An estimated 5% of children under the age of five have a food allergy, with the most common ones including eggs, milk, and peanuts. Although most children outgrow their allergies, some may continue throughout their entire life. 

Allermates

If you have a child with a food allergy or you suspect they may be allergic to a certain food, the below guide can help you to navigate this daunting time. 

Read on to discover:

  • What is a food allergy?
  • What foods most commonly cause allergies in children?
  • What are the most common symptoms of food allergies?
  • How to manage food allergies in children 
  • How to prevent food allergies in children 

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is when someone has an abnormal response to consuming a certain food or drink. It is important to recognize the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, as the former can be life-threatening. 

Food allergies cause an immune system response that manifests itself in the form of symptoms. These can range from uncomfortable to deadly. Food intolerances, on the other hand, do not cause an immune response, although they do result in some of the same symptoms. 

What foods most commonly cause allergies in children?

Some of the most common food allergies in children are:

  • Milk 
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts or tree nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Soy 

What are the most common symptoms of food allergies?

The most common symptoms of food allergies are:

  • Vomiting 
  • Diahorrea 
  • Stomach cramps 
  • Hives 
  • Swelling 
  • Eczema 
  • Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue and/or mouth 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing 
  • Wheezing 
  • Lowered blood pressure 

Any of the above symptoms can occur right away or up to an hour after digesting the food. Some people experience more severe symptoms, while others will only experience moderate ones. 

How to manage food allergies in children 

Once you have identified a food allergy, there are several steps that you can take as a parent to help your child manage this issue. First and foremost, you need to know that there is no treatment or medication to prevent food allergies. Instead, you should aim to avoid the foods that cause unwanted symptoms. For example, if your child is allergic to dairy, you could switch to dairy free milk, make your own varieties of which are available. 

For children who are unable to eat a whole food group, such as dairy, it can be a good idea to give them a vitamin supplement so that you can be sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals that they need. 

If your child has had a severe reaction to a certain food, you should ask your doctor for an emergency kit that contains epinephrine which helps stop the symptoms of severe allergic reactions. 

How to prevent food allergies in children 

Although there is no foolproof way to prevent childhood food allergies from developing, these can often be delayed by:

  • Breastfeeding your baby for the first six months 
  • Not giving solid foods to your baby until they are six months or older