UNDERSTANDING FOOD ALLERGIES
What Are Food Allergies?
A food allergy is a medical condition in which exposure to a specific food protein triggers a harmful immune response.
Reactions can occur within minutes of eating or be delayed in some cases. Symptoms can also range from mild to severe, life-threatening reactions.
Food allergies are especially common in children, though they can occur at any age. Our clinic provides expert diagnosis and personalized management so patients can eat safely and confidently.
Key Symptoms
- Oral itching or swelling
- Skin hives or rashes
- Stomach pain or vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
Common Allergens
- Peanuts & Tree Nuts
- Dairy, Eggs & Soy
- Wheat & Sesame
- Shellfish & Fish
Milk, Egg Allergies & Eczema in Children
Food allergies—particularly to milk and egg—are among the most common food allergies in young children and are often associated with eczema (atopic dermatitis).
In some children, exposure to these foods may trigger eczema flare-ups, hives, vomiting, or other allergic symptoms. However, not every child with eczema has a food allergy, and unnecessary food avoidance can sometimes lead to nutritional concerns.
When a true food allergy is identified, we help families develop a clear management plan so children can stay safe, healthy, and well nourished.
If your child has persistent eczema or reactions after eating foods such as milk or eggs, an allergy evaluation may help determine whether a food allergy is contributing to their symptoms.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
and Food Allergies
Common Things Children with EoE May Say
Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) often describe their symptoms in simple ways such as:
"My food feels stuck."
"It hurts when I swallow."
"I need a drink to get my food down."
"My chest hurts when I eat."
"Food won’t go down."
Some children may also develop eating habits to help food go down more easily. They may eat very slowly, take small bites, drink frequently during meals, or put sauces like ketchup or ranch on many foods to help swallow more comfortably. Others may begin avoiding certain foods such as meat, bread, or dry foods.
If a child frequently experiences these symptoms during meals, an evaluation may help determine whether Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) or another condition may be contributing to their symptoms.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition that causes inflammation of the esophagus. It is often triggered by certain foods and is commonly seen in patients with other allergic conditions such as food allergies, asthma, eczema, or environmental allergies.
Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, reflux symptoms, or feeding problems in children. Common food triggers can include milk, egg, wheat, and soy.
Evaluation often involves collaboration between allergy specialists and gastroenterologists to help identify triggers and guide treatment. The gold standard for diagnosing EoE is an upper endoscopy with biopsy.
History of Anaphylaxis?
Emergency Preparedness Is Key
We work with patients and families to create clear, personalized plans so everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
Discussing food allergies more in depth with Dr. Kabir
Food Allergy: Myths vs. Facts
Understanding the difference between myths and facts about food allergies can help you stay safer and better prepared.
Myth: Food allergies are not that serious.
Fact: Food allergies can be a life-threatening disease. They can be more than just an itch or a stomachache. Food allergy can cause symptoms such as hives, coughing, swelling of the face and tongue, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Food allergies are not only life-threatening, they are also life-altering.
Myth: Eating a little bit of a food that you are allergic to won’t hurt you.
Fact: Even a trace amount of a food allergen can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis in some people. In these cases, the food a person is allergic to must be completely removed from their diet for them to stay safe and live well. Avoiding cross-contact between a safe food and a food allergen is just as important as avoiding the allergen itself.
Myth: Children are too young for food allergy testing
Fact: Children of almost any age can safely undergo food allergy testing when symptoms suggest a possible reaction. Testing methods such as skin prick testing and specific IgE blood testing are commonly used to evaluate food allergies in children, even in infants. Early evaluation helps identify true food allergies, avoid unnecessary food restrictions, and create a clear plan to keep children safe.
Myth: Food allergies are the same as food intolerances.
Fact: A food intolerance does not involve an immune system reaction like a food allergy. While food intolerances can cause great discomfort, they are not life-threatening. A true food allergy, on the other hand, can be fatal.
Myth: Once you develop a food allergy, you cannot outgrow it.
Fact: It is possible to outgrow your food allergies with age. For example, many children outgrow food allergies to milk, soy, eggs, and wheat. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are less likely to be outgrown.