How do I know if my baby is allergic to food?

Food allergies happen when the body reacts against harmless proteins in food. Symptoms usually occur quickly after a meal. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Since some medical conditions have many different types of symptoms that are easily confused with "food allergy", you need to understand and recognize the signs of a food allergy.

Signs that your baby has a food allergy

When the body's immune system reacts or wants to get rid of certain foods that the immune system considers a “bad guy,” the following symptoms may occur:

Signs on the skin:

Urticaria (red spots appearance that looks like a mosquito bite);

Itchy skin rash (atopic dermatitis);

Swelling.

Signs when your baby is breathing:

Sneezing;

Raucous;

Throat tightness.

Stomach symptoms:

Nausea;

Diarrhea.

Symptoms of blood circulation:

Pale, pale skin;

Dizzy;

Loss of consciousness.

If multiple parts of the body are affected, a food allergy can become severe or even life-threatening. This type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and requires immediate medical attention.

Foods can cause allergies

Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but most food allergies are usually caused by the following foods:

Dairy cows;

Egg;

Peanut;

Soy bean;

Wheat;

Nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, pecans and cashews;

Fish such as tuna, salmon, and cod;

Types of crustaceans such as shrimp, lobster.

Peanuts, nuts, and seafood are common causes of severe allergies. Allergies also occur if you eat other foods such as meats, fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds like sesame seeds.

It is estimated that between 80% and 90% of all allergies caused by eggs, milk, wheat and soybeans disappear by the time babies are 5 years old. However, there are some types of allergies that last a very long time. For example, on average 1 out of 5 babies will have a peanut allergy and a few others will be allergic to nuts or seafood. Your baby's pediatrician or allergist can test to check your baby's food allergies and see if your baby's allergies go away as they get older.