As a parent, you want to do everything to keep your children safe and healthy. It’s hard to think how something as small as a food allergy could cause significant problems for kids, but that’s precisely what happens.
To prevent severe allergy cases, find out children’s most common food allergies. In this blog, we will discuss the seven most common food allergies among kids.
1. Eggs
Some kids are born with a natural ability to digest eggs. Their stomach produces an enzyme that breaks the egg proteins into smaller pieces.
However, other kids lack this enzyme, so their bodies cannot properly digest egg proteins. When these proteins are not appropriately dissolved, they can cause an allergic reaction.
2. Fish
Some kids are allergic to fish because their bodies mistake a protein in fish for a harmful substance. It could be that they are allergic to the proteins in fish, or it could be that they are allergic to a type of fish high in mercury. It is also possible that they are allergic to the oils in fish, which can cause an inflammatory response.
3. Milk
Some kids are allergic to milk because they are lactose intolerant. This means that their bodies can’t break down the milk sugar, lactose, into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose.
When the milk reaches the intestine undigested, it pulls water into the intestine, which can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In addition, the bacteria in the intestine ferment the lactose, which produces gas.
4. Peanuts
Some kids are born with a peanut allergy, while others develop it later in life. The exact cause of peanut allergies is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
5. Shellfish
Some kids are allergic to shellfish because they have a reaction to the protein in the shellfish. The body sees the shellfish protein as foreign and produces antibodies to fight it off.
The next time the child eats shellfish, the body thinks the protein is still a foreign substance, and the antibodies attack it. Individuals allergic to one type of shellfish could also be allergic to all kinds.
6. Soy
Some kids are allergic to soy because they are hypersensitive to soy proteins. These proteins can be found in soybeans and products made from soybeans, such as soy milk and tofu.
When a child with a soy allergy consumes even a small amount of soy, they may experience hives, difficulty breathing, or vomiting.
7. Wheat
A wheat allergy is a condition in which the body has an adverse reaction to wheat or one of the proteins found in wheat. Wheat allergies are not as common as other food allergies, but they can be just as serious. In other cases, symptoms may not show until several hours after exposure to wheat.
What Are the Symptoms of Kids Getting Allergy Attacks?
The symptoms of an allergy attack can vary depending on the trigger, but there are some common signs to watch out for. These are common allergy symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
In more severe cases, a child may experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.
If your child has an allergy attack, it is vital to seek pediatric urgent care immediately. With proper treatment, most children can manage their allergies and live without worries.
Conclusion
Food allergy is less common than other allergies, such as environmental allergies, but it can still cause severe symptoms. Since children are especially vulnerable to food allergies, giving them a healthy diet and monitoring their well-being for any changes is essential.
To prevent any severe cases, it’s essential to learn about children’s most common food allergies. If there is an emergency allergy attack, seek pediatric urgent care! That way, if your child is diagnosed with one of them, you will know what to watch out for and how to help them avoid severe reactions in the future.
Your Kids Urgent Care is a pediatric urgent care clinic in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Orlando, FL, Vestavia Hills, AL, and Oviedo. We help allergy kids during a sudden attack or even before allergy reactions. If your child needs emergency medical attention, contact us right away.
