There is no way for parents to know about food allergies in children unless their child won’t try the food and see if they have a reaction. Kids are picky eaters but food allergies have become extremely common and have often led to life threatening situations.
Our immune system protects us from dangers that lurk behind food items that are supposed to benefit our health, however food allergies in children occur when the immune system fails to recognize it as “beneficial”. Hence, food allergies that come in various forms.
COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES IN CHILDREN
There are many common food allergies that a lot of new mothers know through awareness and social media, so some women do make intelligent decisions while some learn through trial and error. Here is a list of the most common foods that can elicit an allergic reaction.
- Peanuts
- Cow’s Milk or khulla doodh
- Wheat
- Soy (found in baked goods, cakes, biscuits, sauces, Chinease food etc)
- Egg
- Tree Nuts (like almonds, cashews, macadamian nuts etc)
- Fish
SOME COMMONS SIGNS OF FOOD ALLERGIES
All parents need to know about the symptoms of a food allergy. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms in your child after eating a food, seek medical help urgently.
- Warm, flushed skin with or without itching, swelling, and hives
- Watery eyes with redness, itching, and swelling
- Runny and congested nose
- Swelling of tongue and lips
- Abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Fainting
- Altered heart rate
- Unconsciousness
- Feeling dizzy
IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK OF FOOD ALLERGIES
As much as 4 to 6% of children have one or more food allergies. If you have asthma, eczema, or other allergies chances for allergies in your child are higher. If one of your children is allergic chances for allergies in your other kids are higher. If any of this implies to your family you should consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
WAYS TO PREVENT FOOD ALLERGIES
Here are some simple and effective tips to prevent development of food allergies and asthma in children :
- Breastfeeding is the best way to prevent food allergies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first four months is recommended.
- After 4 to 6 months of life gradually introduce single-ingredient solid foods.
- Once your child tolerates low allergenic foods well, gradually introduce allergenic foods such as eggs, peanuts, dairy, and tree nuts.
- Delaying the introduction of allergenic foods is not helpful it increases the risk of food allergies.
- Protect your child from cigarette smoke before and after birth for as long as possible. It helps to prevent the development of asthma.
- Allergenic foods that your baby has tolerated well should be fed regularly once or twice a week to sustain tolerance of these foods.
- When your baby is ready for solid foods, get in touch with a Doctor to find how you can incorporate nuts and eggs in their diet
In this process, don’t forget to take care of yourself if you’re a woman in her 30’s with kids. Eat these super foods for a healthy life.
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