Food Sensitivities and Intolerance Background Information Foods II-Reimers

What is a food allergy? Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways.

most common food allergens Include peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat- these foods account for about 90% of all allergic reactions. The most common food allergies in adults are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and egg.

What is a food intolerance? Food intolerance is an unpleasant reaction that is not caused by the immune system instead the symptoms are usually slower, and may be delayed by many hours after eating the offending food.

Food hypersensitivity is used to refer broadly to both food intolerances and food allergies.

Food Allergy Symptoms Skin Symptoms • Hives • Swelling • Skin rash Gastrointestinal Symptoms • Stomach cramps • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea

Food Allergy Symptoms Respiratory Symptoms • Runny nose • Difficulty breathing • Tightening of throat Oral Symptoms • Itching • Swelling of the tongue or throat • Hives in mouth or on tongue or roof of mouth

Food Allergy Symptoms Other Symptoms • Rapid drop in blood pressure • Anaphylactic shock

Words and Signs Children May Use During an Allergic Reaction “This food is too spicy.” “My tongue is hot.” “My tongue feels like there is hair on it.” “There’s a frog in my throat.” “My lips feel tight.”

Words and Signs Children May Use During an Allergic Reaction “My mouth feels funny.” “My mouth itches.” “It feels like something is stuck in my throat.” “It feels like there are bugs in my ear.” “It feels like there is a bump in the back of my throat.”  

Some of the signs of an allergic reaction are as follows: Difficulty breathing Pulling or scratching at the ear or tongue Hoarse or squeaky voice Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue Hives and rashes Itching

Common Food Allergens Cow’s milk – includes anything made from cow’s milk, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, or milk-based formulas. Goat’s milk should also be avoided if someone is allergic to cow’s milk. Eggs – includes whites, yolks, and powdered eggs. Peanuts – includes peanut flour and hydrolyzed protein. Check with the child’s doctor or review the signed medical statement and care plan on file if peanut oil should be avoided.

Common Food Allergens Tree nuts – includes, but is not limited to, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. Check with the child’s doctor or review the signed medical statement and care plan on file if coconuts or coconut oil should be avoided. Fish – includes, but is not limited to, salmon, tuna, and halibut. Shellfish – includes, but is not limited to, crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and squid.

Common Food Allergens Soy – includes soybeans, soy protein, and soy flour. Check with the child’s doctor or review the signed medical statement and care plan on file if soybean oil should be avoided. Wheat – includes anything made from wheat, such as bread, pasta, cereal, and crackers. Wheat is sometimes found in ice cream, spaghetti sauce, or hot dogs. Wheat can also be found in modeling clay. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. (2013). Appendix B: Care for children with food allergies. In Nutrition and wellness for young children. Retrieved from http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/nutritionandwellness/appendix_b.pdf