In recent years, allergies have been on the rise worldwide. Among these, food allergies have become a serious public health issue, affecting both children and adults.
A food allergy is an immune response to certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Food Allergy
Food allergies usually show up in early childhood but can happen at any age. Many parents, about 1 in 3, think their child has a food allergy. However, only 6-8% of kids actually have confirmed food allergies.
What Most Parents Believe About Adverse Reactions
According to Pediatric Allergist Dr. Nikolaos Nikolaou and paidiatros.com, many parents link every bad reaction from food to allergies. But food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction triggered by the immune system. There are two main types: immediate type or IgE type, which involves IgE antibodies, and delayed type or Non-IgE, where the reaction happens more slowly.
The Most Common Food Allergies
Lactose intolerance is a type of non-allergic hypersensitivity. In kids, the most common food allergies come from cow’s milk and eggs, followed by wheat, soy, nuts, fish, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables.
The good news is that most children with milk or egg allergies (80-90%) outgrow them by primary school. However, nut or fish allergies often last a lifetime.
Symptoms of Allergic Reaction
The IgE type allergy is the most common food allergy. Symptoms usually show up within minutes to 1-2 hours after eating the allergen. They can affect any part of the body, with common signs like:
- A hives rash – red spots with intense itching on the skin,
- angioedema, which causes swelling of the lips and face, and
- gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Coughing and a runny nose are also common respiratory symptoms.
The severity of the reaction depends on the allergen type and amount, as well as the person’s overall health. In mild cases, symptoms may be annoying but not dangerous. In severe reactions, serious breathing problems like barking cough and trouble breathing can occur, along with circulatory issues like fainting or even passing out.
If not recognized and treated quickly, severe allergic reactions can endanger the child’s life.
You might say that foods can be friends for our children… but also traps. Every meal brings joy but also needs attention. Careful observation, asking questions, protection, and knowledge can help parents create a safe world of flavors for their kids – filled with smiles instead of fear.
