What you need to know about food allergies in children

This is an automatically translated article.

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

The big problem is that most parents don't know if their child has a food allergy until they try a food for the first time and have a reaction. That's why it's important for parents, teachers, babysitters, etc. to be on the lookout for signs of a food allergy.

1. Food Allergies in Children

When a child has a food allergy, the child's immune system reacts creating antibodies to the food as if it were a virus, this immune response produces allergy symptoms.
Common causes of food allergies in children:
Peanuts and tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios) Cow's milk Eggs Shellfish (shrimp, lobster) Wheat Soy

2. Food allergy symptoms

Food allergies can affect a child's breathing, intestinal tract, heart, and skin. A child with a food allergy will develop one or more of the following symptoms within minutes to an hour of eating the food:
Stuffy, runny nose Coughing Diarrhea Dizziness, lightheadedness Itching around the mouth or ears Nausea Red, itchy skin rash (rash) Red, itchy rash (eczema) Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Sneezing Abdominal pain Strange taste in mouth Swelling of lips, tongue and/or face Vomiting Wheezing Young children no Their symptoms can't always be clearly explained, so sometimes parents have to pay attention to what a child is feeling. Your child could have an allergic reaction if they say things like:
"There's something stuck in your throat." "Your tongue is too big." "My mouth itches." "Everything is spinning around you."...

3. When to get urgent help

Some children develop a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, in reaction to foods such as peanuts or shellfish. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing after eating something, call 911 immediately for emergency medical help.
Signs of anaphylaxis :
Chest tightness Confusion Fainting, unconsciousness Difficulty breathing, wheezing Swelling of lips, tongue, throat Difficulty swallowing Weak pulse Children with severe food allergies should have an auto-injector epinephrine (adrenaline) with you at all times in case your child has a reaction. Older children and caregivers should learn to use needles.

4. Distinguishing food allergy and food intolerance

Food allergies tend to be more dangerous than food intolerances. Usually children with food allergies will need to avoid the allergenic food completely. Food intolerances are usually not serious. Children can eat small amounts of this substance.
Because the symptoms of a food intolerance are sometimes similar to those of a food allergy, it can be difficult for parents to tell the difference. Here's a guide to distinguishing a food allergy from an intolerance:

5. What to do if you suspect your child has a food allergy

If you suspect your child has a food allergy, see your pediatrician or allergist. Your doctor can determine which foods are causing the problem and help you create a treatment plan. Your child may need medicines such as antihistamines to treat the symptoms.
The above information is for reference only, you should consult your doctor before deciding to use any treatment method.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package of examination and advice on treatment of atopic dermatitis to help customers assess the overall condition of the disease and advise on measures to help prevent recurrence.
When registering for a package of examination and consultation for treatment of atopic dermatitis, customers will receive: Dermatology specialist examination. Perform tests such as: quantitative IgE, fresh mycobacteria, specific IgE quantification with respiratory allergens - food (Panel 1 Viet), test Rida Allergy Screen (panel 1)...

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References
Allergy statistics. (nd). aaaai.org/about-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-st Statistics Children and allergies. (nd). acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/children-allergies Facts and statistics. (nd). foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats