Food allergies in babies are acquired in the first or second year of life. Studies show two-thirds of the allergic reactions that parents report are due to cow's milk, fruits (especially citrus and strawberries) and vegetables (especially tomatoes). Other allergic reactions are due to eggs, nuts and cereals. Allergic symptoms to foods usually happen between minutes to two hours after exposure to the food.
Allergic symptoms include:
Most food allergies reported by parents have been shown to not be true allergies when tested by a blood or skin test. However, consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or new signs or symptoms associated with foods.
Allergic symptoms include:
- Skin: itching, flushing, swelling and sweating
- Eyes: redness, tearing, swelling of lids and itching
- Mouth/nose/throat: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itching, metallic taste, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, wheezing, feeling of choking and turning blue
- Heart: racing heartbeat, very slow heartbeat and irregular heartbeat
- Stomach: nausea/vomiting, belly pain, bloating and diarrhea
- Mental: overwhelming feeling of fear, fainting, dizziness and seizures
Most food allergies reported by parents have been shown to not be true allergies when tested by a blood or skin test. However, consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or new signs or symptoms associated with foods.