Managing a child's food allergy sounds simple: Just avoid the trigger food. As any parent knows, that can be a challenge. Knowing how to prevent and handle a severe reaction can help you both feel more confident, reports an article in WebMd.com
An allergic reaction happens when the body's immune system thinks something in a food (usually a protein) is harmful. Children are most likely to be allergic to peanuts and cow's milk. But, the WebMd report says they can also be allergic to:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree Nuts
- Wheat
- Soy
Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are usually the most severe and last a lifetime. Your child may outgrow other food allergies.
Your child is likely to have a reaction within a few minutes to an hour after eating a problem food. Symptom of a mild allergy include:
- Hives
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Symptoms of a severe allergy can include those listed above, as well as:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or breathing because of throat swelling
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
The most dangerous reaction, anaphylaxis, is a medical emergency. When it happens, the throat swells, preventing breathing or swallowing. The heart rate rises as blood pressure drops. If not treated, anaphylaxis can be fatal.
The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid problem foods. But allergy triggers can hide in packaged foods.
