Food allergies

When your child has a food allergy and then eats that food, your child's body reacts as if the food is trying to cause harm. So it fights back by setting off an allergic reaction. A mild reaction is no fun, but it isn't dangerous. A serious reaction can be deadly.

Allergies tend to run in families. Your child is more likely to have a food allergy if other people in your family have allergies like hay fever or asthma. And food allergies are more common in children than in adults. Children sometimes outgrow their food allergies, especially allergies to milk, eggs, or soy.

The best way to prevent a food allergy is to avoid the foods that cause it. And make sure that you know what to do if your child does eat something that he or she is allergic to.

Food allergies can cause many different symptoms. They can range from mild to serious. A mild reaction may include tingly lips, a stuffy nose, dizziness, and a few raised, red, itchy patches of skin (called hives).

The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis (say "ANN-uh-fuh-LAK-suss"). It affects your whole body. Anaphylaxis can start within a few minutes to a few hours after you eat the food. The symptoms can go away and come back hours later. A severe reaction may cause hives all over, swelling in the throat, trouble breathing, nausea or vomiting, or fainting.

Your doctor will ask questions about your past health and family food allergies. And he or she will do a physical exam. Your doctor will also ask what symptoms you have when you eat certain foods.

Because food allergies can be confused with other problems, your doctor may do some tests. You may have either skin testing or a blood test. These tests help to see what you are allergic to. An oral food challenge is another way to diagnose a food allergy. You will eat a variety of foods that may or may not cause an allergic reaction. Your doctor watches to see if and when a reaction occurs.

The best treatment for allergic reactions to food is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. When that isn't possible, you can use medicines. Antihistamines are used for mild reactions, and epinephrine for serious reactions.

For mild allergic reactions, people often try over-the-counter antihistamine and corticosteroid medicines first. Bronchodilators may also be used. They relax the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. You can try prescription medicines if over-the-counter medicines don't control allergy symptoms or if they cause side effects.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may need a shot of epinephrine. This will relax the muscles that help you breathe. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, always keep it with you. Your doctor or pharmacist will teach you how to give yourself a shot if you need it. Talk to your doctor about an anaphylaxis (say "ann-uh-fuh-LAK-suss") action plan.

The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food that causes the allergy.

Talk to your doctor about an anaphylaxis (say "ann-uh-fuh-LAK-suss") action plan.

If the doctor has prescribed epinephrine, always keep it with you or with your child. It's also a good idea to wear, or have your child wear, a medical alert bracelet or other jewelry that lists the food allergies. You'll find the jewelry in most drugstores or online.

Children and food allergies

It's important to take special care with children who have food allergies. A child with severe food allergies may have a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to even a tiny amount of an allergen.

Make sure that all caregivers (school administrators, teachers, friends, coaches, and babysitters):

• Know about your child's food allergy.
• Can recognize the symptoms of a food allergy.
• Know where the epinephrine shot is kept and how to use it.
• Know to call 911 immediately.