FAAN, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, estimates that 11.4 million Americans have food allergies. There is no cure for food allergies. Avoidance is the only strategy. Children have three times the prevalence of food allergies compared with adults. The reason for this is thought to be that children may outgrow certain food allergies.
Allergies vs. Intolerance
Food allergies are different from food intolerances, though. Food allergies are characterized by an immune system reaction to the food. Intolerances are a problem in digesting the food or chemical makeup of the food due to factors other than immune reactions.
Take lactose intolerance. In this case, the body doesn't make enough lactase, a digestive enzyme which digests mild proteins, to properly digest dairy based foods. The problem happens when the body can't process the lactic acid in dairy. There is no immune system reaction to the problem.
While food intolerances and food allergies may share some symptoms, it is important to know the difference. Immune reactions can happen throughout the system, causing hives, cramps, itching, diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
The five most common food allergies in children are: milk, peanuts, soy, eggs and fruits (most commonly tomatoes and strawberries). Pediatricians usually caution parents when introducing foods to babies, to wait until one year to introduce eggs, strawberries and cow's milk, and age two or three for introducing peanut butter or tree nuts.
Milk Allergies
The most common symptoms of milk allergies are gastrointestinal reactions, such as cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Kids who are allergic to milk have to avoid dairy products entirely. (Be aware of the foods that contain dairy ingredients such as whey, which is a dairy derivative.)
Lactaid, a digestive enzyme, will help someone with lactose intolerance, but will not help a milk allergy. Avoiding eating milk and dairy products usually keeps allergic reactions at bay.
The allergens in milk do not travel through the air, so it is not necessary to seat your child away from others who are eating dairy products.
Egg Allergies
Egg allergies can cause stomach ache, headache, wheezing, or itchy hives. Rarely, a person allergic to eggs can have a high enough sensitivity for eggs to trigger an anaphylactic reaction, which is life-threatening. Many people with egg allergies are actually only allergic to egg yolk and can tolerate egg whites.
Soy and Nut Allergies
Soy and nut allergies can be severe. Those with nut allergies are prone to respiratory problems, swelling and anaphylaxis, the name for severe life-threatening reactions from food allergies. People with severe nut allergies need to have a life-saving Epi-Pen on hand at all times.
Peanut and tree nut allergies are often more severe because nut protein particles can travel in the air. Also, nut particles the size of 1/1000 of a nut or smaller can trigger a reaction in highly sensitive people.
Fruit Allergies
Fruit allergies typically result in skin rashes and itching. Children's food allergies most commonly can be identified by the presence of hives, rash, and/or itching. Sometimes, lips will be itchy or "tingle" after eating a food that triggers an allergic reaction.
 | Spotting symptoms of allergies in toddlers can be difficult, because some allergic reactions mimic minor illnesses. Keeping track of your child's exposure and involving your pediatrician are the keys to successful identification and possible treatment. |
 | Some allergies might be so severe that they have you considering allergy shots for your child. Some allergies will respond well to shots, others will not. |
 | A peanut allergy is serious. A reaction from exposure to peanuts can cause respiratory failure, swelling, heart failure, and even death. The British Medical Journal estimates that 1.3% of the general population suffers from peanut allergies. |
Spring allergies are in full bloom. And your family's first line of defense against the season's biggest offender, pollen, is simple: Keep the windows closed. |
Children are prone to three different types of skin allergies. If the cause of an allergy is not discovered, repeated exposures to the allergen can make the reactions worse. |
