Detecting Food Allergies at an Early Age

If your a parent it probably scares you to think about the fact that your child could possibly be allergic to a certain type of food. As a mother of three young boys, I know that the subject of food allergies is a concern for me.Not knowing the potential threats can be alarming. When I worked in the health field for a school district, I found that in every school that I worked in there were a few children who were allergic to peanuts. In each case we had to lock up their epi- pens in a medicine cabinet  in case the students accidentally ate peanuts in which we would inject the epi-pen into their thigh.Thank goodness I never had to use the epi-pen on a student, but it was always good to have it in our office for them. With the thought of food allergies, I always thought about the idea of my children coming into contact with a food that they could possibly be allergic to without knowing it. The fact of the matter is that food allergies can be detected if you suspect that your child is allergic to something. If you are concerned that your child may have a food allergy, you will want to speak to your child's pediatrician immediately for further testing.

                                                             What are Food Allergies?
A food allergy refers to the body's response in an individuals immune system as food is digested and creates some form of destruction. The immune system builds up antibodies against the food that is causing the destruction in which it releases chemicals against the food allergy. These chemicals create the allergic symptom  to occur within the skin, digestive tract, respiratory system, nervous system and/or joints. In some cases the child may experience a shortness of breath, or hives. 

Common Food Allergies in Children:

1. Peanuts, tree nut, pecans, walnuts   2. Fish, shellfish  4. Wheat   5.eggs    6.soy

If your child is allergic to any of these foods the best decision is to educate them about what they can and can't eat as well as why. You will be surprised of the kids that I came into contact with that knew that they couldn't eat peanut butter due to their peanut allergy. 

Some food allergies can be life threatening due to the airway being blocked, but on a positive note in some cases your child can outgrow them when they reach adulthood.

What Can You Do As a Parent?

1. Write down possible concerns if you noticed any reactions to foods 

2.Talk to your child's doctor about food allergies

3. Educate your kids about food allergies if they have one.

4. Notify your child's caregiver,school and other family members about their food allergy.