CAUSES OF FOOD ALLERGIES IN CHIILDREN

Although the root cause of developing a food allergy is unknown, we know that a food allergy is an immune system reaction to a food the body thinks is dangerous. The immune system sends out immunoglobulin antibodies to fight the unsafe substance, and the antibodies release histamines and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. While the risk factors in children are still up for debate, research has shown that babies with eczema are more likely to develop allergies to the most common childhood food allergens: eggs, milk, and peanuts. We also know that a child must be exposed to the food allergen at least once before forming the allergy, so the first exposure will not cause an allergic reaction.

P.S. Some children can be given a food allergen under the supervision of an allergist to see if they have outgrown a suspected food allergy.

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