Food allergies in women and children

With the rise of food allergies in children, some pregnant and breastfeeding women may worry about eating certain foods. A look at the foods that cause allergies and symptoms

What are food allergies?

 In a food allergy, your body’s defense system, called the immune system, reacts to a certain food or ingredient as if it were harmful.

What foods commonly trigger allergic reactions?

The foods that most often cause allergic reactions in adults are the same for women and men. They include:

• Shellfish, such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts, such as walnuts, cashews, and pecans
• Fish, such as salmon
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soybeans

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

The symptoms of an allergic reaction to a food usually develop within a few minutes to an hour after you eat the food. You may first feel itching in your mouth as you start to eat the food.

Other symptoms include:

• Stuffy, itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other parts of your body
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Red, itchy skin or a rash

If you have food allergy symptoms shortly after eating, see your doctor or nurse. If possible, see your doctor while the allergic reaction is happening.

Are food allergies life-threatening?

They can be. For some people, an allergic reaction to a food is uncomfortable but not serious. But for others, an allergic food reaction can lead to death. A life-threatening reaction caused by an allergy is called Anaphylaxis.

For these people, even the smallest amount of exposure — eating a food or even touching someone who is eating the food — can be dangerous. If you have anaphylactic reactions to certain foods, your doctor may give you a prescription for injectable epinephrine. You need to carry this medicine with you at all times so that you or someone you are with can give you an emergency injection if needed.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Hoarseness, throat tightness, or a lump in your throat
• Wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp
• Cold, clammy, grayish, or bluish skin

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms after eating something, seek medical help right away.

Are there other health problems that can cause the same symptoms as a food allergy?

Yes, other health problems can have some of the same symptoms as a food allergy. This can make it hard to knl ow for sure whether you have a food allergy.

These health problems include:

• Food poisoning from contaminated food or foods with poisons, such asal  certain mushrooms
• Lactose intolerance
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Reactions to large amounts of some food addictives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG, a flavor enhancer)

Should one  avoid peanuts or other foods during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

You do not need to avoid foods such as peanuts, milk, or eggs during pregnancy — unless you are allergic to any of these foods.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Avoiding certain foods in pregnancy does not prevent food allergies in children
• Breastfeeding may prevent or delay food allergies
• Soy-based infant formula does not appear to prevent food allergy
• Delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond 4 to 6 months of age does not prevent food allergies. Some people have also thought that food allergies might be prevented if parents delayed giving their babies certain solid foods (such as fish, eggs, and milk). But current medical research does not support this idea.
• Recent research has shown that eating foods containing peanuts early in life may prevent a peanut allergy. If your infant has severe eczema, an egg allergy, or both, you may be able to give peanut-containing foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age to help prevent a peanut allergy. Check with your doctor or nurse before feeding your infant foods containing peanuts.

Can a baby be allergic to breastmilk?

No. But sometimes babies may be allergic to something their mother eats, such as eggs, milk, or cheese. Babies who are highly sensitive usually react to the food within minutes. Babies who are less sensitive may still react to the food within four to 24 hours.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea, vomiting, and/or green stools with mucus and/or blood
• Rash, eczema, dermatitis hives, or dry skin
• Fussiness during and/or after feedings
• Inconsolable crying for long periods
• Sudden waking with discomfort
• Wheezing or coughing

These symptoms do not mean your baby is allergic to your milk, but rather to something you are eating. Talk with your baby’s doctor about any symptoms. If your baby ever has problems breathing, seek medical help immediately. Information courtesy: Women’shealth.gov