Pediatric Food Allergy Testing in Woburn and North Andover
What are pediatric allergies?
It is incredibly common for infants and young children to have some type of food allergy. This chronic condition impacts 50 million kids within the United States, making it one of the leading problems in pediatric care.
Not all children will experience an allergic reaction the first time they consume a particular food. Some may develop an allergy later in life, which is why it is important to see a specialist if you notice any abnormal symptoms, regardless of your child’s age. The highly trained pediatricians at Woburn & North Andover Pediatric Associates have extensive experience diagnosing and treating children for food allergies. If you suspect your child may have an allergy, call to request an appointment at our pediatric office in Woburn or North Andover today!
What Are the Signs of a Food Allergy?
Symptoms of a food allergy exist on a spectrum, meaning that they can range from very mild to severe. More mild reactions would include having an itchy mouth or throat, while the most severe type of reaction is anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis will occur within moments of ingesting an allergic substance. It will typically cause the throat to swell, making breathing quite difficult. Anyone who experiences anaphylaxis will need medical attention immediately.
Less intense reactions will often occur within a couple hours of eating a trigger food. In some cases, there may be a delayed reaction that does not present itself until 4 or even 6 hours after food consumption.
Children with a food allergy will usually exhibit one or more of the following symptoms during a reaction:
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach cramping
- A weakened pulse
- Circulatory collapse
Common Food Allergy Triggers
While any food has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, there are nine types that are responsible for a majority of pediatric food allergies, including:
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Soy
- Fish
- Seeds (mustard seeds and sesame seeds are among the most common to cause an allergic reaction)
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Has a Food Allergy?
If you suspect that your child has experienced a food allergy, you can contact us any time to learn more how to diagnose and manage your child’s reaction. However, if your child is vomiting, has lip or tongue swelling, or is having any difficulty breathing, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment today!
Call our pediatric office in North Andover at (978) 557-5712 or Woburn at (781) 933-6236 to set up an appointment.