If you are a parent, teacher, or culinary educator, you may encounter children with food allergies in your daily life. Food allergies can cause serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and require careful management and prevention. In this article, you will learn about the most common food allergies in children, their symptoms, and how to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to a specific food protein that causes inflammation and other symptoms. Both congenital and acquired allergies can range from mild to severe, with some being life-threatening. Common signs of a food allergy include hives, itching or rash; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain; and dizziness, fainting or low blood pressure.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that eight foods are the most common food allergens in children, accounting for around 90% of all food allergies: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. In addition, other foods such as sesame, mustard, kiwi, or strawberries can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Sesame was formally added as the 9th top allergen in the US on January 1, 2023. There are 170+ foods known to cause allergic reactions. Peanut, Dairy and Shellfish are the most common allergies for children.
If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, you should consult a board-certified allergist for a proper diagnosis. The allergist will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct tests such as skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges. Skin prick tests involve placing a small amount of the suspected food allergen on the skin and pricking it with a needle. If a red bump or welt appears, it indicates a positive reaction. Blood tests analyze samples for specific antibodies to the food allergen. A high level of antibodies indicates a positive reaction. Oral food challenges are the most accurate way to confirm a food allergy, but they also carry the highest risk of a severe reaction. This involves giving gradually increasing doses of the suspected food allergen and monitoring for any symptoms.
The only way to prevent a food allergy reaction is to avoid the food that causes it. This means reading food labels carefully, asking about ingredients when eating out, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen) at all times. Epinephrine is a medication that can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction that affects multiple organs. If your child has a food allergy, you should also educate yourself and others about the signs and steps of anaphylaxis and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector.
Cross-contamination is the transfer of food allergens from one food or surface to another. To prevent this in the kitchen, it's important to wash your hands, dishes, and utensils with soap and water before and after handling food. Additionally, use separate cutting boards, knives, spoons, and bowls for different foods, especially raw and cooked items. Store food in sealed containers and label them clearly with the name and date. Moreover, avoid using the same oil, marinade, or sauce for different foods; or use separate pans or pots. Clean countertops, stovetops, and appliances regularly and wipe any spills or crumbs. Lastly, utilize allergy-friendly cookbooks and recipes that do not contain the food allergens you want to avoid.
Helping children with food allergies is achievable by teaching them about their condition and how to manage it. You can start by explaining the concept of a food allergy, what foods they should avoid, and the symptoms they may experience. Furthermore, show them how to read food labels and use an epinephrine auto-injector if needed. Additionally, encourage them to ask questions about food ingredients and preparation when eating out or at school. Involving them in cooking and baking activities that are safe and fun for them is also beneficial. Finally, support them emotionally and socially, helping them cope with any challenges or fears they may have.