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 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)
Because the severity of an allergic reaction is so unpredictable, Dr. Ransom stresses the importance of being prepared and educated. “Both parents and older children need to know the warning signs and
understand how to get treatment quickly. When there is a confirmed allergen, avoidance is key. Children need an anaphylaxis action plan such as ones available on the AAAAI.org or foodallergy.org websites. The EpiPen goes everywhere the child goes, along with the action plan.”
Moving forward
Once a food allergy is confirmed in your child, having an allergist define the degree of the food allergy is important, Dr. Weldon says. In most instances, children can undergo oral food challenges at the doctor’s office. During this challenge, the doctor will orally administer food allergens to define if the child is clinically sensitive to the food allergen or not. Dr. Weldon reminds that these challenges can result in anaphylaxis, so they should be done at a facility to monitor the child. “Food allergies are nothing to take chances with,” Dr. Weldon says. “If the parent suspects their child may have had an adverse reaction to a food, it is best to have their doctor refer them to an American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) certified allergist who can then discern the differences.” To make an appointment with an allergy specialist for your child, visit bswhealth.com/rockprairieclinic.
Physicians are employees of Baylor Scott & White Clinic, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health.
*https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics
Emily Neyland is a marketing and public relations consultant for Baylor Scott & White Health in the College Station Region. A graduate of Baylor University, she is passionate about using powerful stories to connect people and empower individuals towards better health.
Dr. Weldon and Dr. Ransom are employees of Baylor Scott & White Clinic, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health.
