Around 15 million U.S. residents suffer from food allergies. These allergies cause symptoms that range significantly in severity from mildly annoying to life-threatening and they show up most often in children. Parents can do their part to protect their families by keeping an eye out for the following symptoms and taking their kids in for food allergy testing in Petal, MS as soon as they appear.
Painful Hives
Hives are a common allergic reaction in both children and adults. It may seem strange to link a skin disorder to the ingestion of food, but it makes a lot of sense.
Hives occur when a person’s body releases histamine and related chemicals into their bloodstreams in response to what it interprets as a harmful substance. They can range significantly in severity but even mild hives should be considered a good reason for concern since allergy symptoms tend to get worse over time, not better.
Stomach Pain
Some food allergies, such as gluten allergies, cause stomach pain. This immune system response can cause other digestive problems, as well, including diarrhea. Gluten allergies, also known as Celiac disease, can be very serious so parents should never write off their children’s stomach aches without getting to the bottom of what is causing them.
Itchy Mouth or Ears
Some people who struggle with food allergies experience symptoms such as an itchy sensation in their mouths or ear canals. This itching can often be treated using medicine prescribed by a doctor. First, though, food allergy testing in Petal, MS will be required to determine the cause and severity of the reaction.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing after eating particular foods is often an early sign of a very severe food allergy. It is caused by a constriction of the airways known as anaphylaxis and may be accompanied by severe dizziness and loss of consciousness. Children and teenagers are at higher risk than adults for developing anaphylaxis.
Get Help Now
Readers who suspect their children may be struggling with food allergies should take them to an allergy specialist as soon as possible to avoid potentially fatal reactions. Contact Asthma & Allergy Clinic for more details.
