Fruit Allergies in Children

Many people believe that food allergies are more common in young children than they actually are. Food and fruit allergies affect only 5 to 8 percent of young children and a mere 2 percent of older children with many outgrowing the condition by the time they are 3 years of age. Children of parents who have allergic reactions to fruit will most likely inherit fruit allergies, but with appropriate modifications to their lifestyle and food choices, they can enjoy alternate fruits, gaining nutrition and enjoyment despite allergy restrictions.

Symptoms

• Fruit allergies in children usually occur quickly after the specific food has been ingested. Symptoms of fruit allergies in children range from mild reactions such as a rash and/or blisters where the fruit has contacted the mouth to moderate reactions such as hives and skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach and abdominal pain. Children with fruit allergies may also experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that involves tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, restricted breathing, a decrease in blood pressure, possible shock and even death.

Home Treatment

• Children experiencing mild allergic reactions to fruit such as an itchy mouth, rash or blisters where the fruit has contacted the mouth are easily treated at home without professional medical treatment. Offer your child ice chips to suck on to ease pain and itching from sores or blisters in the mouth. Encourage them to drink water and mild liquids that do not have carbonation or high amounts of salt that will further irritate mouth sores or blisters. Over-the-counter rash treatment creams may offer relief for rashes outside of the mouth; apply small amounts and use caution when applying, making sure cream is not too close to the lips or mouth, so the medication is not ingested.

Professional Treatment

• Severe fruit allergic reactions in children require immediate emergency treatment. Because their throat and tongues can swell, causing restricted breathing, children experiencing a severe allergic reaction to fruit should be immediately taken to an emergency room or to their pediatrician's office for medical attention. Moderate allergic reactions to fruit such as rashes, hives, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be treated by prescription medications, according to the symptom your child is experiencing.

Considerations

• Fruit allergies are usually hereditary; therefore, if a child's parents experience fruit allergies they too are likely to have allergic reactions to fruit. Educate your child about to what fruits they are allergic and what foods contain the specific fruit to prevent reactions. Talk to your family members and caregivers about your child's allergy to fruits. Many people mistakenly underestimate a child's allergic reaction to fruit and may think it is all right to give your child a small amount of fruit or food containing fruit that your child is allergic to.

Prevention/Solution

• Fruit allergies in children usually occur within fruit groups such as citrus, berries, melons and apples. Apples account for the majority of fruit allergies within children and adults. Children rarely experience an allergic reaction to all fruits and can obtain vital nutrients from other various types of fruit that do not cause allergic reactions.