Understanding Pediatric Food Allergies
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTESY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE
By EMILY NEYLAND
Nearly 5.6 million children in the United States under the age of 18 have food allergies , and that equates to one in 13 children , or about two in every classroom , according to statistics from foodallergy . org .* David Weldon , MD , an allergist with Baylor Scott & White Clinic in College Station , says that diagnosing food allergies is on the rise because physicians and parents have increased awareness and can recognize the variety of ways a food allergy may be present . The delay in exposing children to possible allergens is another potential cause in pediatric food allergies . “ We recommend early introduction of common food allergens into an infant ’ s diet , such as a slurry of smooth peanut butter at 4 to 6 months in a child who has not otherwise had a peanut allergy ,” Dr . Weldon says . “ In this example , this
42 July 2021 introduction will help reduce the risk of developing an allergy to peanuts later .”
The common culprits
The most common foods children are allergic to include peanuts , tree nuts ( almonds , cashews , pecans , walnuts ), milk , eggs , soy , shellfish and wheat . Daniel Ransom , MD , a pediatrician at Baylor Scott & White Clinic in College Station , notes that allergies to milk , egg , wheat and soy are often resolved in childhood . Currently , children are outgrowing these allergies more slowly than in previous decades . Because of this , many children are still allergic beyond age 5 .
Is it intolerance or allergy ?
“ Distinguishing between a food intolerance and a food allergy is the first step in diagnosis and treatment ,” Dr . Weldon explains . “ With a food intolerance , the symptoms can be repetitive , but they do not worsen . An upset stomach because of greasy foods or diarrhea because of rich foods serve as examples of food intolerances .”
Allergies , on the other hand , are caused by the body ’ s immune system , and can trigger any of these symptoms :
• Hives
• Swelling of the lips / tongue / throat ; tingling in the mouth or throat
• Itching
• Asthma-like symptoms , including coughing / wheezing
• Intestinal tract reactions including nausea / diarrhea / cramping
• Changes in the cardiovascular system ( dropping of blood pressure )
• Anaphylactic shock ( a serious allergic reaction )