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Signs & Symptoms of Food Allergies in Children

Allergies are caused by the body overreacting to harmless substances. Food allergies affect 6 to 8 percent of children and 4 percent of adults. Signs and symptoms of food allergies in children may be confused with a lesser problem, food intolerance.

  1. Causes

    • Food allergies are an overreaction of the immune system, which identifies a harmless food as an invader and sends out substances (histamines) to fight it off. Common food allergens include eggs, milk and shellfish.

    Skin

    • Skin reactions are the most common symptom of food allergies. They may include hives (itchy, red bumps), rash, swollen face, itchy lips and swollen tongue, lips or mouth.

    Respiratory

    • Respiratory symptoms may include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.

    Cardiovascular

    • Food allergies may cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, they can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in loss of consciousness.

    Gastrointestinal

    • Gastrointestinal symptoms of food allergy include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. These might be signs of a less serious problem, food intolerance, which involves an inability to digest certain foods rather than an immune system reaction.

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