5 Common Food Allergies in Children

A food allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to a specific protein in certain foods. Although food allergies and intolerances can seem similar, they are quite different—intolerances don’t involve the immune system. For some children, food allergies can cause serious or even life-threatening reactions. That’s why it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from an allergist and follow their advice on how to manage the allergy safely.

What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system, which usually protects the body from infections, mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful. This triggers an allergic reaction.

Even if past reactions were mild, there’s always a chance that the next one could be severe or even life-threatening. That’s why it’s crucial for individuals with food allergies to completely avoid the trigger food and always keep emergency epinephrine with them.

What Are The Five Most Common Food Allergens?

While children can be allergic to a wide range of foods, about 90% of allergic reactions in kids are caused by a few specific foods. These include:

Cow’s Milk – One of the most common allergens in young children, especially infants.

Eggs – Both egg whites and yolks can trigger allergic reactions.

Peanuts – A leading cause of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in children.

Wheat – Commonly used in Indian diets; wheat allergy is different from gluten intolerance.

Soy – Found in various processed foods and baby formulas, soy can cause allergies in some children.

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

When an individual has a food allergy, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, which can result in a variety of symptoms. The reaction can be mild or severe—and even if past reactions were not severe, the next reaction might be more severe.

Some typical symptoms of a food allergy are:

• Wheezing or having trouble breathing
• Coughing repeatedly or a hoarse voice
• A feeling of tightness in the throat
• A stomachache, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
• Hives, red spots, or swelling on the body
• Dizzines or fainting because of low blood pressure

In some cases, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can happen. It may begin with mild symptoms but quickly worsen, affecting multiple parts of the body. The person may struggle to breathe or even lose consciousness. Without immediate treatment using an epinephrine injection, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

This is why it’s so important for children with food allergies—like to milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, or wheat—to be diagnosed early and carry emergency medication.

What Is a Food Intolerance?

Some individuals mix up food intolerance with food allergy, but they are different. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It typically occurs because the body is having difficulty digesting some substance—such as lactose in milk.

Some signs of food intolerance may be:

•    Burping or bloating
•    Gas or indigestion
•    Loose stools
•    Headaches
•    Flushed skin or feeling anxious

These symptoms may be unpleasant, but food intolerance is usually not hazardous.

How Is a Food Allergy Diagnosed in Children?

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of a food allergy, the physician will start by inquiring about:

• What symptoms your child has
• How quickly the symptoms occur after consuming particular foods
• Whether there’s any family history of allergies, asthma, or skin disorders such as eczema

You might be referred to an allergist (a physician who is an expert in allergies). The allergist will give your child a physical exam and probably some tests, including:

Skin prick test: A small amount of food extract is put on your child’s skin (typically the arm or back), then pricked. If a red, swollen bump forms, it could mean that your child has a sensitivity to the food

Blood test: This checks for IgE antibodies, which are proteins your immune system makes in response to allergens. High levels can suggest a food allergy.

Important: Your child might need to stop certain medications like antihistamines 5–7 days before the skin test, as these can interfere with results. Always check with the allergist beforehand.

If the results aren’t clear, the doctor may recommend a food challenge:

In this test, your child eats very small amounts of the suspected food under close medical supervision. If no reaction occurs, the amount is slowly increased. This test must be done in a controlled setting like an allergist’s office or hospital, as severe reactions can happen.

Food challenge tests can also help determine if a child has outgrown a food allergy.

Managing and Treating Food Allergies in Babies and Children

The most effective way to manage a food allergy in children is to completely avoid the allergenic food and be ready to treat any unexpected reaction.

For children at risk of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), it’s important to always have two epinephrine auto-injectors on hand. This medication can quickly stop the symptoms of a serious reaction. Parents should speak with their child’s doctor to learn how to use it properly—and ensure that caregivers, teachers, and family members also know what to do in an emergency.

Some children may eventually outgrow certain food allergies. However, reintroducing the food should only be done under medical guidance. The doctor may suggest follow-up tests or a monitored food challenge to safely check if the allergy has resolved.

When Do You Need to Go See a Doctor?

If your child experiences symptoms of a food allergy shortly after consuming the food, it is crucial to see a doctor or an allergist.

Seek emergency assistance right away if your child develops symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. They can be:

• Difficulty in breathing due to constricted or blocked airways
• Sudden fall in blood pressure leading to shock
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or faint

Don’t delay—immediate medical care can be life-saving in these cases.

Why Choose Ankura Hospital for Your Child’s Food Allergies?

We at Ankura Hospital understand how concerning food allergies can be for parents. Our expert team of pediatric pulmonologists and allergists are specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies in children – from the slightest symptoms such as rashes and sneezing to serious conditions such as asthma or anaphylaxis.

We provide complete allergy testing, such as skin and blood tests, to properly identify your child’s individual allergens. Based on the test results, our pediatric allergists develop individualized treatment plans that can involve medication, avoidance measures for the offending allergens, and immunotherapy where necessary.

Early expert treatment at Ankura Hospital means your child receives the support they require in managing allergies and living a better life.