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Looking for information about a chronic childhood condition or disease? Read about asthma, allergies, cancer, diabetes, heart murmurs, sleep disorders, and much more.
Allergies and the Immune System

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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:

Arthritis & Rheumatologic Conditions

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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:

Asthma

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:

Body Basics

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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:

Bones & Muscles

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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:

Brain & Nervous System

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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:

Cancer & Tumors

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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:

Digestive System

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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:

Ears, Nose, Throat/Speech, & Hearing

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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:

Endocrine Glands, Growth & Diabetes

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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:

Genetic, Chromosomal, & metabolic Conditions

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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:

Heart & Blood Vessels

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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:

Kidney & Urinary System

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:

Learning Disorders

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:

Lungs & Respiratory System

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:

Sexual & Reproductive System

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:

Sleep Disorders

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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