What are Food Allergies?

September 08, 2008

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What are Food Allergies?

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

On average, one child in 20 has a food allergy. Although more than 150 different foods can cause allergies, just eight food types cause 90% of the problem: dairy and soy, wheat and eggs, fish and shellfish, and nuts and peanuts (which are not really nuts, but legumes).

Problems Caused by Food Allergies

Food allergies cause a range of symptoms:

Hives (also called urticaria) are raised, reddish, itchy blotches that come and go. They are uncomfortable, but not dangerous. More serious (and thankfully, rare) allergic rashes include blistering or skin peeling.

The role of food allergies in eczema and asthma is controversial, but I believe that food allergies can make these conditions worse.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. The child may gasp, have difficulty swallowing, feel dizzy, or pass out. In addition to foods, bee and wasp stings are common triggers for anaphylaxis. Children who have had an anaphylactic reaction should never be far from a syringe pre-loaded with epinephrine, the best emergency treatment. If think your child might have this problem, you should certainly ask a physician about it.

Non-Allergies

Not all food intolerance is allergic. For example, many children can't digest cow's milk very well. A big glass makes them gassy or gives them diarrhea or constipation. They handle smaller amounts without a problem. This problem is due to an inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in cow's milk.

In true allergies, even a tiny amount of the food is enough to trigger the immune system's over-reaction that results in the allergic symptoms. Sometimes, just being near to the allergen is enough.

Allergy Testing

So how do you know if your child truly has an allergy? If you notice hives, itching, or other allergic symptoms consistently after your child eats a particular food, and not other times, chances are she's allergic. An allergist can also do skin tests or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Next article: Managing Food Allergies

First published in Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine


RELATED INFORMATION

			General Principles of Food Safety
			Food Safety
			Food Allergies

Created June 07, 2000
Reviewed September 25, 2000

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