As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones is watching your little one start eating solid foods. However, the thought of your child potentially getting sick or developing food allergies can be daunting.
One of the biggest concerns for parents is the possibility of their child developing food allergies. Research shows that approximately 8 percent of infants and young children have food allergies, which can be severe and even life-threatening for some children.
Given the prevalence of food allergies, this guide provides information on the foods most likely to cause allergies in children, which children are more susceptible to developing allergies, and what parents can do to help prevent their children from developing food allergies.
What are food allergies in children?
Your child’s immune system always looks for potential threats that could harm them. This is the case with food allergies, where the immune system identifies certain foods as “dangerous,” triggering a harmful immune response that can cause symptoms from mild to severe.
When your child’s immune system detects a threat, it produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which then react with the food to release histamine and other substances. These substances can cause inflammation, swelling, itching, and various other unpleasant symptoms that can be both uncomfortable and dangerous.
Who is more likely to develop food allergies?
While any child can develop a food allergy, some have a higher risk than others. Here are the factors that can increase the likelihood of a child developing allergies:
Genetics and family history
Research shows that allergies tend to run in families. If the child’s parents have allergies, the child is more likely to have a food allergy. Additionally, if there is a history of allergies, asthma, or eczema in the child’s family, then the chances of the child developing these conditions increase.
Early exposure to allergenic foods
Introducing foods known to cause allergic reactions to a child before six months can increase the likelihood that the child will develop allergies. These foods include peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, and eggs, considered high-risk foods. It is recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and that allergenic foods are introduced gradually after six months.
Existing allergies
If a child already has allergies, such as eczema or other recognized allergies, then they are more susceptible to developing food allergies in the future. It is essential to consult a pediatrician if a child shows signs of allergies or other allergic reactions.
How can parents tell if their child is allergic to a particular food?
Identifying if a child has a food allergy can be a challenging task for parents, but with the proper knowledge, they can take immediate action to keep their child safe.
Skin reactions
Some foods can cause redness, hives, or acne. Itchy rashes or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat are common allergic reactions that parents should look out for.
GI symptoms
Children with food allergies may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, throwing up, or stomach cramps.
Respiratory problems
Some children may have respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing after eating certain foods.
Anaphylaxis
In severe cases, a child could have an anaphylactic reaction — a life-threatening response that needs immediate medical help. Some signs of anaphylaxis include trouble breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of awareness.
Parents need to be aware of these signs and seek medical help immediately if they suspect their child has a food allergy.
What can parents do to prevent food allergies in their children?
Introduce new food in gradual amounts
When introducing new foods to your baby or toddler’s diet, do so gradually and methodically. Start by introducing one food at a time, and wait a few days before introducing another. This allows you to monitor your child’s reaction to each food and identify potential allergies.
In the event of an allergic reaction, it’s much easier to pinpoint the specific food that caused it if you’ve only introduced one new food at a time.
Choose to prepare food at home instead of buying it
When you cook at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that you use. This means that you can choose to use only the freshest and healthiest ingredients and avoid any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought food.
By preparing meals yourself, you can ensure that your child is not exposed to any allergen-inducing ingredients that may be present in pre-packaged or restaurant food. This can give you peace of mind and can provide an added layer of safety for children with food allergies.
Read the label
Companies that manufacture food products are required by law to list common allergens on the packaging. This is done to help people with food allergies avoid potentially dangerous foods.
When reading the labels on food products, look for words like “contains” or “may contain,” followed by the name of the allergen. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, soy, wheat, milk, and eggs. If your child is allergic to any of these foods, make sure to avoid any products that contain them.
Keep an eye out for signs of allergic reactions
If you notice any of the following symptoms — raised, red, itchy bumps or welts on the skin, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, vomiting, or diarrhea — your child might be experiencing an allergic reaction. Other less common symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, as well as pale or blue skin.
Allergic reactions can occur rapidly, often within minutes to a few hours of consuming a new food. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by contacting your doctor or emergency services.
One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
By learning about the risk factors and taking precautions, you can make it much less likely that your child will develop food allergies. Talk to your pediatrician, learn about foods that can cause allergies, and pay attention to how your child reacts to different types of food.
Remember that each child is different, so what works for one might not work for another. With the proper care and attention, you can ensure your child is safe and healthy and reduce the chance of food allergies.
