Parents know that their kids are picky when it comes to eating food. Parents often have to force them to eat healthy food, which seems unattractive to them. However, there is a difference between pickiness and allergy when it comes to food. The problem is that most parents are often unaware that their wards are allergic to certain food items. What is needed is a careful observation of the reaction a food item does to your child. It will help them to ascertain whether their child is allergic to them or not.
The possible symptoms of food allergies among kids
A severe allergy can affect your child’s breathing, heart, skin, and also intestinal tract. The possible symptoms of food allergies may range from cough, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, itchy rash, etc. You may also notice signs like sneezing, stomach upset, vomiting, wheezing, etc. young children cannot always explain their problems. Hence, parents have to keep track of the changes that the food may make on their child. Some kids may also develop severe food allergies known as anaphylaxis in response to foods like shellfish and peanut. It can cause serious health hazards; thus, medical help becomes necessary. Signs of anaphylaxis may include confusion, chest pain, fainting, swelling of lips, shortness of breath, etc.
If your kid faces such problems, you should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and go for an allergy test. If you feel your child has a food allergy, then reach out to your doctor, especially a pediatrician. The doctor will be able to identify which food is allergic to your child and help develop a treatment for the child.
Now there is a fundamental difference between food allergy and food intolerance where the former is related to the immune system of the child and the latter to the digestive system. Food intolerance is more common than food allergy. Food intolerance is not as dangerous as a food allergy. Food allergy may require the child to avoid the food permanently. In food intolerance, they may take small quantities of that food substance occasionally without issues. Examples of food intolerance will include lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and sensitivity to food additives.
What is food intolerance?
Lactose intolerance occurs when the child’s body lacks the enzyme needed to break down the sugar in the milk. It can cause symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Gluten sensitivity occurs when a child’s body reacts to gluten in grains like wheat. Symptoms of this may include upset stomach, bloating, and headache. Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten sensitivity and centers around the gut.
Sensitivity to food additives occurs when the child’s body reacts to chemicals like sulfites. The symptoms include nausea, rash, and diarrhea. Sulfites can also cause an asthma attack in somebody who has an asthma problem. Since the symptoms of food allergy and food intolerance are quite similar, parents may not always be able to tell what their child is experiencing. Parents should regularly visit doctors if their child has food allergies.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
