Written By: Tavishi Dogra | Updated : March 1, 2023 12:03 PM IST
Food allergies are common in children; they can develop at any age. When a child's immune system identifies a particular food as a threat and overreacts to it, it can cause an allergic reaction. Children's most common food allergies include milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, shellfish and fish.
A food allergy occurs when your baby's immune system negatively reacts to a (usually harmless) protein in a portion of food and makes antibodies to fight it. Signs of a food allergy can range from severe to mild and may include hives, swelling, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). Therefore, parents and caregivers need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of food allergies and seek medical attention immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.
If your kid has been diagnosed with a food allergy, avoiding the allergen and preventing accidental exposure is essential. This may involve reading food labels carefully, avoiding cross-contamination when cooking, and informing your child's school or daycare about their food allergy.
It's also essential to work closely with your child's doctor or allergist to develop an allergy management plan that includes emergency medications (such as epinephrine) and strategies for avoiding allergens. Children with food allergies can live healthy and happy lives with proper management and education.
If your baby has a food allergy, the following symptoms may appear within minutes after eating the food.
Symptoms and signs of these include:
Late-onset allergy and intolerance are sometimes confused with one another. Sometimes babies develop intolerance to certain foods. If your baby finds it difficult to digest some food, he may be intolerant.
