Important Information About Allergy In Children That Can Potentially Save A Life

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Food allergy is your immune system’s reaction to foods that aren’t normally dangerous. Predisposition to allergy is often hereditary. Children are more at risk of developing food allergy if they were born through C-section and/or were fed with food containing artificial additives from birth.

It’s important to distinguish food allergy from food intolerance: while food allergy involves immune system, food intolerance doesn’t. You can usually find out whether you are allergic when you are exposed to an allergen in food for the first time. Your body perceives it as a hostile agent and reacts accordingly.

Allergies are quite common in children, but most of them don’t experience any symptoms once they become adults. Still, some allergies are persistent, e. g. nut and seafood allergies. Some allergies are mild, some are severe. In mild cases, these symptoms occur:

>> itchy skin;

>> runny nose;

>> swollen face;

>> digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea;

>> pain in your stomach.

Severe reaction is called anaphylaxis and is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include:

>> restricted breathing;

>> asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing;

>> rashes and severe skin itching;

>> drop in blood pressure;

>> severe headache;

>> unconsciousness.

If it happens, measures should be taken immediately. Call the ambulance, lay the person down, use an adrenaline injector if you know how to do it right.

Allergens are commonly found in these foods:

>> dairy products;

>> seafood;

>> nuts (especially peanuts);

>> soy;

>> grains containing gluten, such as wheat.