Signs & Symptoms
Some of the symptoms include wheezing (an asthma attack), hives, allergic rhinitis (itchy nose, sneezing, blocked nose), vomiting or stomach discomfort.
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What causes it
In a study done locally, bird's nest was the most common culprit. Other foods that can cause symptoms were egg, milk and crustacean seafood. Nuts and fish cause allergy in Western populations but were rarely seen as triggers among Singapore children.
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About the condition
Food allergy is an immunologically-mediated reaction against food. This means that the body's immune system, which usually fights infection, produces substances that react to food. This can result in wheezing (an asthma attack), hives, allergic rhinitis (itchy nose, sneezing, blocked nose), vomiting or stomach discomfort. The reaction tends to happen soon after eating the offending food, usually within 30 minutes, and can last up to 24 hours.
Patients and parents of kids with asthma or eczema will sometimes report that certain foods or drinks make the condition worse.
Others feel that certain foods make them cough more. The foods that are usually blamed are milk, cold drinks, sweets, chocolate, seafood and even chicken.
These children are then labeled as being food allergic, with the family practicing strict avoidance of the offending substance. However, the truth is that food allergy is probably high in public perception but low in reality.
There is limited data on food allergy in Singapore, but it is estimated that not more than 5% of children less than 12 years old have food allergy. This declines to about 1% in adults.
Some, like milk and egg allergy, are usually outgrown. This is less likely with seafood and nut allergy. Your doctor may recommend re-testing after a certain age to confirm that the allergy has been outgrown.
By definition, such foods do not cause allergy. However, we do know that these may irritate the airways and cause cough. If that is the case in your experience, you can avoid them.
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If the reaction was clearly linked to the food and was severe, the child should see an allergist. In the meantime, he should avoid the offending substance altogether. Even small amounts of it may cause a similar reaction. Your child will also need to have medicines on stand-by.
If you are unsure whether food causes worsening of your child's condition, it is good to keep a food diary. This way, you can tell if a particular food is the culprit. Bring the food diary with you when you consult your doctor. A food diary is helpful as it may indicate a hidden ingredient in the food that is causing the reaction.
Do not make the mistake of labeling your child with multiple food allergies without good evidence. Your child is growing and needs a variety of food to ensure adequate nutrition. Do consult a doctor in such a situation. There are simple allergy skin prick tests that can be done to aid in the diagnosis.
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