Toddler Food AllergyA toddler food allergy can be a serious allergic condition in your child. Food allergies are more common in young children under the age of 3. Most children do outgrow their allergy by the time they enter kindergarten. Some children are not as fortunate and continue to have the toddler food allergies for the rest of their lives. What is an allergy?
An allergy is an over-reaction of the body’s immune system to something in the environment called an “allergen”. This allergen usually enters the body through contact with the skin, through the nose into the lungs or by MOUTH. Once your toddler’s little immune system is sensitive to these allergens, symptoms will develop.
The most common food “allergens” include:
Family History and a physical exam from the pediatrician can provide information about a potential toddler food allergy. Keeping track of the symptoms, time of year, and how severe the reaction is, will be important information for the doctor to know. You must always keep track of how long the attack lasted as well. Be very careful with the foods you give your child to eat. Make sure that you know exactly what is in the foods they are eating. Symptoms of Food Allergies
If your toddler has a severe reaction to a food item and has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue call 911! IMMEDIATELY! They could be experiencing a life- threatening anaphylactic reaction from the toddler food allergy and must be treated right away. This can be very serious. That is why it is so important to receive a proper diagnosis. Family history and a physical exam provide the best information about allergic conditions. Treatment for Toddler Food Allergies The best treatment for allergies is to avoid the FOOD or foods altogether. Allergy testing may be done with skin tests. This will provide you and your pediatrician with an accurate account of what your toddler is allergic to. A blood test can be done also, but may not be as accurate as prick testing. Depending on the food allergy your allergist and pediatrician may prescribe some medications. These will help manage some of the symptoms of a toddler food allergy. If the symptoms are so severe that medications provide only partial relief, allergy shots may be another option. Again, only your pediatrician will know the best form of treatment for your child. The great news is that help is available and symptoms usually improve with treatment. Most children either outgrow these allergies, or live their lives just like any other child. It is important for symptoms to be controlled, so they can participate in normal day to day activities. The sooner you find out what is going on the better. That is why the moment you suspect a food allergy, consult with your doctor.
It is very important that you educate EVERYONE who cares for your child about their food allergies. Toddler allergies are important and you must inform your family about your child's needs. This includes teachers, babysitters, grandparents, daycare providers, etc. They need to be aware of what to do in case of an emergency. They also need to be informed of what foods your toddler SHOULD NOT come in contact with. Depending on your toddler food allergy it could be fatal and they must be informed. Websites such as the Food Allergy Network can also help you identify and steer clear of hidden dangers. If you're unsure about a product's ingredients, call the manufacturer. You must be constantly aware of what your toddler is eating. Read labels and make sure… If you by chance are unsure than DO NOT give your toddler a certain product. You would be amazed at what you will find in certain products. So STAY INFORMED! * I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of toddler food allergy. I am a stay at home Mom passing on tips, advice and information that are based on my opinions. Always remember to consult your pediatrician with serious questions concerning your child and their allergies.*
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