Food allergies
Up to 6 percent of under-threes in the US have food allergies, a condition where the immune system treats food it perceives to be an allergen as a foreign invader and produce antibodies to fight it.
The symptoms can include hives, swelling, eczema, itchiness and trouble breathing. Allergic reactions typically occur within 24 hours of eating the food your child has trouble with.
Although allergies are rare in babies, as they depend on a sensitivity that builds up over time, it’s possible for your baby to become sensitized to a particular food allergen while in the uterus because what you eat passes to him via the umbilical cord. Babies and young children can be allergic to anything but typical foods include eggs, cows’ milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts (brazils, pistachios, almonds, cashews and walnuts), fish and shellfish.
Treatment
There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be performed to diagnose food allergies and your pediatrician will want to rule out food intolerances such as celiac disease. If the test results are unclear, your pediatrician may recommend an elimination diet, where your baby only eats certain things and others are slowly re-introduced, to pinpoint which one is causing the reaction. Once you establish the culprit (or culprits), a dietitian can draw up an individualized food plan for your baby to ensure he continues to get the nutrients he needs.
Food allergies can cause a potentially life-threatening reaction called anyphalactic shock – symptoms include difficulty in breathing and swelling of the face, lips and airways. You’ll be provided with epinephrine (an EpiPen) to treat this if it should occur. Practice using it and make sure anyone who helps care for your child knows how and when to use it too. If your baby or child does suffer anaphylactic shock, this is a medical emergency – call 911 straightaway even if he seems to recover after you use his EpiPen.
Prevention
Take precautions when weaning your baby onto solids to introduce each new food one at a time and wait three to four days before introducing another to ensure the previous food doesn’t cause a reaction. If you have a history of food allergies avoid giving your baby potential allergens (for example, peanut butter, wheat, eggs and shellfish) until he’s over 12 months.
As your child gets older it’ll be harder for you to supervise what he eats. Make sure anyone who cares for him is aware of his allergies and remind them that the foods he reacts to may be hidden within other foods (nuts in cookies; eggs in cakes). Keep your child aware of this too, so he knows what he should avoid when he’s on playdates. The good news is that the vast majority of children outgrow food allergies by the time they reach school age although some, including peanut allergies, may persist into adulthood.
• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network http://www.foodallergy.org/
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.