Does your child often experience annoying food allergy symptoms, and you are unsure why? Food allergy symptoms occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food — such as casein and whey — as a threat. As a result, it releases chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. In some cases, this condition may require emergency medical care because it can lead to serious complications.
For this reason, it is important to pay attention to your child’s reactions after eating different foods. Early diagnosis can help identify the cause. With treatment, some children may be able to reintroduce foods that previously caused allergic reactions between the ages of 3 and 4. However, children should never be treated without consulting a pediatrician first.
Based on information from Health, here are the causes, symptoms, treatment, and when to see a doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children
Food allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes to two hours after eating the trigger food. Symptoms vary from mild to severe:
Skin Symptoms
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Red spots
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Rashes (similar to mosquito bites)
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Hives (itchy pink bumps)
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Eczema (dry, scaly skin)
Swelling
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Swelling of the face, lips, eyes, and tongue (angioedema)
Breathing Difficulties
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Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
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Nasal congestion
Digestive Problems
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Nausea, vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Persistent colic (more than 3 hours a day)
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Stomach pain, indigestion
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Stool with mucus or blood
Other Symptoms
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Itching or tingling in skin or mouth
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Sore throat
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Rapid heartbeat followed by low blood pressure
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Dizziness, fainting, fatigue
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Anemia (iron deficiency)
Symptoms Specific to Cow’s Milk Allergy
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Persistent colic
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Frequent colds
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Recurrent reflux
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Poor growth due to diarrhea and low appetite
Causes and Risk Factors
Immune System Reaction
The immune system overreacts to proteins in certain foods. Common triggers include:
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Milk
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Eggs
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Peanuts and tree nuts
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Seafood (shrimp, lobster, tuna, salmon)
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Wheat and soy
Family History
The risk increases if a parent or sibling has allergies, asthma, or eczema.
Other Allergies
Children who already have another type of allergy may react to food more easily.
Asthma
Food allergies and asthma often occur together, and symptoms may be more severe.
Age
Allergies are more common in infants and young children. As the digestive system matures, reactions often improve. About 80–90% of milk protein allergies disappear by age 5.
Early Exposure
Introducing certain foods too early — before 6 months — may increase risk, especially in children with eczema.
Mother’s Diet (Breastfeeding)
Food proteins (such as cow’s milk) may pass through breast milk and trigger symptoms in the infant.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
A pediatrician should be consulted immediately if allergy is suspected. Diagnosis may include:
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Observation of symptoms and food habits
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Skin prick test using small amounts of suspected allergens
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Blood tests to measure antibody levels
Treatment and Prevention
Complete cure is often difficult, but symptoms can be reduced and managed:
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Replace egg protein with chicken or beef
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Ask the doctor for suitable hypoallergenic milk if needed
Research suggests that introducing foods like peanut and cooked egg around 6 months may help prevent allergies — but always gradually and under medical guidance.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Seek urgent medical care if your child shows any of the following:
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Severe breathing difficulties or wheezing
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Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
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Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness
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Rapid heartbeat followed by low blood pressure
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Blue-colored skin or nails
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Dark or bloody stools
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Severe eczema with other allergy symptoms
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