What to Know About Your Child’s Allergies
Allergies occurring in children have become more and more frequent. We take your child’s allergy very seriously. It’s important to understand how an allergy functions within the body, while learning as much as you can about your child’s specific allergy to prevent any issues or reactions.
Allergies are physiological reactions caused when the immune system reacts to a specific foreign substance (allergen) that has been inhaled, touched, or, eaten by a person. Typically, the human body will defend itself against harmful substances like viruses or bacteria, but sometimes, the defenses aggressively attack usually innocuous substances such as dust, mold, or pollen. The immune system generates large amounts of the antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE), to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. Each IgE antibody specifically targets a particular allergen-the substance that triggers the allergic reaction. In this disease-fighting process, inflammatory chemicals, such as histamines, cytokines, and leukotrienes are released or produced, and some unpleasant, and, in extreme cases, life-threatening, symptoms may be experienced by an allergy-prone person.
A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food. It is important to know that this is different from a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system, although some of the same signs may be present. Food allergy causes an immune system response, causing symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Food intolerance does not affect the immune system, although some symptoms may be the same as in food allergy.
Eggs, milk, and peanuts are the most common causes of food allergies in children, with wheat, soy, and tree nuts also included. Peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe reactions. Allergic symptoms may begin within minutes to an hour after ingesting the food. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, it does not take much of the food to cause a severe reaction in highly allergic people. In fact, as little as 1/44,000 of a peanut kernel can cause an allergic reaction for severely allergic individuals. The symptoms of a food allergy may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
If you have any questions about your child’s allergy, the physicians and medical staff at our New Jersey pediatric facilities are always available for an appointment or further consultation.