Managing Food Allergies in Children (487 words, US, UK, CAN)

Do you worry that your child has or will have food allergies?

The fact is, these types of allergies aren't as common as once perceived.

Only about two percent of children suffer from allergies (five to eight percent in younger children), according to KeepKidsHealthy.com.

Fortunately, if your young child does exhibit signs of a food allergy, he will most likely outgrow it as he gets older.

As a parent, distinct symptoms can alert you to a possible food allergy in your child. These symptoms range from mild to severe.Itchy skinHivesVomitingUpset stomachTrouble breathingSwelling of the mouth or throat.Runny noses and congestion alone are generally not symptoms of a food allergy. In most cases, a symptom will surface shortly after the suspect food is consumed. If the reaction is severe, seek immediate medical attention.

While people are allergic to many different kinds of foods, certain ones are more prone to causing allergies than others.These include: peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs (especially egg whites), milk, soy and wheat.Keeping track of what your child eats and noting allergic reactions can help isolate the foods your child is allergic to.Then, under the advice of an allergist or pediatrician, you can find substitutions for troublesome foods.

Once allergies and particular food triggers are recognized, you must be diligent in reading food labels to help avoid future reactions.Many foods that you may consider safe could actually contain traces of potentially dangerous ingredients.For example, many candy bars may be manufactured with equipment that has traces of nuts. Just a small amount of the nut can be deadly for those with severe food reactions.Sometimes it's not the food, but the additive that can cause the allergy. Certain food dyes and preservatives, especially sulfites, may also cause food allergy symptoms.

If your child has allergies, follow these steps to ensure his safety when he's not under your care:Share allergy information with teachers, school personnel and family members. These individuals should know about your child's allergies and the guidelines for avoiding a severe attack.If your child suffers from anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions to foods, he or she should prominently wear a medical alert bracelet to notify others of the condition. A portable epinephrine autoinjector is often used during allergic reactions.Make sure your child follows his or her diet. It may be tempting for children to indulge in foods that can trigger an attack, especially at school functions, parties or times when they are away from their parents' watchful eyes. Explain that it is not worth the health risk.If you think that your child has outgrown an allergy, consult a pediatrician or an allergist before reintroducing the food.