Pediatric Food Allergies – Symptoms and Treatment

Greater than 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies – that translates to 1/13 children or 2 children/average classroom. Food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylactic or life-threatening allergic reactions.

At Vickery Pediatrics, we help children experiencing health issues caused by food allergies. Our experienced pediatricians are available for same-day sick care appointments in Cumming, offering guidance and care for coping with food allergies.

These 8 Foods Account for 90% of Food Allergies

1. Milk
2. Egg
3. Peanut
4. Tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds)
5. Wheat
6. Soy
7. Fish
8. Shellfish

What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children?

1. Tingling sensation in the mouth
2. Swelling of the tongue and throat
3. Rash – usually hives within 30-45 min of ingestion
4. Eczema flare
5. Vomiting and abdominal cramps
6. Diarrhea
7. Wheezing, increased cough and trouble breathing
8. Drop in blood pressure or loss of consciousness

How Do  You Diagnose Food Allergies in Children?

The diagnosis of food allergies usually combines the efforts of the parent, pediatrician and a pediatric allergist.  You will generally be referred to a pediatric allergist once the history indicates a possible food allergy.  The following tests are usually performed and are further discussed in the link below.

1. Skin prick testing – measures the presence of IgE to tested foods. If there is potential for allergy, there will be a “positive skin test” or a wheal formation.
2. 50-60% of skin tests have the potential of having a false positive result. That means it may indicate an allergy when that food may not cause an actual reaction.
3. For the reason mentioned above, skin testing is often confirmed with blood testing. The blood tests look for IgE specific to the food.
4. If both blood and skin tests indicate positive results, there is a good chance that your child is allergic to that food.
5. Allergists may also use oral food challenges and trial elimination diets.

Food Allergy Research & Education’s Information for Diagnosis and Testing

Some tests are not considered diagnostic of food allergies.

Treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrin administered via an epi-pen that should be with the child wherever they go.  In addition, paying careful attention to ingredient lists and providing safe substitutions for foods is essential to avoiding a serious reaction. The following links provide more information:

Food Allergy Research & Education’s Emergency Care Plan
Food Allergy Research & Education’s Tips for Avoiding Allergens

Learn to think ahead and plan for safe substitutions and read labels and ask about ingredients every time.

Be Considerate of Others That May Have a Food Allergy

1. Don’t make jokes about food allergies because they are very serious.
2. Don’t share food with friends who have food allergies.
3. Wash your hands after eating.
4. Ask your friends what they are allergic to and help them avoid those foods.
5. If a friend with food allergies becomes ill – get help immediately!!

Other Helpful Food Allergy-Related Links

Food Allergy Research & Education’s Food Allergy 101
American Academy of Pediatrics (Hidden Dangers: Food Allergies and Teens)

Pediatric Sick Care Visits for Food Allergies in the Cumming Area

While most food allergies are mild, some children will experience severe reactions after eating various foods. Vickery Pediatrics assists families with expert guidance and solutions during sick care or well-child appointments. Our patients visit from locations around Georgia, including Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. To contact us, call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.