Akshay had just started eating his lunch when his mom noticed him trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, his mom took him to the doctor. Akshay was diagnosed with a food allergy — in this case, to peanuts.

A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food. It is important to know that this is different than a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system, although some of the same symptoms may be present. Before having a food allergy reaction, a sensitive child must have been exposed to the food at least once before, or could also be sensitized through breast milk. It is the second time your child eats the food that the allergic symptoms happen.

Approximately 90 percent of all food allergies are caused by the following eight foods:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy
• Tree Nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanuts

Allergic symptoms may begin within minutes to an hour after ingesting the food. Learning how to recognize an allergic reaction will help you get your child the medical care needed if a reaction occurs. The following are the most common symptoms of food allergy. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• cramps
• hives
• swelling
• eczema
• itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
• itching or tightness in the throat
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• lowered blood pressure

There is no medication to prevent food allergy. The goal of treatment is to avoid the foods that cause the symptoms. After seeing your child’s physician and finding which foods your child is allergic to, it is very important to avoid these foods and other similar foods in that food group.