In part one of our two-part series about food allergies, we answered important questions such as:
- What’s the difference between a food allergy versus an intolerance?
- Can an allergic reaction occur if I touch the food?
- Can adults develop food allergies
- What should I do if I suspect food allergies?
Today, we want to shed light on food allergies and children. (Because did you know that roughly 1 in 13 American kids under the age of 18 has a food allergy?) Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about food allergies:
How can I protect my child at school?
We understand that it can be overwhelming to leave your child in someone else’s care, especially if she has food allergies. The best approach you can take is by talking to the caregiver or teacher and informing her of the allergy. The teacher should know exactly what to do if an allergic reaction occurs. (We recommend writing down the steps and giving it to the teacher.)
What symptoms should I be watching for?
It’s important to watch for food allergies in children since they may not know that their symptoms reflect an internal issue. Food allergy symptoms include hives, stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, teary eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or swelling.
Will my child outgrow her food allergy?
There is a big success rate of children outgrowing food allergies. However, it’s important to note that simply avoiding the food will not teach the immune system that it does not need to respond in a severe way. A professional implementation of a treatment plan is the answer to solving food allergy issues.
Is there treatment available?
Thankfully, yes! Dr. Brauer will determine which foods your child is allergic to by performing a skin test. The results will reveal to Dr. Brauer what is causing your child’s symptoms. Then, Dr. Brauer will create a customized treatment plan and implement it to teach your child’s immune system that the food particle is not a threat.
Whether you have questions about food allergies or simply want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today: 270-228-2811.