My child has food allergy. What can I do?

If you are a parent then it’s obvious you will get anxious and worried when your child is not well. It is more saddening when your child cannot eat his favorite food, as every time he eats it, he ends up falling sick. So, if you are worried about your child’s allergic reactions to food, then there are certain things you may want to know about food allergies. This will help you manage them well.

Causes of allergies due to food

Food allergy is caused when the child’s immunity gives rise to bad reaction to certain food. Immune system helps your child fight infection or other dangers to keep your child healthy. When the immune system senses danger from certain food it starts fighting by sending immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. It reacts to the food or substance in the food and your child has a food allergy reaction.

Reaction can be mild involving one body part, or severe involving more than one body part. It may happen within a few minutes, or even 2 hours after contact with food substance.

There is release of histamines which can cause:

- Hives, itching.

- Trouble breathing, Asthma.

- Itching in mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In highly allergic child little food also can cause severe reaction. It might give rise to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can start with less severe symptoms like as in previous attacks, but can get worse quickly. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening if not treated.

1 in 13 kids suffer from food allergy. Most of the children outgrow certain food allergies as they grow older, some might last a lifetime.

Food allergies can sometimes be confused with food intolerance. Both are different. In food intolerance immune system is not affected. It can be caused if person cannot digest certain substance and it is rarely dangerous.

Foods that can cause allergies

Milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, fish, peanuts, wheat, walnuts, cashew nuts are the most common type of food causing food allergies.

Symptoms of food allergy

The person with food allergy can have various symptoms, depending on the part affected. It can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system or cardiovascular system.

Symptoms can be:

Skin: Hives (red itchy bumps), eczema, swelling and redness of face or extremities, lips tongue or mouth with itching.

Gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

Respiratory system: sneezing, running nose, blockage of nose, cough, wheezing, breathlessness.

Cardiovascular: lightheadedness or fainting due to drop in blood pressure, chest pain.

Eyes: watering, swelling, itching.

How is food allergy diagnosed?

There are certain things the doctor will enquire about your child if he is having food allergy:

- He might want to know about particular food your child consumes after which the symptoms arise and the time it takes for the symptoms to start.

-Symptoms your child gets after eating the food.

-How frequently the reaction happens.

-Family history of allergies, eczema or asthma.

-Your doctor will advise blood test for the child to check for food specific IgE antibodies.

-The doctor might advice skin test for your child in which the liquid extracts of food allergen is placed on your child’s back or forearm, and skin pricking is done. If reddish raised spots called wheals are seen then the test is positive and your child might be allergic to that food.

Homeopathic treatment for allergies

If your child has food allergy, see your doctor, as the doctor will identify the food causing the allergy by going into the detailed case history and by doing various tests. Later will develop a treatment plan for the same. Treatment is usually avoiding the food causing allergy.

Homeopathic treatment for allergies will give good results in cases of food allergy. Not only the food allergy will be treated but it will also address its underlying cause.

The treatment helps by improving the overcharged immune system. It is a very effective conventional treatment. There will be vast improvement in the general state of health and also positive changes will be seen in their psychological well being. The medicines are safe & effective and have no side-effects. Your child will live a healthier lifestyle. His chances of missing the school will be far less than before.