. It is less common for allergies to nuts and shellfish.
     If the child has true food allergy and has had a severe reaction in the past, it is important to have an epinephrine pen and to use it immediately. Don't wait to see if a reaction is going to occur. Delay in giving epinephrine can result in death from severe allergic reaction. After giving the injection, call 911. If the child is having more symptoms, don't hesitate to give a repeat injection.

     Because there is so much misinformation and confusion about allergy, parents need to speak with their child’s caregiver before simply eliminating a food from their child’s diet.