Pediatric Food Allergy

Pediatric food allergy occurs when a child's immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Symptoms can vary from mild (hives, stomach upset) to severe (difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis). Diagnosing food allergies often involves a combination of medical history, skin tests, and blood tests. Management primarily includes avoiding the allergenic food and having an emergency action plan, such as carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for severe reactions. Early introduction of allergens may reduce the risk of developing allergies in some children.