Food allergies common in children, can be managed

Food allergies common in children, can be managed

It's not uncommon for children to experience food allergies. In fact, anywhere from 6 to 9% of all young people are allergic to some kind of consumable product, and that number is expected to increase over time.

It's also not abnormal for siblings to be affected. Where that gets tricky, though, is when two children in a household are allergic to two different food groups. That's the case for Mary Trevaskis, whose 4-year-old daughter Molly is allergic to eggs, while her 1-year-old son Lincoln is averse to peanuts - both having no problem eating the other's triggering foods.

"Lincoln loves eggs, and I don't want to restrict him from having something he really enjoys just because Molly can't eat it," Mary says. "And if Molly wants a peanut butter sandwich, I'm not going to tell her no."

Having two kids with two different - and common - allergies is challenging. Though neither are so severe that simply coming into contact elicits a reaction, Mary has had to eliminate the ingredients in foods that affect them both. That can put limits on their menu, but it's what must be done to make sure the kids are safe.

Early introduction is best

Egg and milk are the most common allergens, along with wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame. There are others as well that are less common. According to Bellin and Gundersen Health System pediatric allergist Samantha Knox, MD, milk, egg, wheat and soy will most likely be outgrown as a child gets older. Peanuts, however, may not be.

Common reactions to food allergens can happen within hours or minutes and may include hives, rashes, itching, swelling, vomiting and trouble breathing. Knowing that these consequences can be discomforting and even scary for children, Dr. Knox says it's important to introduce these foods as early as six months old - which counters past advice that parents should avoid giving their child certain foods, like nuts, until the age of 3.

"We want to get it in in infancy and maintain that as an overall prevention method," Dr. Knox says. "Studies show the earlier peanuts and eggs are introduced, the less likely it is for you to have allergies later on."

'It's a fear a lot of parents have'

For the first few months of their lives, Mary avoided feeding her kids foods with the typical allergens. But when Molly was a year old, she ate some coleslaw at a restaurant, and almost immediately, her face turned red, and she started to itch. For Lincoln, they were introducing solid foods, which included toast with peanut butter. This time, they were prepared for what could happen - and it did.

"We weren't quite as panicky the second time, but definitely still scary," Mary said. "It's a fear that a lot of parents have."

Molly's allergy is harder to manage because egg is a more common ingredient in foods than peanut butter, yet she feels more people are aware of peanut allergies - hence peanut-free rooms at daycares and other places.

However, she's fortunate, she says, that her children's reactions aren't severe. Both have EpiPens, but neither have had to use them. Benadryl usually tamps down the symptoms.

"I'm really grateful that it's not more severe, more dangerous," Mary says.

Working through it

Dr. Knox has been a trusted resource for Mary and her family as they've navigated a life with food allergies, and she's helped put Molly's mind at ease about having them. That comfort level is due, in part, to how well Dr. Knox includes Molly in the introduction and education of her allergy, Mary says.

"She's a child. You have to make it simple and make it easy for them to understand, especially something like this where it's really important for their safety," Mary says.

Molly, she adds, is very interested in allergens, which is something her parents have talked to her about.

"She asks everybody, 'What are you allergic to?'" Mary says. "She really wants to talk about it. She wants to know, and she tells everybody."

But as Molly grows out of her allergy, Lincoln's journey with peanut allergies is just beginning - and will last longer. There is no cure for peanut allergies, but Xolair was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help prevent severe reactions if a small amount of peanut is consumed.

"There are more options than just strict avoidance, but strict avoidance is still going to be a mainstay of any treatment," Dr. Knox says.

Having gone through food allergies twice now, Mary says Dr. Knox has made it a great experience because of her well-spoken demeanor that makes everything easy to understand and takes much of the fear out of the process.

"We're really grateful that we have such a good, competent team right here in La Crosse for us," she says.

If your child is suffering from food allergies, or if you'd like to test your child, call Gundersen's Pediatrics Department at (608) 775-6766.