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Dangerous Bites

A Food Allergy Primer

By Teri Brown

"Allergies can be mild, moderate and severe," says Dr. Cutler. "Allergies may also be acute, hidden and/or delayed. When the average person thinks of allergies, they associate them with a runny nose, teary, itchy, reddened eyes and sinus congestion and sneezing. But allergies can cause many more symptoms and are associated with many other conditions."

According to Dr. Cutler, allergic symptoms and associated conditions in children can include eczema, digestive problems, ear infections, asthma, sinus congestion and sinusitis, sleep problems, obesity, ADHD, frequent sicknesses such as colds and flu, chronic sore throats and headaches.

"Mild allergies can cause minor symptoms such as a slight indigestion or slight headache or rash," says Dr. Cutler. "Moderate symptoms can be periodic asthma, postnasal drip and moodiness. Mild and moderate allergies should not be ignored, as they can percolate and lead to more severe symptoms and health concerns." She also notes moderate symptoms may include the occasional outbreak of the above listed symptoms.

Severe allergies can cause an anaphylactic reaction, which can be fatal. Vomiting, hives and restricted breathing are signs to look for. Other warning signs include dark circles under the eyes, sniffing and clearing the throat often, rubbing the nose, being nervous, irritable or overreactive and tiredness.

Dr. Richard Herrscher, a pediatric allergy specialist with the Air Care allergy clinics in Texas, says if a mother notices her child is showing mild signs of allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Loratadine can be effective. For eczema, local skin care with hydration and application of moisturizer with 1 percent hydrocortisone can relive the worst of the symptoms.

Want to see more?

• Wheat-free, Worry-free: The Art of Healthy, Happy Gluten-free Living
• Fatal Food: When Your Child Has a Peanut Allergy
• Coping with Food Allergies: Helpful Hints from the Specialists at Texas Children's Hospital
• Talk about it!

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