It isn't always easy to tell when a young child is having an allergic reaction to food. As your child begins eating solid food, it's important to know the signs of an allergic reaction so that you can act quickly. Like adults, young children can experience the most severe reaction, anaphylactic shock. This reaction is life threatening, yet a young child is not going to be able to explain to you what is going on. As you start introducing new foods to your child, talk with your doctor about some of the most common food allergens such as peanut butter, eggs, and dairy to see when they recommend beginning these foods.
Signs Your Child is Experiencing an Allergic Reaction to Food
If your child eats a food they are allergic to, they make break out in hives. These are red or raised, itchy bumps on the skin and are usually the first sign of an allergic reaction. This may be the only symptom, and hives can go away quickly on their own. Your child may have eczema, stomach upset, diarrhea, a runny nose, a slight cough, and even an itchy mouth or eyes. While these symptoms can be mild, they can become more severe and serious.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to food include swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat that becomes obstructive to breathing, difficulty swallowing, fainting, chest pain, turning blue, trouble breathing, and wheezing. These are symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and the child must be treated by professionals immediately as this is life threatening.
The Most Common Food Allergens in Children
Peanuts and milk are the two most popular foods that children are allergic to. Children are often exposed to early to these two foods, especially dairy. Recommendations on when to start feeding your child common food allergens such as peanuts change frequently, and this is why it's important to talk with your child's doctor about when to introduce these foods. Just like adults, children can also be allergic to shellfish, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, and soy. Combination baby foods can have a number of allergens all in one place, so it's important to read labels carefully. If your child begins experiencing a serious reaction after eating baby food, bring the jar with you to the hospital when you go for treatment.
Food allergies are prevalent among children, and the more you can understand about the signs and symptoms, the better you will be able to protect your child in an emergency.
For more information, contact a company like Hinsdale Asthma & Allergy Center.
Share25 May 2016
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