Allergies are among the most widespread problems, with more and more people suffering from them. Let’s take a closer look at food allergies in children, the most common allergens, their symptoms, as well as intolerance to certain food ingredients and how to live with them.
What is an Allergy?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system produces antibodies in response to proteins in food that are usually harmless to the body. It most often occurs in families where some form of allergy has already occurred, whether to food, pollen or insect venom. Although it is genetically determined , a child usually does not inherit an allergy to a specific substance from a parent, but a predisposition to allergies.
Milk is one of the most common allergens in young children . Some estimates suggest that cow’s milk protein allergy occurs in more than 3-5% of infants. In more than 80% of cases, cow’s milk protein allergy disappears within 2-3 years. Why are so many children allergic to milk?
This is for two reasons. First, milk is the basic and main food for infants, and second, allergies are related to the state of functional maturity of the intestinal mucosa and, consequently, the immune system: explains pediatric pediatrician expert.
In children under three years of age, allergies to egg white and soy are also very common. However, the risk of food groups changes with age, so in schoolchildren, allergies to poppy seeds, nuts, peanuts, celery and other mainly root vegetables are most common, while in adolescents, allergies to fish, shellfish, spices, fruit and alcohol predominate.
What Symptoms to look for?
The symptoms are easy to read, especially for parents who have already experienced allergic reactions:
- Atopic eczema
- Infant colic
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood in the stool)
- Stuffiness
- Hives around the mouth, nose, and eyes, which can spread throughout the body
- Swelling of the mouth, eyes, and face
- Runny or stuffy night, tearing, watery eyes
- Itchy mouth and irritated throat
Allergy Reaction
The most serious manifestation in response to an allergen is an acute allergic reaction, the most severe form of which is anaphylactic shock. Triggers include not only foods, but also medications, insect venom, vaccines, and there have also been cases of severe reactions to latex. Anaphylactic shock is unmistakably recognizable, manifested by sudden breathing difficulties and wheezing, swelling of the throat, tongue, and face, skin rash, itching, and red spots.
Some people develop symptoms of shock – paleness, sweating, feeling weak, vomiting, and a faint pulse. Anaphylactic shock can cause death within minutes.
If it occurs, it is necessary to take immediate action: call medical help at 155 or 112 and ensure the functioning of basic vital functions according to the rules of first aid . In case of unconsciousness, place the child in a stabilized position; if breathing stops, it is necessary to start heart massage and artificial respiration.
Anyone who has experienced an anaphylactic reaction should always carry an adrenaline auto-injector, the application of which will prevent the development of anaphylactic shock.
Reaction speed
Food allergies usually appear within a few minutes, rarely within a few hours. If a child reacts to an allergen quickly, it is easier to detect it. Then you just need to monitor which food the child does not tolerate and eliminate it from the diet. However, be aware that all symptoms that correspond to an allergic reaction are relatively common in early childhood and an allergy can be only one possible explanation for their occurrence.
How to Diagnose an Allergy
If you suspect a food allergy, visit your pediatrician, who will refer you to a dermatologist or allergist. Basic tests include a skin prick test and blood tests. Once the allergens have been identified, the next step is to consult a nutritionist, who will discuss with you the principles of the diet that will need to be followed and compile a list of foods that the little allergic person should avoid.
Intolerance is not an Allergy
Two terms that people often confuse. Unlike an allergy, an intolerance is not caused by an immune system reaction. It is caused by the inability to digest a food, usually because the body lacks a substance, most often an enzyme needed to break down the food.
Food intolerance is much more common than allergy, with an estimated 45% of people suffering from some form of it. Unlike allergy, intolerance can affect multiple types of food.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- How much
- Flatulence
- Winds
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The reaction to a food intolerance is similar to an allergic reaction, but usually occurs much later, usually hours or days. Again, the symptoms can be similar to other serious illnesses, so it is important to consult a doctor for observation.
