Recognize the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children

Food allergy symptoms vary.  One child may have very mild symptoms, while another child may exhibit life-threatening symptoms.  We should all be aware, and recognize, the symptoms that can present themselves. Reactions can occur within a few minutes or not show up for a few hours until after having contact with the offending food.

Food Allergy Symptoms can affect these four areas of the body:

• Skin -  shows up as Hives, itchy red bumps;  Eczema, redness and swelling of face or extremeties;  Itching & Swelling, lips, tongue or mouth area
• Respiratory -  shows up as Runny or Stuffy nose, Wheezing, Sneezing, Coughing or Shortness of Breath
• Gastrointestional -  shows up as Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea or Vomiting
• Cardiovascular -  shows up as Lightheadedness or Fainting

Antihistamines, such as over-the-counter Benadryl, can sometimes be given to counteract mild allergic symptoms, but any suspected food allergy should be checked out with your child's doctor.

Food Allergies can produce Severe Allergic Reactions .  If your child has any of these Signs & Symptoms you should seek Emergengy Medical Treatment immediately:

• Hoarseness
  
• Tightness in the Throat
  
• Difficulty Breathing
  
• Two, or more, Symptoms from 2 different parts of the body, as noted above.

* Hoarseness following ingestion of food, not symptom associated with common cold symptoms.

If your child's doctor suspects a Food Allergy he will recommend your child see an Allergist to administer allergy tests and identify specific food allergies.