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Food Allergies

Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

  • doesn't involve the immune system
  • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
  • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

Some Common Food Allergens

A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

  1. eggs
  2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

    Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
    Date reviewed: November 2007
    Originally reviewed by:

    Return

    Food Allergies

    Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

    Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

    People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

    • doesn't involve the immune system
    • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
    • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

    According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

    Some Common Food Allergens

    A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

    1. eggs
    2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

      Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
      Date reviewed: November 2007
      Originally reviewed by:

      Return

      Food Allergies

      Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

      Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

      People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

      • doesn't involve the immune system
      • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
      • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

      According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

      Some Common Food Allergens

      A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

      1. eggs
      2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

        Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
        Date reviewed: November 2007
        Originally reviewed by:

        Return

        Food Allergies

        Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

        Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

        People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

        • doesn't involve the immune system
        • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
        • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

        According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

        Some Common Food Allergens

        A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

        1. eggs
        2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

          Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
          Date reviewed: November 2007
          Originally reviewed by:

          Return

          Food Allergies

          Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

          Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

          People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

          • doesn't involve the immune system
          • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
          • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

          According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

          Some Common Food Allergens

          A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

          1. eggs
          2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

            Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
            Date reviewed: November 2007
            Originally reviewed by:

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            Food Allergies

            Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

            Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

            People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

            • doesn't involve the immune system
            • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
            • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

            According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

            Some Common Food Allergens

            A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

            1. eggs
            2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

              Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
              Date reviewed: November 2007
              Originally reviewed by:

              Return

              Food Allergies

              Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

              Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

              People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

              • doesn't involve the immune system
              • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
              • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

              According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

              Some Common Food Allergens

              A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

              1. eggs
              2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                Date reviewed: November 2007
                Originally reviewed by:

                Return

                Food Allergies

                Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                • doesn't involve the immune system
                • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                Some Common Food Allergens

                A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                1. eggs
                2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                  Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                  Date reviewed: November 2007
                  Originally reviewed by:

                  Return

                  Food Allergies

                  Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                  Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                  People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                  • doesn't involve the immune system
                  • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                  • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                  According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                  Some Common Food Allergens

                  A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                  1. eggs
                  2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                    Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                    Date reviewed: November 2007
                    Originally reviewed by:

                    Return

                    Food Allergies

                    Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                    Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                    People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                    • doesn't involve the immune system
                    • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                    • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                    According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                    Some Common Food Allergens

                    A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                    1. eggs
                    2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                      Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                      Date reviewed: November 2007
                      Originally reviewed by:

                      Return

                      Food Allergies

                      Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                      Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                      People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                      • doesn't involve the immune system
                      • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                      • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                      According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                      Some Common Food Allergens

                      A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                      1. eggs
                      2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                        Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                        Date reviewed: November 2007
                        Originally reviewed by:

                        Return

                        Food Allergies

                        Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                        Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                        People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                        • doesn't involve the immune system
                        • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                        • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                        According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                        Some Common Food Allergens

                        A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                        1. eggs
                        2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                          Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                          Date reviewed: November 2007
                          Originally reviewed by:

                          Return

                          Food Allergies

                          Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                          Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                          People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                          • doesn't involve the immune system
                          • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                          • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                          According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                          Some Common Food Allergens

                          A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                          1. eggs
                          2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                            Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                            Date reviewed: November 2007
                            Originally reviewed by:

                            Return

                            Food Allergies

                            Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                            Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                            People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                            • doesn't involve the immune system
                            • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                            • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                            According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                            Some Common Food Allergens

                            A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                            1. eggs
                            2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                              Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                              Date reviewed: November 2007
                              Originally reviewed by:

                              Return

                              Food Allergies

                              Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                              Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                              People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                              • doesn't involve the immune system
                              • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                              • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                              According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                              Some Common Food Allergens

                              A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                              1. eggs
                              2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                                Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                                Date reviewed: November 2007
                                Originally reviewed by:

                                Return

                                Food Allergies

                                Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                                Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                                People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                                • doesn't involve the immune system
                                • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                                • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                                According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                                Some Common Food Allergens

                                A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                                1. eggs
                                2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                                  Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                                  Date reviewed: November 2007
                                  Originally reviewed by:

                                  Return

                                  Food Allergies

                                  Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the care provider sought medical treatment for Ben, who was later diagnosed with a food allergy, in this case to peanuts.

                                  Along with milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and shellfish, peanuts are among the most common foods that cause

                                  People often confuse food allergies with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. The symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness, or a feeling of being "flushed." But food intolerance:

                                  • doesn't involve the immune system
                                  • can be caused by a person's inability to digest certain substances, such as lactose
                                  • can be unpleasant but is rarely dangerous

                                  According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to 6% of children in the United States under age 3 have food allergies. They are less common in adults but, overall, food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States.

                                  Some Common Food Allergens

                                  A child could be allergic to any food, but these eight common allergens account for 90% of all reactions in kids:

                                  1. eggs
                                  2. lactose intolerance could be the cause rather than a food allergy. food labels so you can avoid the allergen. Since 2006, a new food labeling law has made this a little easier. Makers of packaged foods are required to clearly state, in or near the ingredient lists, whether the product contains milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy.

                                    Although there's no cure for food allergies, medications can treat both minor and severe symptoms. Antihistamines might be used to treat symptoms such as hives, runny nose, or abdominal pain associated with an allergic reaction. If your child wheezes or has Hemant P. Sharma, MD
                                    Date reviewed: November 2007
                                    Originally reviewed by:

                                    Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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