Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. In children, common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild, like hives or stomach upset, to severe, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Pediatric allergists diagnose food allergies through careful history-taking and tests, and they develop management plans, which may include avoiding certain foods and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies. Early identification and proper management are crucial for the child's safety and quality of life.