Food allergies are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of children worldwide. A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food as a threat, triggering an allergic reaction. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Symptoms
- Hives or itchy skin
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Runny nose or congestion
- Coughing or wheezing
- Rapid heartbeat or fall in blood pressure
Causes
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
Diagnosis
- Medical history and physical exam to look for signs of allergy and rule out other conditions
- Elimination diet, where the suspected food is removed from the diet for a period of time to see if symptoms improve
- Skin prick test or blood test to measure the level of allergy-related antibodies in the blood
- Oral food challenge, where the child is given a small amount of the suspected food in a controlled medical setting to assess their reaction
Treatment Options
- Avoidance of the allergenic food
- Development of an emergency action plan in case of an accidental exposure
- Administration of epinephrine via an EpiPen or other auto-injector in case of anaphylaxis
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the body to specific allergens
- Medications to relieve symptoms, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids
Why Choose Us
Expert team
Our pediatric specialists have extensive experience in treating children.
Personalized care
We create treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs
Support and education
We teach children and families how to care for them and prevent future cases
Advanced treatments
Access to the latest treatments and products
Contact
Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.
