Medically reviewed by
Lisa Biswas, MD
Did you know that 1 in 13 children have food allergies? Yes, it’s true. Sometimes, narrowing down which foods your child may be allergic to can be tough, so, we’ve put together a list of common food allergies and symptoms along with other helpful information:
What Foods are Commonly Associated with Kid’s Food Allergies?
While allergic reactions might come from an incredible number of proteins, virtually all, 90%, come from just eight foods. Numbers 1 -3 are the most prevalent.
These foods are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Soy
- Wheat
What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children?
Your child’s food allergies are activated when your kid’s immune system improperly overreacts to a food or a substance in food. This error by the immune system causes the immune system to begin a protective response. Symptoms range from very mild (hardly noticeable) to life-threatening (anaphylactic shock). Allergic reaction attacks can involve a kid’s skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the cardiovascular system. They show themselves in one or more of the ways listed below:
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightening of the throat, hoarseness, trouble swallowing
- Repetitive cough
- Shock or circulatory collapse
- Slow faint pulse
- Paleness or a blue tinge to skin
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Idiopathic anaphylaxis
More Information For Parents About Childhood Food Allergies
When Do Allergic Food Reactions Show Themselves?
Most allergic food reactions show themselves within the first two hours of consuming the offending allergen – frequently they start within just minutes of eating. Rarely, some children have delayed reactions of six hours or longer. The delay occurs most often in kids with eczema.
Often kids outgrow their allergic reaction to milk and eggs, but, peanut and allergies to tree nuts, not so much.
What Mothers Eat While Pregnant May Affect Food Allergies
Experts who research the development of child allergies recommend pregnant women eat a Mediterranean Diet which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and nuts. This type of diet is proven in many studies to help curb the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. But, doctors strongly urge pregnant women to avoid the following foods:
- Raw meat of any kind
- Certain fish
- Soft cheeses
- Raw Eggs
- Unpasteurized milk
- Unpasteurized juice (fresh-squeezed included)
Once your baby is born and you begin introducing your infant to new foods, do so as early as possible, as this may help reduce food allergies and lessens the likelihood of your kid becoming a fussy eater.
The most effective way to avoid reactions to known food allergens is to avoid serving them to your allergic kid. Always check carefully the food ingredient labels before bringing something home. Learn all the pertinent foods to avoid by all names it is known by.
Contact the Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center of Charlotte
The Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center was established in 1952 and has grown to be an important asset to patients of all ages. All our physicians at each location are board-certified in Allergy & Immunology. With 15 locations to serve you in the Charlotte, North Carolina region find the one nearest you. For an appointment contact us.
