A child’s digestive and immune systems are not as fully developed as those of an adult. This makes them more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, the likelihood of food allergies in children, where they cannot tolerate certain foods, is quite high. So how can parents handle food allergies in children safely and eliminate this nightmare in their caregiving journey? Follow this article from CentiUP to find out!
1. What are food allergies in children?
Food allergies occur when the body reacts to certain substances in foods, known as allergens in medical terminology. The main cause of food allergies in children is often proteins in foods. These proteins are resistant to breakdown by digestive enzymes like protease and are also not easily altered by temperature. As a result, these proteins can pass through the mucosal lining of the digestive system and enter intestinal cells, even reaching the bloodstream.
This intact entry triggers the immune system to respond to these “foreign substances.” The proteins combine with IgE in secretions and blood, which then bind to mast cells—cells that have many IgE receptors. This strong combination leads to the destruction of a large number of mast cells, releasing chemical mediators, particularly histamine. These chemicals cause changes in the body, leading to allergic symptoms such as vasodilation, congestion, swelling, fluid secretion, rashes, smooth muscle spasms causing abdominal pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and intense itching.
2. Symptoms of food allergies in children
Allergic reactions can occur immediately after eating or several hours later, with symptoms such as swelling, itching in the throat and mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, red rashes, and itching on the skin. In more severe cases, the child may experience difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and in rare cases, death.
Some children may develop delayed symptoms (a few days after consuming allergenic foods), including dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, persistent coughing, a runny nose, constipation, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep.
The severity of food allergies depends on the timing of the reaction after eating, the amount of food consumed, and the child’s physical condition.
However, it’s important to differentiate food allergies from food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance. When a child lacks lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose in milk, they may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and even rashes after consuming cow’s milk. However, because the immune system is not involved, this is not considered an allergy. In some developing countries, where people consume fewer lactose-containing products (like milk and dairy products), lactase production can diminish, leading to lactose intolerance.
3. Foods that commonly cause allergies in children
Foods like shrimp, fish, cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy are common triggers of food allergies. In adults, shrimp and fish are the primary allergens, while in children, cow’s milk, eggs, and soy are more likely to cause allergic reactions. In particular, for children who are still breastfeeding, some mothers may supplement with formula due to concerns about insufficient breast milk or because they need to work, leading to allergies in children due to the ingredients in formula milk. Allergies to foods that do not contain or contain very little protein are rare.
Although food allergies are related to foods consumed through the digestive system, symptoms primarily manifest on the skin, and the factors that worsen the condition are often respiratory. About 80% of children with food allergies show skin symptoms, 20% experience respiratory symptoms (such as wheezing, difficulty breathing), and 20% have digestive symptoms. Other symptoms are less common. If not treated promptly, food allergies can lead to severe complications.
4. How parents should handle food allergies in children?
The fundamental principle of allergy treatment is to identify the allergen causing the reaction and avoid contact with it. This requires parents to change their child’s eating habits and be more cautious in food selection.
If you suspect your child is allergic to a certain food, consult an allergist. The doctor will conduct examinations, ask questions, and may perform specific tests, such as allergen testing on the skin or blood tests, to accurately identify the allergenic food.
Once food allergies are confirmed, treatment must begin immediately with two main measures:
Eliminating the allergenic foods from the child’s diet: This is the most important step to minimize symptoms and prevent recurring allergic reactions.
Using appropriate allergy medications: However, parents should not administer medications without a doctor’s guidance and consultation.
5. How to prevent food allergies in children?
The most effective way to prevent food allergies is to completely eliminate confirmed allergenic foods from the child’s diet. Before introducing a new food into the child’s meal plan, parents should consult a specialist, especially when there is a risk of cross-allergies between different foods.
If a child has been diagnosed with a food allergy, parents should avoid giving that food again. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and maintain a clean, well-ventilated living environment, as cigarette smoke and pollution can exacerbate the child’s allergies.
In cases where a child is allergic to cow’s milk, alternatives such as soy milk, grain-based milk, or specially formulated cow’s milk (with certain proteins removed) may be considered. However, parents should also be aware that children allergic to cow’s milk may still be allergic to buffalo or goat milk.
When providing packaged or processed foods for children, parents should carefully read the product information to identify any ingredients or additives known to cause allergic reactions.
In reality, most food allergies in children will subside as the child grows, meaning that allergies are not lifelong. However, determining when to evaluate whether the child still has food allergies, or when it is safe to reintroduce previously suspected allergenic foods, are questions that parents should seek advice from allergists to ensure the child’s safety.
Food allergies in children are a serious issue that requires parents to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about handling and preventing allergic reactions. Understanding the signs of allergies, knowing how to respond promptly, and implementing effective preventive measures will help protect your child’s health in the best possible way. Always be by your child’s side throughout their development, ensuring they grow up healthily and safely.
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