Health
Easy Tips For Determining Food Allergies In Children
Millions of people around the world suffer from some kind of mild food allergy. Therefore, determining whether or not a child has a food allergy is imperative. Throughout the course of this article, tips to determine whether or not a food allergy is present will be provided.
Spotting Immediate Physical Reactions
Doctors have stated that food allergies may often be genetic, if parents have a specific food allergy, the risk of their child developing that food allergy is greater. Thankfully, food allergy symptoms in children are generally quite easy to spot. Research has shown that there are many obvious physical reactions that are induced by food allergies.
According to an article on babycenter.ca, many of the symptoms are quite similar to those produced by seasonal allergies including hives on the face and neck, swollen or tender lips, frequent sneezing, incessant runny nose or clogged nose, watery or red eyes, itchy mouth or tongue, scratchy or irritated throat, trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhea, rash, and more.
These specific symptoms will often be experienced when children have an immediate response to food allergies. Other serious allergy symptoms can include breathing issues. However, many children also face delayed allergic reactions, which have other symptoms.
Delayed Allergic Reactions
As stated on the babycenter.ca website, delayed allergic reactions can include reflux, diarrhea, constipation, rash, and colic. Reflux is associated with an inability to properly digest food and will often induce physical reactions such as hiccups, constant coughing, or burping up.
Colic can be triggered by a delayed allergic reaction and involves incessant crying in young children and is more powerful and frequent than normal. Getting these symptoms checked is important because according to Health Canada, some food allergies can result in a coma and may be fatal.
Diagnosing Food Allergies
Determining whether the child has a food allergy or simply a food sensitivity will require medical testing. To diagnose a food allergy, visiting a dermatologist or an allergist is suggested. Testing to determine whether or not a food allergy is present will involve needles. The needle will prick the tip of the skin and will contribute to blood testing. Blood testing is usually the most effective method for diagnosing food allergies in children.
Treating Food Allergies
Carefully reading over food labels is important to avoid allergic reactions. In addition to cautious dieting, food allergy treatment is often needed in case of emergencies. Food allergy treatment for children is quite simple and usually involves daily medication or an injector, or Epipen, for immediate treatment of more severe allergic reactions. Food allergy treatments are quite easy to manage and allow your child to still maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the importance of determining and monitoring food allergies. By merely recognizing basic physical reactions and consulting medical professionals about medication and injectors, food allergies can be easily managed and reactions can be avoided.