Food Allergies

The first and basic food for every newborn is breast milk. It contains all the nutrients and substances necessary for the growth and development of every child. A newborn lives exclusively on breast milk during the first months of life. Gradually, by the end of the first year, foods are introduced into the child’s diet, following a schedule. Some foods, such as fish, honey, poppy seeds, and similar, are introduced only after the second year of life. Early introduction of some foods into a child’s diet can cause severe allergic reactions.

There are differences when it comes to allergic reactions and intolerances to certain foods. An allergic reaction is an immune system response, while intolerance is a response of the digestive system.

All foods can cause allergic reactions, but there are eight foods that are generally accepted as allergens and are among the strongest allergens:

1. Cow’s milk

2. Eggs

3. Soy

4. Wheat (gluten)

5. Peanuts

6. Tree nuts

7. Fish

8. Seafood

One of the most common allergies in younger children is the allergy to cow’s milk. It appears at the earliest age. Proteins from cow’s milk are the first proteins introduced into a child’s diet. Allergic reactions caused by this food arise due to intestinal immaturity, so large molecules from the milk cannot be digested, and as a result, allergy occurs. The immune system treats milk proteins as invaders by immunoglobulins. Upon repeated consumption, histamine is released, causing a strong allergic reaction. Milk contains two components: whey – the liquid part of the milk (if someone is allergic to this component, they can consume milk that is pasteurized or boiled because whey is sensitive to high temperatures); the other component is casein, i.e., the curdled part that forms when milk sours.

There are three types of cow’s milk allergy:

Type 1 is characterized by a rapid reaction after consuming milk protein, accompanied by rash and eczema on the skin, as well as respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Type 2 appears a few hours after consumption and is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
Type 3 appears a few days after consumption, accompanied by diarrhea and skin rash.

Type 1 allergy to cow’s milk can be diagnosed in several ways: 1. Blood test, 2. Skin test.

To protect children, foods containing allergens (such as milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, yogurt, and those containing allergens in traces) should be removed from the diet and replaced with adequate substitutes.

Adults who care for the child should notice reactions in the child and monitor certain signs because younger children cannot say how they feel. These signs are:

1. Runny or stuffy nose

2. Diarrhea

3. Nausea

4. Itching

5. Red spots on the skin

6. Red skin rashes – eczema

7. Stomach pain

8. Difficulty breathing

9. Swollen tongue, lips, or face

10. Vomiting