How to Know If Your Child Has a Food Allergy

A food allergy is an over reaction of the immune system. Your body thinks that the food you are eating is trying to harm you so your body reacts. In most cases the food allergy is mild and not life threatening.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Your mouth may tingle and your lips may become numb while eating the food or directly after wards.

2. The first symptom in a food allergy might be vomiting some or all of the food right after eating.

3. Look for loose, watery stools that occur eight or more times a day. Any stools that are out of the ordinary may be cause for alarm especially bloody stools. Your child may also have cramps and an upset stomach.

4. Your child may develop a rash on their skin. It may look like hives. It will be red, dry or itchy.

5. Your child may have trouble breathing, or start to wheeze. Your child may also become lightheaded or dizzy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think your child is having a food allergy you should stop feeding them and call the doctor right away.
• Food allergy symptoms can take up to three days to appear.
• Food allergies tend to run in the family. So if someone in your family has a food allergy talk it over with your child's doctor first.
• Food allergies are more common in children than in adults.
• Children can out grow their food allergies, but if you develop an allergy as an adult chances are you will always have it.
• Milk, eggs, soy, wheat and fish are the most common food allergies in children.
• anaphylaxis is a serious food allergy and it can be deadly. If your child's throat or tounge swells or your child has trouble breathing after eating a new food, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you suspect your child has a food allergy you should be aware of all the signs and symptoms.
• Warn babysitters, teachers and anyone who spends time with your child of a food allergy.