Does your child have a food allergy? Lots of kids have food allergies — about 3 million in the U.S. alone. Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs after eating a particular food. Kangos Pediatrics, which is located in Austin, TX, provides treatments for children with allergies. Dr. Peter Kangos is one of the finest pediatricians in Austin, TX. Read on to get answers to frequently asked questions about food allergies in children. 

What are food allergies?

A food allergy occurs when your body’s natural defenses overreact to exposure to a certain food. The immune system mistakenly believes that the allergen is harmful and triggers an immune system response. More than 70 foods have been identified as possible food allergy causes, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the eight most common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.

What causes food allergies?

Food allergies are more common in young children than in adults. Family history appears to play a role in whether someone develops a food allergy. Allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema, and food allergy tend to run in families. If your children have other kinds of allergic reactions, like hay fever or eczema, they have a greater risk of food allergy. Also, children with an allergy to one food have a higher risk for other food allergies. 

What's an allergic reaction like?

The symptoms of a food allergy in children may range from mild to severe. They may include low blood pressure, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue, and itchiness. A reaction typically occurs within minutes to several hours of exposure. Severe reactions can be life-threatening. Other common symptoms of food allergy include vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain, tightening of the throat and trouble breathing.

How are food allergies treated?

There is no cure for food allergy, and avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to protect against an allergic reaction. For example, peanut-allergic children would be advised to avoid peanuts in all forms. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamine drugs. A severe allergic reaction needs emergency room care and an injection of the drug epinephrine.

A food allergy can affect your child's day-to-day activities and make life frustrating. Don't wait another minute- call Kangos Pediatrics in Austin, TX at 512-250-1997 now to schedule an appointment.