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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Food Allergies

Food allergies are common, affecting about 5% of children. Reactions can range from mild itching to life-threatening emergencies.

1

⚠️The “Big 8” Triggers

These 8 foods cause 90% of all allergic reactions:

  1. Cow’s Milk
  2. Eggs
  3. Peanuts
  4. Tree Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, etc.)
  5. Fish
  6. Shellfish (Shrimp, Crab, etc.)
  7. Soy
  8. Wheat
2

🔎Identifying the Reaction

Symptoms usually start within 5 to 20 minutes of eating, and almost always within 2 hours.

A. Anaphylaxis (Life-Threatening Emergency)

This involves trouble breathing or swallowing.

  • Signs: Wheezing, hoarse voice, sudden coughing, drooling, slurred speech, or blue lips.
  • Action: Call 911 immediately. Use an EpiPen if you have one.

B. Standard Allergic Reaction

  • Skin: Hives (pink raised bumps with pale centers) all over the body. Swelling of the face.
  • Stomach: Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Nose: Runny nose or sneezing.

C. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

This is a minor reaction to raw fruits/veggies caused by cross-reaction with pollen.

  • Signs: Rapid itching or swelling of only the lips, tongue, and mouth immediately after eating raw fruit (apples, melons, bananas) or veggies (carrots, celery).
  • The Clue: It only affects the mouth and usually resolves quickly. Cooking the food prevents the reaction.
3

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Breathing: Trouble breathing, wheezing, or sudden severe coughing.
  • Swallowing: Trouble swallowing, sudden drooling, or slurred speech.
  • History: Child ate a food that caused a severe reaction in the past (even if symptoms are mild right now).

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Hives: Hives appear all over the body 1-4 hours after eating a high-risk food (nuts, eggs, fish).
  • Face Swelling: Major swelling of the face (beyond just the lips).
  • Vomiting: Vomiting or cramps start shortly after eating a high-risk food.

Contact in 24hrs

  • You suspect Oral Allergy Syndrome.
  • You want to re-introduce a food your child was previously allergic to.
4

🏠Home Care Advice

For Hives (Mild Reaction)

  • Medicine: Give Benadryl (for ages 1+) 4 times a day until hives are gone for 12 hours.
  • Bath: A cool bath for 10 minutes can soothe the itching.
  • Monitor: Watch closely for breathing issues.

For Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

  • Rinse: Rinse mouth with warm water to remove food traces.
  • Ice: Apply a cold pack to lips/tongue for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
  • Medicine: One dose of Benadryl can help speed up recovery.
  • Future: Avoid the raw version of that fruit/veggie (cooked is usually fine).

5

Will They Outgrow It?

  • Likely to Outgrow: Cow’s milk, Soy, and Egg allergies (60-80% outgrow by age 16).
  • Likely for Life: Peanut (only 20% outgrow) and Tree Nut (only 10% outgrow).

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.