Food Allergy in Children

Food allergies in children occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful. Common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. When a child with a food allergy eats an allergenic food, they may experience symptoms like hives, swelling, abdominal pain, or even severe reactions known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. It's important for parents to identify and avoid trigger foods and to have an emergency action plan, including the availability of an epinephrine auto-injector, to manage serious reactions. Early diagnosis and education are crucial for safety.