Food Allergies in Children: What Parents Should Know

Once your child begins eating solid foods, it’s important to be aware of potential food allergens, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. Food allergies in children are an exaggerated immune response that occurs when they eat certain foods. The body mistakenly treats specific proteins in food as harmful, triggering the release of histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

It’s important to note that allergic reactions usually appear immediately after exposure to the allergenic food. Food intolerance differs from an allergy—it only affects the digestive system and does not trigger an immune response. Allergies, however, are immune reactions that can affect the skin and respiratory system. According to Raising Children, here are the risk factors, symptoms, common causes, and prevention tips for food allergies in children.

Risk Factors for Food Allergies in Children

Several factors may increase your child’s risk of developing food allergies:

• Family history: Children are more likely to have allergies if one or both parents have allergies.

• Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy or infancy.

• Exposure to dust or other chemicals.

• The immune system may overreact to certain food proteins, producing antibodies.

• Delayed introduction of solid foods into the diet may increase the risk.

• Eczema connection: Children with eczema are more prone to developing food allergies.

• Multiple food allergies: Some children may be allergic to more than one food. For instance, children allergic to cow’s milk protein may also react to soy products.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children

Food allergy symptoms can be mild or severe (anaphylaxis) and typically appear immediately or within hours after exposure to the allergen. In some cases, symptoms may not appear at the first exposure and may require repeated exposure to trigger a reaction.

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy skin

• Rash or hives

• Sneezing

• Nasal congestion or runny nose

• Cough

• Red, watery eyes

• Skin rashes

• Worsening eczema

• Stomach bloating

• Mild diarrhea or constipation

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) require immediate medical attention, as they can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the throat

• Trouble swallowing

• Pale face

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapid heartbeat

Anaphylaxis often begins with mild allergic symptoms that quickly worsen. If you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, take your child to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Common Food Allergens in Children

• Egg allergy: Proteins in eggs can trigger reactions within minutes to hours after consumption.

• Cow’s milk allergy: Symptoms may appear within minutes to hours or even up to 48 hours later. Children allergic to cow’s milk proteins may also react to goat or sheep milk. Pediatricians may recommend hydrolyzed cow’s milk formulas or plant-based alternatives like soy protein.

• Nut allergies: Reactions can occur even with tiny amounts. As children age, their digestive and immune systems may improve, reducing reactions.

• Wheat allergy: Wheat can cause allergic reactions and may be hidden in foods that seem wheat-free (e.g., soy sauce, ice cream, candy). Children with wheat allergy should avoid gluten-containing foods and may use rice or corn as substitutes.

• Fish allergy: Children may react to salmon, tuna, catfish, tilapia, anchovies, red fish, cod, or grouper.

Managing Food Allergies in Children

• Keep a food diary to track what your child eats and monitor reactions.

• Introduce new foods in small amounts to check for allergies.

• Carefully read food labels to avoid allergens.

• Inform family members and caregivers about the child’s allergens.

• Consult a pediatrician or allergy specialist to identify triggers through allergy tests.

• Antihistamines may be recommended by a doctor for mild reactions.

• Some allergies, such as milk, soy, eggs, or wheat, may resolve as the child grows, while others (nuts, fish, seafood) often persist into adulthood.

Tips to Prevent Food Allergies

• Introduce one new food at a time.

• Offer new foods every 3–5 days.

• Start with low-risk foods like fruits.

• Gradually introduce potentially allergenic foods.

• Avoid overly restricting foods without medical advice, as this may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

• Gradually reintroduce allergenic foods under guidance to see if the immune system can tolerate them over time.