• 1 week ago

Food Allergies in Children

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when a child’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food protein as harmful, triggering a reaction that can affect the skin, digestive tract, respiratory system, or even the entire body. These reactions can be mild or—rarely—life-threatening.

Most food allergies begin in infancy or early childhood. Some, like milk and egg allergies, may resolve with age, while others—like peanut or tree nut allergies—tend to persist longer. Recognizing and managing these allergies early is essential for ensuring safe nutrition and quality of life.

Most Common Food Allergens in Children

Roughly 90% of food allergies in children are caused by the following eight foods:

  • Cow’s milk
  • Eggs (especially egg white)
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds)
  • Wheat (gluten)
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Soy

Other potential allergens include sesame, strawberries, tomatoes, lentils, and other legumes—especially in certain geographic regions.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies

Reactions may appear within minutes or hours after eating or touching the food.

Skin:

  • Hives (urticaria)
  • Redness, itching, dry patches
  • Facial swelling, especially around lips, eyes (angioedema)
  • Eczema flare-ups

Gastrointestinal:

  • Vomiting, abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea or mucus in stools
  • Gas, bloating
  • Poor weight gain or feeding aversion in infants

Respiratory:

  • Runny nose, sneezing
  • Cough, wheezing
  • Shortness of breath, throat tightness

Systemic (Anaphylaxis):

  • Life-threatening reaction involving multiple systems
  • Difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, altered consciousness
  • Requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline)

How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and symptom review. The next steps vary based on the suspected trigger and severity:

  • Skin Prick Test: Allergen is introduced via a small skin puncture to observe a reaction
  • Specific IgE Blood Test: Measures antibodies to specific food proteins
  • Elimination Diet: Suspected food is removed to observe symptom improvement
  • Oral Food Challenge: The most accurate method—done in a medical setting under supervision

Management and Treatment

1. Strict Elimination of the Allergenic Food

  • Complete removal of the food from the diet
  • Careful label reading of packaged foods
  • Education on cross-contamination risks in food prep

2. Nutritional Support

  • Substitute the eliminated food with nutritionally equivalent alternatives
  • Work with a pediatric dietitian to ensure growth and development
  • If breastfeeding, the mother may need to eliminate the allergen from her diet

3. Medications

  • Antihistamines for mild skin or digestive symptoms
  • Topical creams for eczema or skin flares
  • Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen): For children at risk of anaphylaxis; must be carried at all times

4. Emergency Preparedness and Education

  • Parents and caregivers must know how to recognize and treat allergic reactions
  • Create an action plan for daycare/school staff
  • Practice with trainer epinephrine pens

Food Allergy Monitoring with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • Full assessment of reaction history and growth status
  • Planning and interpretation of allergy tests
  • Supervised food reintroduction trials if appropriate
  • Creation of safe meal plans and home routines
  • Coordination with schools and dietitians
  • Ongoing follow-up for allergy evolution and nutritional support