We’re seeing more food sensitivity than previous generations, but an important factor is that parents now recognize food-related issues and take their kids to the doctor.
Food-related issues seem more common in kids than ever before. If you’re looking for answers, Dr. Kevin Watson, an Akron Children’s pediatric gastroenterologist, is here to help.
What is a food allergy?
This is an immune response people have to a protein that’s in the food itself. The body’s response can range from vomiting or hives to “anaphylaxis,” which can cause kids to stop breathing.
What is food intolerance?
This usually involves the digestive system. It can be uncomfortable when the body doesn’t tolerate and digest the food as well as other foods – but it is not life-threatening.
When do food-related issues usually present?
For food allergies, you must interact with whatever the allergen is. The second exposure may be more intense than the first as the body mounts a response to the allergy.
Food intolerances often have to do with enzymes in the digestive tract, not an immune system response. These intolerances can develop as kids get a little bit older.
Dr. Kevin Watson
Are we seeing more food allergies and sensitivities today than previous generations?
Yes. One important factor is that parents now recognize food-related issues, and they bring their kids to the doctor.
If I think my child has a food-related problem, should I start at the pediatrician’s office?
If your child has a severe reaction like trouble breathing, go to the emergency room. But if it’s a minor issue like an upset stomach or some nausea, go to the pediatrician. They can refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist or allergist, if needed.
How do you diagnose a food allergy or intolerance?
We have the parent keep a food and symptom diary. By tracking what your child eats and what their symptoms are, we can look for any correlations. If we find something that seems to be a trigger, then we eliminate the food from the diet and see if symptoms improve.
In Gastroenterology, we have different breath tests to evaluate if something such as lactose or fructose is causing an issue. If it’s a true food allergy, our Allergy department colleagues will test to see the immune response.
For kids with gastrointestinal and allergy issues, Akron Children’s has an all-in-one clinic with an allergist, dietitian and gastroenterologist. It’s convenient for patients to see multiple providers in one visit.
Can kids have a proactive test to see if they’re allergic to any foods?
Parents often want blanket testing to see if there’s potential for their child to have an allergic response. This can be concerning because kids end up avoiding food if there’s a marginal elevation on a test. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to avoid the food completely.
Tree nuts, such as walnuts, are a common food allergen.
What are the most common foods allergens?
The top seven are:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts – including almonds, walnuts and cashews
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish and shellfish
If one child has a food allergy or sensitivity, will their siblings also have issues?
We do tend to see these issues run in families. Some environmental factors – such as air pollution and altered bacteria in your gut – can also increase the risk of food allergies.
My child has a newly diagnosed food allergy. How can I keep them safe at school?
Talk with their teacher, school nurse or principal. Oftentimes, schools have an EpiPen® available in case there’s an exposure to an allergen.
If my child has a severe food allergy, when should I start educating them about the dangers?
It depends on your child’s maturity. Some very young kids understand what they’re not allowed to eat. It’s important to teach kids with any medical condition to be their own advocate because mom or dad aren’t always around.
Can some kids grow out of food allergies?
Sometimes they can. Usually, that’s done in an allergy clinic where kids get a little bit of exposure to the allergen at a time. If their immune system doesn’t go haywire, they eventually get to the point where they can tolerate – or even enjoy – that food.
If a child has a true food allergy, any testing should be done in a controlled setting by a medical provider. It’s not something parents should try at home.
My child has a food allergy. Should I eliminate the food from our house?
Every family is different. Many completely do away with the allergen if the child could have a life-threatening reaction. If the reaction isn’t so severe, some parents have the food available for other family members. However, they must be very careful to avoid cross contamination.
What’s a food-related myth you want to correct?
Just because a food upsets your child’s stomach or causes nausea, it doesn’t mean they’re allergic to it. Again, a food allergy is an immune response – and a food intolerance is usually a digestive issue.
Learn more about the expert care available at Akron Children’s Gastroenterology.
