Food Allergy 101

A blog post by Dr. Tara Federly (Allergist at Cornerstone Pediatrics and Family Allergy)

Over 5 million children in the U.S. have food allergies and that number is increasing. That means a typical classroom has 2 students with food allergies and 40% are allergic to more than one food. So what are food allergies, can they be prevented, and what can be done for a food allergy?

Food allergy is the immune system overreacting to a harmless food. The most common food triggers are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Food allergies can be serious, sudden and can cause death.

In the past parents were told to delay introduction of high allergy foods, but research now shows that early and regular exposure, specifically to peanut, can prevent food allergy. Infants with severe eczema or a known food allergy are at higher risk and should be introduced to peanut products at 4-6 months under the guidance of a physician. These infants should have allergy testing and may require supervised feedings in the allergy clinic. If not at higher risk peanut products can be introduced at home around 6-12 months. Parents should talk with their pediatrician or allergist about infant-safe forms and symptoms of food allergy.

Children with food allergy must avoid the food, but many families want to be proactive. Oral immunotherapy/OIT is a treatment program that retrains the immune system to tolerate the food. Starting with a very small amount, the food is slowly reintroduced over months. Call Cornerstone Pediatrics and Family Allergy to schedule an appointment to learn more!