Child Food Allergies: Spot Symptoms, Avoid Triggers, Protect Your Little One

• Food allergies in children manifest as stomach pain, rashes, runny nose, ranging from mild skin flare-ups to severe anaphylaxis.
• Dr Ravi Malik highlights common triggers like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame (the Big 9).
• Symptoms often appear within minutes to two hours, including skin reactions (hives, eczema), digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea), and breathing problems.
• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention and epinephrine auto-injector use if prescribed.
• Parents should monitor symptoms, keep a food diary, consult a doctor for diagnosis, prepare for emergencies, and inform all caregivers.

Why It Matters: Early detection, understanding triggers, and prompt action are vital for managing child food allergies.