Food Allergies in Children
Ask the Experts: Cynthia Weiss, M.S., registered dietitian, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe.
Q: My 7-year-old son sometimes complains that the inside of his mouth itches. I thought it may be a food allergy but his complaints come hours after he's eaten. If it was a food allergy wouldn't he have a reaction right after he's eaten?
A: Not necessarily. People and allergens react differently. Individuals may experience a reaction within minutes; others may not react for hours. Itchiness of the mouth may preclude more severe symptoms. If there are any signs of lip, facial swelling, hives, vomiting or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately. Some food allergies can be life threatening. Always consult your physician for allergy testing, overall care and a treatment plan.
Q: Is a food allergy and a food intolerance the same thing?
A: No. A food allergy is the body's immune system reacting to a certain food. Symptoms can be very mild, such as hives and a tingling sensation in the mouth, to life-threatening swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. The top eight common food allergens are: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. A food intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Food intolerance is having trouble digesting certain foods. Common symptoms are abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Q: My daughter has had food allergies since she was 9 months old. Now that she is older, she sees her friends with ice cream and other foods she is allergic to and wants them too. It's a constant battle. Will she ever outgrow her food allergies?
A. Most children will outgrow their allergy to milk, egg, wheat and soy by the time they are 10 years old, and often by the time they are 5 years old. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish are usually life long.
Q: My daughter has been begging me to let her go to summer camp. But, she has several food allergies. How can I send her to camp and know she will be safe?
A: There are camps specifically designed for children with food allergies. These camps provide fun activities that also teach children about food allergies. If a food allergy camp is not available in your area, the best approach is education, communication and cooperation. Do your research. Ask about food-handling practices and how the camp manages children with food allergies.
Q: As a special treat, our family enjoys eating out once in a while. The description on the menu may appear harmless, but how do I know if my son is allergic to ingredients used to prepare his meal?
A: The best approach is being prepared with a wallet-sized card that can be handed to the server - or chef - specifically stating what foods trigger your son's allergies. State on the card that, "To avoid a life-threatening reaction, I must avoid..." and list all of the ingredients that must be avoided in the preparation of your son's meal - including using clean utensils. Search the Web for food allergy cards that can be completed and printed.
Cynthia Weiss can be reached at Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe, by calling 313-473-1917. Beaumont Hospital is a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals.
The Family Center, a 501C 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
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