Pediatric Food Allergies

Pediatric food allergies occur when a child's immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild, like hives and stomach pain, to severe, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Managing food allergies involves avoiding trigger foods and having emergency medications, like epinephrine, on hand. Early introduction of allergenic foods under guidance may help reduce the risk of developing allergies. Awareness and education are crucial for parents and caregivers.