How do I recognize if my child is suffering from a food allergy?
September 10, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear Doctor,
My name is Ingo Schaaf and I am concerned about my child. My son Paul, 5 years old, has been experiencing frequent stomach pains, diarrhea, and skin rashes lately. I have a feeling that these symptoms occur after consuming certain foods, such as milk, eggs, or nuts. I wonder if Paul may have a food allergy and how I can recognize it.
I am not sure if the symptoms are actually due to an allergy or if it is something else. I have tried to make a list of foods that Paul has eaten before the symptoms appeared, but it is difficult to see a clear connection. I am very worried about my child's health and would like to know if it is indeed an allergy and what I can do about it.
Can you please explain to me how I can determine if Paul has a food allergy? Are there specific tests that should be performed? What steps can I take to identify and avoid the triggers of the allergy? I would like to know what actions I should take as a concerned parent to help my child and improve his health.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ingo Schaaf
Dear Mr. Schaaf,
I thank you for your message and for the trust you place in me when it comes to the health of your son Paul. It is understandable that you are concerned when your child is suffering from recurring stomach pains, diarrhea, and skin rashes, especially when you suspect that these symptoms are triggered by the consumption of certain foods.
It is possible that Paul is indeed suffering from a food allergy. A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to certain proteins in foods. Symptoms of a food allergy can include stomach pains, diarrhea, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, even anaphylactic shock. It is important to recognize a food allergy early and take appropriate measures to avoid further reactions.
To determine if Paul actually has a food allergy, it is advisable to perform an allergy test. There are various types of allergy tests, including skin tests (prick test), blood tests, and elimination diets. In the prick test, small amounts of allergenic substances are applied to the skin to see if a reaction occurs. Blood tests can detect specific antibodies against certain allergens in the blood. An elimination diet involves removing suspicious foods from the diet and slowly reintroducing them to see if symptoms occur.
Once the allergy has been diagnosed, it is important to identify and avoid the triggers. This may mean eliminating certain foods from the diet. It is also advisable to always have an emergency plan in case Paul accidentally consumes an allergen and has a reaction.
As a concerned parent, you should work closely with a pediatrician or allergist to find the best treatment for your child. It is important to monitor Paul regularly to ensure that his symptoms are under control and he is developing well.
I hope this information helps you better understand your son's situation and respond appropriately. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time if you have further questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
