quick clicks

recipes today articles

recipes today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Coping With Food Allergies

Helpful Hints From Specialists at Texas Children's Hospital

The good news is that most children will outgrow most of their food allergies, but until they do, making wise food choices can be life saving.

"One important rule of thumb is to read food labels carefully," says Dr. Lenora Noroski, allergy and immunology specialist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, and assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "Food labels may not use familiar language in listing ingredients, and some food items contain protein or food element that is not expected."

For instance, if a child has a milk allergy, it's important to know that nougat indicates the presence of milk. Another example is chocolate bars or candies that may contain peanut even though the product is not sold as a peanut-containing item.

When parents suspect a food allergy in their child, it is important to discuss the clinical concerns associated with food intake with a pediatrician promptly. The pediatrician may recommend further evaluation by an allergist. In most cases, when the food allergen is identified and the family receives specific education about food allergy prevention and intervention, further reactions can be prevented or minimized.

Dr. Noroski suggests educating family members, caregivers and teachers about a child's food allergies. "Most people don't understand how serious a food allergy can be, and may think it's OK to give a child a small amount of that food," she says.

Reactions that may be caused by food allergy include: wheezing, skin rashes, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Even more severe reactions include swelling and tingling of the mouth, tongue and throat; difficulty breathing; decreased blood pressure; shock; and even death.

Want to see more?

• Wheat-free, Worry-free: The Art of Healthy, Happy Gluten-free Living
• Daycare Dangers: Protecting Your Food-allergic Child Away from Home
• Fatal Food: When Your Child Has a Peanut Allergy
• When Milk Doesn't Do a Body Good
• When Food Bites Back: Is It a Food Allergy?
• Riding the Rooster
• Food Allergies Discussion Board