Even if we don’t have good eating habits ourselves, when we have children we have the duty to provide them with a proper diet to maintain their best health. But not everything that is healthy is immune to problems, since foods can trigger an allergic reaction. Food allergic reactions usually occur more frequently in children under 3 years old, especially those who already have other allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. They are often due to genetic predisposition, where there is a family history of food allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction is actually a sign that the immune system is receiving a substance that the body does not accept, and it can react even to a small amount. The symptoms may be mild or, in some cases, more severe, resulting in anaphylaxis, where if the child is not given immediate attention, it can be fatal.

Among the extensive list of foods that can cause food allergic reactions, eggs, milk, wheat flour, fish, and shellfish are the main ones. The most common causes of severe allergic attacks leading to anaphylactic crises are peanuts, cow’s milk, and shellfish. There are also cases of allergic reactions to foods with colorants, which makes it even more difficult for parents to manage their child’s diet. In fact, the vast majority of children’s foods contain coloring to make them even more attractive to kids.

Usually, an allergic reaction begins a few minutes after ingesting the offending food, but there are cases where it can take a few hours. This timing information is very valuable for the specialist when assessing and concluding the diagnosis, and should be mentioned during the appointment. The most common reaction in most children who suffer from this problem is skin reactions where visible signs appear on the skin and can occur all over the body. Other common symptoms of food allergic reactions include:

  • Hives
  • Itching and blotches on the body
  • Swelling
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and vomiting

In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are common signs that can be mistaken for other health problems, such as cough, hoarseness, and chest congestion. That’s why every symptom detail should be reported so the doctor can evaluate the situation and request the necessary exams.

How to Live with Dietary Restrictions?

It’s definitely not easy for parents to forbid foods that cause allergic reactions, especially when these foods are so desired and enjoyed by children. But for their health, dietary restrictions after confirming the allergy are necessary and are the only solution, although the issue may disappear over time.

Dietary restrictions may be recommended due to food allergies but also for other reasons, such as in the case of diabetic, obese, or children with high cholesterol, and these restrictions must be strictly followed and under medical supervision. In the beginning, it’s quite complicated to find the right foods, to know which of the ones previously eaten contain the forbidden ingredient, and to discover the pleasure of eating even with certain restrictions.

The main concern parents have is how this will affect the child’s daily life, routine activities, eating at school, going to friends’ parties, and if this will impact the child’s interaction with others. This is when parents need a lot of psychological preparation so they don’t pass on these fears to their child, making the acceptance process, which will obviously be difficult, even harder.

Specialists recommend that the whole family should follow the restricted diet, at least in the early stages of adaptation. This way, the child does not feel excluded or diminished for not being able to eat what others do. Nowadays, it’s possible to offer nutritious, tasty, and appealing foods to children, even without “that ingredient.”

There are several websites that offer a variety of recipes and ideas for putting together child-friendly menus with dietary restrictions. Supermarkets also have a wide range of similar products or substitutes for those that must be avoided. There are even recipes for birthday sweets that in the past children with restrictions had to avoid, but now it’s possible to please both those who can eat everything and those who can’t.

Studies indicate that food allergies in most cases tend to disappear with age. The body gradually accepts the specific substance, and the discomfort caused by allergic reactions fades away. That’s why good medical follow-up is ideal to monitor and analyze each child’s physical reactions.

See also: Baby Skin Allergy – What Could It Be?

Photos: Fimb, Rachel