Food Allergy Conditions & Symptoms
New to Food Allergies? You're Not Alone
If your child has symptoms after eating certain foods, he or she may have a food allergy. But, what is a food allergy and what are the most common symptoms?
Jill, 11 months
Cow milk, a childhood staple and a key source of vital nutrients, is also responsible for the most common food allergy in early life. Milk allergies may cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Or, you might see skin rashes or eczema, and even respiratory issues like wheezing.
Many families have children who suffer from multiple food allergies, typically from some combination of the proteins found in milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), peanuts, wheat and soy. Symptoms run the gamut from those for cow milk allergy and more.
Eosinophils are white blood cells that normally function in the body to fight off infections. Some allergens, such as the proteins in cow milk and soy, can cause large amounts of eosinophils to build up in your child’s esophagus, where they aren't normally found. Symptoms may include vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, food aversion, difficulty swallowing, growth failure or chest and abdominal pain. Fortunately, dietary management can be effective.
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, commonly referred to as FPIES, is a type of food allergy that usually starts in infancy, but can last for several years. Symptoms show up roughly two hours after the food is consumed and mostly affect the digestive system. They can include severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, low blood pressure, and low body temperature. Milk, soy, rice and oats are some of the more common FPIES allergens.
Short bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as SBS, is a condition that makes it difficult for your child to get the nutrition he or she needs to grow. It occurs when a significant portion of the small intestine and/or colon is taken out and, because of the surgical removal of part of the intestine, malabsorption of nutrients is common. Although not usually related to food allergies, SBS and malabsorption might be an indication for amino acid-based products.
