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The incidence of food allergies is increasing globally, affecting 220 million people worldwide. Though food allergies are mainly a reaction to the food, in a few instances, a food item can have more than one allergen, like nuts, milk, etc. Hence, most people can be allergic to multiple food items. More than adults, kids are more susceptible to food allergies. Food allergies are becoming a growing concern in India, causing morbidity and affecting quality of life. To improve the well-being of children, there is an urgent need for better diagnosis and effective treatment of food allergies. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common food allergies in children, their diagnosis, and treatment options to manage this condition effectively.
Synopsis
About Food Allergies in Children
After eating food, your immune system mistakenly attacks the harmless food protein, considering it a threat, producing an adverse reaction called a food allergy. The food protein that causes an allergic reaction is called a food allergen. Even a tiny amount of it can cause mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. There is generally no proper cure for food allergies; some outgrow them as they grow older. But to prevent serious health complications and improve the quality of life of these children, it is important to diagnose food allergies through food allergy testing to manage them early.
Types of Food Allergies
Various foods can cause an allergic reaction in children, but the most prevalent food allergies are:
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Milk: The most common food allergy in children, especially infants and toddlers, is dairy allergy (cow’s milk). Most children typically outgrow this condition as they age, but it's often recommended to refrain from consuming any cow-milk dairy products until symptoms improve.
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Eggs: This is the second most common cause of food allergies in children. It's possible to be allergic to both egg whites and yolks, or either of them. This allergy may go away when they reach adolescence.
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Peanuts: It is a severe food allergy and can cause fatal allergic reactions. It may get resolved when they reach teenagers.
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Tree Nuts: This is a common food allergy to nuts and seeds that come from trees such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and others. It can be serious and is usually a lifelong condition; only a few children can overcome it.
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Soy: Most infants and young children have an allergy to soy products such as soybeans, soy milk, or soy sauce. Many of them outgrow themselves when they reach adulthood.
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Wheat: Some children have a wheat allergy, but it often subsides by the age of 10 years. Wheat allergy is similar to gluten allergy; in wheat allergy, you need to avoid only wheat, as you may be allergic to one of the proteins found in wheat. However, in cases of gluten allergies, you need to avoid all products that contain gluten, including wheat.
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Fish and Shellfish: Fish and shellfish (shrimp, prawns, squid, lobsters, and crayfish) allergies are not common in children but can be seen when they reach adulthood, causing severe or fatal allergic reactions.
Diagnosis of Food Allergies
Based on your child’s medical history, family history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms, the doctor will make them undergo food allergy tests to diagnose an allergy to a specific food.
The common diagnostic tests are:
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Skin Prick Test: This is the most common test in which the provider places a small amount of liquid (a suspected allergen) on the skin of your arm or back. Next, a small prick will be made on the skin surface to introduce the liquid, and then the reaction to that protein will be observed.
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Allergy Blood Test: The blood test is used to measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that may develop in response to the protein under test. It is mostly used along with other allergy tests.
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Oral Food Challenge Test: It is the most accurate food allergy test and can be used alone for diagnosis. Your child will be made to eat small amounts of foods that are suspected to cause allergic symptoms and will be watched for allergic reactions. Based on the body’s reaction to that food, results will be interpreted.
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Food Elimination Diet: This is a home test done as per the instructions of your doctor. The suspected foods are removed from the diet for at least 2 weeks. Then slowly, they are added back to see which food is causing symptoms again.
Food Allergies Treatment
There is currently no proper cure for food allergies; the best is to avoid foods that cause reactions. Still, in case you come into contact with them, these treatment strategies can help manage and reduce the risk of severe reactions:
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Medications: For a minor allergic reaction, you may be prescribed an antihistamine to relieve its symptoms. For a child with a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine from the doctor. However, it's better to have an epinephrine autoinjector with you every time to treat anaphylactic reactions promptly. Sometimes, corticosteroids may also be given to reduce swelling.
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Avoiding Triggers: You must carefully check the included ingredients on the food labels to avoid food allergy triggers. This is the best way to keep allergic reactions at bay.
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Personalised Allergy Plan: Seek consultation with an expert allergy specialist to get a personalised allergy action plan. Get details regarding how to manage reactions and what to do in case of an emergency.
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Oral Immunotherapy: This is still under study and is an emerging treatment option. Gradually, small amounts of food with allergens will be introduced to build body tolerance, but this should only be done under a doctor’s supervision.
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Education and Counseling: Education and counselling sessions are conducted for the child, family members, caregivers, and teachers about the type of allergy your child has, its potential risks, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Food allergies in children present significant challenges but can be managed effectively with the right treatment strategies and support. Understanding common allergens, recognising symptoms, and having a clear food allergy diagnosis and treatment plan are vital steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of children with food allergies. Seek consultation at our dermatology hospital in Broadway, for personalised advice and appropriate treatment recommendations based on your child's specific food allergy needs. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
Mostly, the symptoms of food allergies are seen within 2 hours of eating the food, and symptoms can be mild to severe, such as:
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Swelling or itching of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids
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Hives or skin rash
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Difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
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Coughing or shortness of breath
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Runny or congested nose
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Abdominal pain
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Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
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Eczema
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Fainting or dizziness
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Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
If you experience any of these symptoms that do not go away soon, seek a consultation with our allergy specialist.
Its risk factors include:
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Family history
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Asthma
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Other allergies
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Children
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Exposure to certain food substances
Food sensitivity and food allergies are not the same. The food sensitivities are not life-threatening and occur as a result of the immune reactions driven by IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. A food allergy is a severe immune response to food that is caused by IgE antibodies and can be life-threatening. Ask for the best food sensitivity and allergy test by the doctor to determine the underlying issue of your child's symptoms.
No, it is possible to get food allergies as adults, and these are generally lifelong. Even you can get an allergy to a food to which you were never allergic before.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Allergy and Immunology Department or visit our website.
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